DuPont is a 3yo Vizsla/Lab mix who made his way into rescue from somewhere in the south. His story is now a year in the making and this page is dedicated to making sure that Pont's next home is his forever home.
DuPont has a ton of fabulous qualities, but he's not for the weak minded or the faint of heart. If you are considering bringing DuPont into your life, I encourage you to read this blog in it's entirety and make sure that you are prepared for a dog like him.

The photos you see here of DuPont being relaxed and happy and fun are the result of hard work and structure. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. You do not have to run him 5K every day, but you do have to put him to work and ask things of him on a daily basis.
The result? A calm and happy household.

Friday, September 20, 2013

I Don't Know, You Tell Me

Being that DuPont thrives on activity, we have had (and taken) several socialization opportunities since he came home with me.  When we're on the road we often pass by a human or two, and sometimes they even have a dog with them.  These are great opportunities to teach DuPont that strange dogs and people don't mean that he needs to bark or pull me towards them.  It also makes him more accepting of stranger beings approaching him. 

I simply ask them if they would be willing to meet DuPont by asking him to sit and when he does, to let him sniff and then pet him on the head if his reaction is comfortable.  It's a good exercise for him.


DuPont's first night w/ us

But anyways, this isn't the topic of today's post.  While I am out with him, I have been asked several times what he is.  Well, I don't really know.  His paperwork has him as a Lab mix.  I only really see Lab in his head and face, and only when I'm really looking for it.  My own theory was Vizsla mix.  A gentleman during last night's outing mentioned Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.  Huh. 

I Google'd them when I got home and I guess there is a bit of a resemblance, if you discount the darkened muzzle of the Rhoddies.  And he does have a ridge line running along his spine.  Interesting. 

His tail curls up over his back when it's not wagging and banging on things.  Sometimes it looks like a Vizsla's natural tail.  It's definitely not a Labrador's tail.  Neither is his body type.  The first time I met DuPont, I briefly thought Lab/Pitbull mix, but he lacks just about any quality that might suggest that.  When I do let him roam freely (not in a heel position) on walks, his nose never leaves the ground, and if a bird or squirrel rustles the brush in the ditch, his reaction is to freeze, which would indicate some sort of pointing instincts possibly. 

DuPont is not a purebred anything, of that I am certain.  But what he is mixed up with is beyond me.  So what is he?  I don't know, you tell me.

**feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section**
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2 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 28, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    Thanks for all the info on DuPont. You are doing a wonderful job with him and he is beautiful! I was drawn to him as I have had Vizsla's in the past and they are quite mild mannered and kind. They can be high energy and love playing, but also love the hearth and a warm bed afterwards. They are typically not destructive and are very happy dogs. Rowdy my boy lived to be 16 and had to be put down due to dementia and diabetes. He was still very, very sweet. Mine never showed aggression and were not watch dogs. However, Rowdy did "talk" a lot through sounds like "OH Maaa" and long drawn out "sighs" like "Ohhh, ho". He would talk when he wanted something. They would have gone with anyone who was friendly to them. They are also very sensitive and get their feelings hurt easily, so I guess that Dupont's Lab side is the goofier side. The tongue out of the side of his mouth is hallmark Lab as well as the "go, go, go" side. I am sure you know that Labs act like puppies long after most other breeds. I do see Vizsla in his face, his eyes on the video. I also see lab. Other than the coloration on his back, I don't see any Ridgeback characteristics other than high energy. I think he would e a great match for my adopted Carolina Dog and her nutty play energy. My Pit Tommy loves all dogs very much, but can't play as much as he gets stiff and sore easily. He hurt his back last year it bothers him at times, plus he is getting older. I live in the country in Southern MN on an acreage with lots of room to run. Not applying at this point because my dogs get along so well I hate to stir things up, but just wanted to talk to you about him as he really caught my eye.I am single, 58 and have am a Behavior Analyst. MY son attends college and lives here. I have no small children, except my 5 year old Grandson of my oldest son visits here. I have worked with dogs all my life and appreciate each and every one of them, but I am very good with dog behaviors (all positives) and with dog communication. Liked your description of the eye contact training. My CD loves routine and will badger me with her wheets and tweets if I am off schedule. We watch TV for an hour every evening to unwind and she always looks at the top of the frig to remind me to get her bedtime chew treat. Tommy is patient and waits on his bed in the living room. Sorry I am writing a book! Just interested in him. Andrea Mauer, Albert Lea, MN

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    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 8:55 AM

      Hi Andrea!
      Thank you so much for the comment! You are the first person to comment, so I'm happy to see that somebody actually reads this! Lol!
      I should have read it earlier I think! You mentioned that Vizslas are quite sensitive. If you check my latest blog post, I found that out myself last night!
      You know you're right, DuPont has not been intentionally destructive. Well except for eating the connector off my earbuds. Lol! But otherwise as long as I leave appropriate stuff for him to chew on, he does not go for things he should not.
      I am convinced that he is at least part Vizsla. Sometimes I question it, but other times I see photos of a V and swear it's DuPont's twin.
      I understand about not messing with the dynamic between your current dogs. Sometimes it's just not worth screwing up a good thing!
      I'm happy to talk to anybody about him, so feel free to comment any time!!!
      Thank you for reading DuPont's blog! DuPont sends his love.

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