Well, he's got pit no doubt about that....XD however the top of his face has a "longer" look though the pit has shortened it dramatically. I actually see something more shepherdy in the placement of his eyes. Even looking at the sweet boy in Hilarie's sig pic there there's a difference in spacing (same shape though).

He's also a puppy...and their math is inconsistent so while he's down as around a year old, we're trying to get more paperwork on him (surrendered at 4 months, adopted pretty quickly, returned immediately, adopted again, returned immediately after small dog issue if I remember correctly). It's possible his head will fill out more (he's rather narrow through the jaw compared to a pit bull, totally right about the jowls though XD they harbor extra drool for kiss applications.....

He's certainly got shepherd ears and placement from someone (even pits with standing ears don't have ear shapes like that)

I'm going to get some conformation shots since he's got an interesting build (I LOVE conformation XD). Once it stops pouring outside (supposed to rain ALL week -_-) I'll get some video of him moving as well. He's got an interesting gait, he's very light on his feet in the front, all power in the hind end. I'd be curious to see how he'd move over Ryuk's Cavaletti poles (right now they'd be the right spacing and height for him...unfortunatly with the packing I don't think we'll be able to try it for another week or so)

Something about his gaze in the crate makes me think of a greyhound, they are also brindle/white chest. They have that lovely easy going mind too.

Just to be difficult, how about greyhound/ACD?

 Quote: jamie craig

he's getting MUCH better with the jumping on Ryuk's back (I can't really call it humping...he has NO idea what he's doing....he gets up there and grabs Ryuk's ears...),

Hey--let's be new puppy buddies and share the wealth. My new ACD/Pit? pup, Cinco is also settling in nicely to the crate, starting to get the hang of going outside, etc. When he's not in the crate, he's tethered to my waist. I've let him off the tether for a few romps around the yard, but mostly he's tethered.

The only "issue" is the same as you describe with Rico and Ryuk. Given any opportunity, Cinco will climb on top of Fanny (Corgi) to initiate a game of "I'm going to eat your head." So far, I'm either just pulling him away with the tether by walking the other way, or getting his attention with a stick, rag or tug. He's more interested in those things than treats.

So--what are you doing to make things better at your house?

 Quote: tracy collins

initiate a game of "I'm going to eat your head."

Koenig STILL trys to play this with Sara. The issue is his mouth is big enough for her whole head!

My brother just rescued this Presa/Mastiff. He’s 8 months old. And although there aren’t many similarities the brindled coat and stockier bullish look is common amongst the Presa’s too. Just a thought.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/DSC01032.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/DSC01021.jpg

And with the mounting, our older house guest did this a couple of weeks ago. He’s incredibly bonded with Echo who has very submissive/tolerant play habits. He’s too tall for him to attempt his head/ears but he did jump on his back/rear.

Chucky has no training but he’s a total chow hound. I did a few marker sessions having him “up” his front feet on stumps, the picnic table, the bottom stair and a few chairs. And more importantly, I taught him “off” (4 feet on the ground). He got it very quickly.

I translated the “off” to his attempt to mount Echo. He went to go “up” and the association of “off” translated nicely. When play starts to get a little heated, the “Chucky off” is working perfectly. He comes to me for yummy treat now.

Old dogs really do love to learn new tricks too.

Congrats on your new addition, he’s beautiful. And I must echo as well, how lucky they are to have you Jamie.

 Quote: betty landercasp

Just to be difficult, how about greyhound/ACD?

I'd think he'd end up with less bone if he had greyhound, he's really REALLY thick boned. Same height as Ryuk but his legs are at least 1.5X thicker, which Ryuk isn't fine boned for his size. Rico's got tree trunks XD.... And there would still have to be pit for the head and butt. I'd think he'd be a bit more refined if he had greyhound.

 Quote: tracy collins

So--what are you doing to make things better at your house?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

I have him tethered all the time and I'm lucky to have a dog who seems to get Rico's not as mature as he looks (it was Ryuk's reaction that first actually let me know it WASN'T humping...Ryuk will politely correct a humper a certain way, this wasn't the same way). I've essentially been redirecting him onto me or toys when he even LOOKS like he's being a brat, and using the leash in conjunction with Ryuk's "corrections". If Ryuk says no Rico wouldn't get off anyway (he didn't know what a correction is....he tries to play more). So when Ryuk said "no" whether in body language or with a bark I add the act of physically removing him and having him stop and settle for a moment (not hard, or angry...he redirects easily and it trying SO HARD to do the right thing). If Ryuk wanted to keep playing he'd offer a play bow and the game would continue, if not he'd ignore the pup and the game would be over. He started to recognize Ryuk's "no" language and is realizing it means "back off". I've rewarded the backing off and he really seems to be understanding it at this point. I allowed more than 15 minutes (longest time yet) of "dropped drag" play closed up in my room today and there was NOT ONE inappropriate tackle or posture that actually happened but there were a number of notable "oh, I"m backing off" stops without my intervention at all. Ryuk rewards them as well, since when Rico backs off he's willing to offer a play bow and start up a new game, he doesn't want to play with an obnoxious puppy XD


In other fun updates.....Rico will now willingly enter the crate, I'm still rewarding him for it but he no longer needs "help" getting in there if I tell him to get in and he settles down quite well quickly. His owners bought the length for a proper long line yesterday (I've been using leashes tied together) and are attaching the clip to it and dropping it off today so I plan on letting him run outside a bit with Ryuk between rain showers. We're going to have to brave a light bath soon...he still smells like shelter (aka: a bit like stale urine and disinfectant. He's also sitting at doors and waiting on stairs. He's got a much more solid "sit" and we're working on "down". He also starting to respond to his name.