Theodore, Teddy, Ted (Theo) was named after his dad Leo. This was our first litter and I was open to keeping a pup, but not set on it. Only if I saw a pup that expressed many of Leo’s traits. Of course a pup will grow and mature so much beyond 8 weeks of age, so you can only know who they are up until that point. But Teddy was a solid pup with the right starting temperament to show me some similarities. Not to mention he was a beautiful merle boy, with a thick head and a nice build. He had a stable, calm temperament, was easy going but also had some big emotions around play in there too. From day 1, he was on my radar and that’s where he always stayed. I grew to like him more and more as he developed. The struggle came in, when his sister Odette also peaked my interest around 5 weeks old. She had her own spicy personality that I fell in love with. Then the two of them were strong contenders in my mind for who would stay. As time passed, I only grew more attached to both and they each fit in so well. It helped a lot that they were best buddies in their litter, but could also spend time apart, so hadn’t shown any codependence. I kept them both on for extra time to try to make a decision between the two of them, but found it impossible. The longer we grew as a family, the more they showed me we were all a good match, and 4 dogs felt right.

Teddy has grown into a nice young man. He definitely shows many of Leo’s traits, but I also see many of Grace’s too. Both Odette and Ted have a wonderful mix of both parents. Theodore is also very much his own dog. He craves ball and toy games, he doesn’t want to bother anyone unless competing for the ball, or flirting. He likes his own space and is pretty neutral around most things. He doesn’t like to be in the spotlight unless it’s training time or ball and games. He is sensitive and sweet, has big emotions when it comes to play and relationships, and he chooses who he is affectionate with. He’s neutral with other people, so when he chooses to get close and show affection to others, you know that’s a special choice. His affection is subtle. He’ll curl up close to me, just touching or a head resting on my leg. He’s happy to go and explore or be on his own, but in the home, he chooses to be in the same room I am, just quietly following and curling up on the floor. It’s not loud or in your face, just a quiet, deep, sweet loyalty.

He’s ball mad. Toy mad. And loves training. With food training, you know he tries his best and always wants to get it right. He’s thoughtful and constantly looks at me for the answer. When training for a ball or using a ball for exercise, he’s impulsive and high on life. Either way he puts his all into it.