Mighty, Mighty Matsu - New pics
Here he is- the 4th and final member of Team Brindle: Yamabushi no Kanjiki Matsumori-Go, from Nio x Ayu litter back in September.
We picked him up at the airport and met Alex & Judi who were getting his sister, Sumiko- it was so cool that they could ride together in the crate for their flight- they both hopped out and looked none the worse for wear, greeted us all and played a little.
He's already grown some- I think he's a robust looking guy- a very different physique than Juno. He's thicker all over, with a big, very Nio-type head. He's got big shoulders and a barrel chest and thick wrists, round paws with webbed toes. His tail circles down to his back. His face is quite black, but hes brindling up on the ears and the back of his head/neck, and on the sides. I can see some stripes on his face but they are still really subtle.
He's sweet and sociable, he's been to work with me a few times and made friends there, as well as friends we've had visit, my daughter's friends too. He is discussed as being "he's friendlier than the other one (Juno), isnt he?" although Juno is not unfriendly- she is just more aloof and reserved. The boy doesnt mind noise, to be sure- in that way he is like Juno- and he also doesnt bat an eye at being touched anywhere, I pick him up all the time and we fuss with his feet and ears and tail and rub his belly and massage his shoulders.
He's a good little follower, and is doing a good job at beginning politeness "SIT" for getting anything. He adores Juno and they play all the time. The Big Brindles accept him as a community member so far, and Sage wants very much to play, so the interdog relationships are developing nicely
We picked him up at the airport and met Alex & Judi who were getting his sister, Sumiko- it was so cool that they could ride together in the crate for their flight- they both hopped out and looked none the worse for wear, greeted us all and played a little.
He's already grown some- I think he's a robust looking guy- a very different physique than Juno. He's thicker all over, with a big, very Nio-type head. He's got big shoulders and a barrel chest and thick wrists, round paws with webbed toes. His tail circles down to his back. His face is quite black, but hes brindling up on the ears and the back of his head/neck, and on the sides. I can see some stripes on his face but they are still really subtle.
He's sweet and sociable, he's been to work with me a few times and made friends there, as well as friends we've had visit, my daughter's friends too. He is discussed as being "he's friendlier than the other one (Juno), isnt he?" although Juno is not unfriendly- she is just more aloof and reserved. The boy doesnt mind noise, to be sure- in that way he is like Juno- and he also doesnt bat an eye at being touched anywhere, I pick him up all the time and we fuss with his feet and ears and tail and rub his belly and massage his shoulders.
He's a good little follower, and is doing a good job at beginning politeness "SIT" for getting anything. He adores Juno and they play all the time. The Big Brindles accept him as a community member so far, and Sage wants very much to play, so the interdog relationships are developing nicely
Comments
I think we need to see more pictures, though
He's ADORABLE! & I love his name!
Matsu= pine, Mori = forest, so he's the dog of the pine forest. I often call him Motts (dog "of the applesauce") for short.
Your description of his personality sounds like my pup's as well. Very social and friendly and not really phased by noises or new places. The only time I've ever seen him somewhat freightened is walking on leash at night when he simply can't decipher things, which is completely understandable. The other night, he stared down a park bench for a good 30 seconds, lol.
Yeah, I too understand the difficulty in taking pictures of these pups. I cannot get a straight on shot...he's always nose down (and active) outside so it's pretty hard (I dunno how Brad does it).
Looking forward to seeing more of Matsu!
He's got a solid build!
and he does rest sometimes...
He's a wise old soul in a young body. lol
Amazing how much puppies grow in such a short amount of time.
I hiked him with Rei this afternoon a short ways to the First Meadow, and he is such a good little follower- I havent had to train it, just capture it. He even auto-sits when I stop, or on recall, and takes his treats nicely. he doesnt blast ahead (yet!), he seems very sturdy and chill and very much along for the ride. Sure he has wild moments zooming around the yard, the living room, and his episodes where he goes into Shark Mode, but that's all puppies. Theres an awful lot to like about Matsu, and I feel wicked lucky to have him here in Brindles Pack. I think if he keeps up this tendency to keep close, I might stick him in a ruffwear pack instead of a harness when he's full size. It seemed silly to put a pack on lithe little Juno, and she's a bit of a satellite hunter/hiker, but Motts has the physique to pack and seems happy to 'travel' (as opposed to 'hunt'). Its too early to say, but he is def different from baby Juno in this way- she was more reactive/pouncey/hunty. Matsu is steady and thoughtful (I think- we'll see. hes only 10 weeks old.) Juno is like Roo, Matsu is more of a Pooh Bear.
Matsu is 10 weeks old and 13 lbs. I often look at him and think Im sure hes grown since the last time I looked at him.
Such concentration!