Charlie on the Hunt!

Charlie at his window post

                                                                   

Charlie has discovered the joy of the hunt. Lately, whenever we are outside, he can stand and inhale a scent for 5 minutes and then set off in hot pursuit of the next scent...or maybe the same scent in another location? Whatever the case, it has him captivated. Usually I have the patience to stand and wait for him to finish, but other times it's a case of "will you get on with it already!?"


It's gotten to the extent sometimes that he foregoes play with his "Friends" and politely declines a pat from his human admirers ("No thank you, I am busy pursuing this most captivating scent but will get back to you later...") Why is it that whenever I think of him having a human voice, it's British? Is this strange? Oh well...


I looked up the history of the dachshund, his main breed. They were bred long and low in Germany to hunt badgers (Dachshund = badger dog). I can believe it. He's pretty tenacious. His gentle nature comes from his Cocker Spaniel side, but, then again, Cockers were also used to hunt as gun dogs, so I guess he gets that from both sides of his breeding. The Cocker is a happy, little tail wagger, a devoted, intelligent and gentle breed, while the Dachshund is curious, mischievous, intelligent, devoted, affectionate and performs tricks. This breed is also pretty independent, which Charlie demonstrates on a daily basis. I can definitely see both sides of his breeding in him! It's an interesting cross!


He can entertain himself with his toys, looking out the window, running around the house or napping for long periods, but then he gets lonely and he climbs into our laps and gazes into our eyes. We flip him over and cradle him as we rub his chest. His mouth hangs open and he gazes into space. It's pretty cute. That's his favorite form of cuddling. Then he's off again to his other pursuits, usually chasing our cat Munchie or (more likely) being chased by Munchie these days. They are quite the pair as they sit on their respective dining room chairs looking out the windows!


When I see how watchful he is, I can definitely recognize the watch dog in him. He won't approach a person if they have anything in their hands. And he is quite protective of me when we go on walks. But he's always friendly and ready to play with his friends, or make the acquaintance of a dog he doesn't know. Right now Charlie is a little upset with me, lying beside me as I type with his nose buried in his blanket. All because a dog that isn't allowed to play passed near us and I didn't bring Charlie close to play with him. There are a few whose owners prefer to keep at a distance. And that's the prerogative. But try explain that to a playful pup! It's almost as bad as telling a little kid that Billy doesn't want to play with him! To make it worse, Munchie chased him when we came inside again. And I just realized that I forgot to give him his "good boy" treat. Whoops. Triple whammy!


My previous dogs were a purebred mini poodle and a terri-poo. Their temperaments were very different. They were eager-to-please dogs who were exceptionally territorial and protective. They tended to sulk in their dog beds when upset and were slower to forgive than Charlie. They pranced more and were more like little circus performers. But they were also very intelligent dogs who learned quickly and did their best.


That's what I like most about canines: their unconditional love and devotion.


That's it for today. Next time, we'll take a look at a few other dog breeds and see how they are the same and different, and there will be more on the adventures of Charlie Dog as he explores his world.

Crabby Munchie Cat at his vigil (watching Charlie)