By Lane Batot, Scout, Frontier Partisans, North Carolina Sector I
A Long Hunter and his dogs. Art by David Wright.
It’s hard for me to know just where to begin on this subject — SO MANY potential discussions, including actual historical Frontier Dogs, beloved fictional Frontier Dogs (in both books and movies), what makes for an ideal Frontier Dog (and lots of various angles there!), and modern day Frontier Dogs — their uses and stories; ahhhh, the possibilities are ENDLESS!
But just to FINALLY get started, I can think of no better stimulus than to relate what my own criteria for a “Frontier” or all-around “Woods Dog” is in relation to my personal lifestyle and territory–which I’m hoping will stimulate others to expound on their own experiences and preferences on the subject.
One reason for getting into this relates directly to the ongoing subject and numerous interesting posts on this blog of “Stuff That Works,” and one of my Pet Peeves (ahem!) has always been how people often elaborate the whys and wherefores of their various camping equipment, tools, weapons, and clothing, but never a mention of that (to me) MOST indispensable ally of outdoor rambling — one’s DOG(s)!!! Though often historically and culturally taken for granted, it is my opinion as a trained Anthropologist(for which I apologize) that the alliance of Paleolithic hunters and wolves, which led to the domestication of the Dog, is as MAJOR a development in our evolutionary and cultural advancement as the ability to control fire! But it is so rarely recognized for the important influence on humanity that it was, and still IS.
Dogs are some people’s only decent connection to Nature, and they are still an excellent bridge even for the most uncivilized of us, as I can attest! Various modern restrictions, and erroneous “politically correct” notions regarding the keeping and usage of dogs should be of great concern to any true Frontier Partisan. Although I can branch off into numerous different views on modern doggy etiquette that raises my hackles, I’ll try and just concentrate on one particular aspect for this post: that of picking a particular type or breed of dog to fit one’s lifestyle and circumstances. Which will ramble on right into how it is becoming considered virtually criminal to take yer dog for a run just about anywhere, a sad, anal, tyrannical notion that I will defy as long as I have breath, the ability to ramble on foot, and a dog…
Daniel Boone and faithful companions. People love snapping a shot of their pooch in this sculpture.
First, it has become quite the “politically correct” notion that one should ONLY adopt strays and rescues when acquiring a dog, to the point that quite a few holier-than-thou but ignorant sorts will vehemently lecture you about if you DARE to admit you bought your purebred dog from a breeder, or even more taboo — bred dogs of your own! These are always people — usually “townies” — who have no specific purpose to have a dog, other than casual companions or pets. Which is fine, if that’s all you want a dog for. I think rescuing dogs (mutts or purebreds) is GREAT, but it SHOULD NOT be considered the ONLY (anally controlling) ”right” way of acquiring a dog.
I, myself, despite my specific interests and needs in a dog, have still ended up with quite a few unplanned, unpedigreed rescues in my pack, for which I have no regrets. But what such an attitude (rescues ONLY) doesn’t seem to grasp in it’s dictatorial ideology, is that, if everyone carefully chose (DO YOUR RESEARCH! NO EXCUSES!) purposefully bred dogs with somewhat predictable characteristics to fit in their particular lifestyle, from conscientious, ethical breeders, there would be very little need to “rescue” anything! To me, ANY dog that you take in and give a good life its whole life, no matter how you acquired it, is a “rescue.” And even though I applaud those that do rescue dogs from shelters or abusive situations, every dog that I have taken in like that (and there have been considerable over the decades in my pack that has usually numbered 10 or so dogs at any one time) has had ISSUES, that are often difficult to overcome, or that can NEVER be fully resolved, and must just be dealt with for 10 to 15 years.
One of the great dog stories of all time.
Gosh, how much nicer it is to get a young pup, NOT screwed up by some callous ignoramous, and raise it right without psychological problems! And how wonderful when you’ve done your research, and find a dog breed or type that fits your lifestyle like a glove! Although of course, one must not expect the dog to do ALL the adapting — one must meet one’s canine companion at least halfway, in my opinion. And you tend to get out of your dogs what you put into them — not unlike kids (the human kind).
I have also taken great pleasure in learning about, and acquiring certain rare, exotic breeds and types of dogs over the years — something about keeping a breed of dog developed, often over centuries, by a particular culture — gives one a perspective and a connection with the people of that culture (even if long past) that is unique and especially enlightening. Something of such cultures lives on in the dogs they developed. All this will be lost, if the “shelter rescues ONLY” knee-jerks have their way…..
Ben Lilly — legendary hunter and houndsman.
I used to live in a wild, remote area deep in the Southern Appalachians on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, where I didn’t have to worry about livestock, busy roads, or other human presence at all (except only rarely, and easily avoided), and my “needs” of a dog were far broader, as I could get away with ranging around with just about any canine type imaginable, and I kept quite an eclectic pack. Including a bunch of wolf-dog crosses — a favorite of historical American Frontier Partisans of the past, but considered extremely politically incorrect in modern times — another subject I hope to delve into detail about in future K-9 posts, to hopefully enlighten the ignorant majority on these much maligned beasts and their TRUE characteristics!
But these days, I do not live in a place where it is safe to free range with part-wolves, or many of the other dog types I’ve kept in the past. Not that I couldn’t make it work, but certainly not the ideal circumstances for such. It is far too developed where I now live, though I do have some decent woods to roam, but I have to be rather secretive to do so, as times have changed, and someone out taking their dogs for a good run are not viewed as benign, but more often viewed as poachers or trespassers, and treated accordingly. It is a very sad cultural change, one that I have witnessed creeping into the fabric of society slowly but surely over my half-century lifetime. It is not dissimilar at all to how things have been in the U K for some time — wealthy landowners calling the shots, while the peasants get by howsoever they must, even if it is a bit under the “law.” Of course this is a human designed and enforced “law,” not one of Nature, and just as the country folk of England (and other parts of Europe) have developed cultural ways around such laws, so must we also do so in many parts of the U. S. A. now, at least in more developed, populated and human controlled areas.
Hence my need now, where I live, for a good Trespassing Dog! The qualities of such are very like the needs of a good poacher’s dog in England, for which the indigenous “lurchers” were developed — the greyhound X collie crosses of such notorious fame. Although I have great admiration for such hunting dogs that “reduce to possession” such game as poachers target, I personally have no need to hunt for the pot, though I rather like having a dog that COULD, did it ever become necessary. My requirements in my present territory, is for a dog that, first and foremost, STAYS CLOSE, and does not tend to range out of sight, not only to avoid detection, but mainly for the safety of the dog!
I unfortunately live in an area where dogs seen running free are often shot on sight by some individuals, so the Staying Close bit is very important for the survival of the dog, as well as less stressful outings for me! It is no fun worrying about your dog that continually runs out of sight! Not to mention a definite giveaway that someone might be about in the woods, when one wants to remain unheard and unseen.
Which brings us to the next very important Trespassing Dog characteristic: that of being QUIET! There is nobody that loves hound music better than myself, or with such a softspot for a good trailhound, but alas, where I now live, the very LOUD, far ranging trailhound types are a real liability, and although no truer, fully American Frontier Dogs were ever developed.
Thanks to busy roads and the dangers of getting hit by cars, as well as those anal dogshooters, it has become harder and harder to find places to safely free cast yer hounds anymore. I still have one 13 year old doddery Bluetick hound (named Roland) that I managed to take out (late at night, usually!), that with his loud bawl, the entire county would hear it every time I did, and I’d usually be listening to him five miles away or so! Very sad to me, but those days are GONE here, and I feel more than lucky that old Roland has survived to 13 (he mostly just sleeps and dreams of his old ranging days now).
Another consideration I like in a dog when out roaming and trying to avoid detection, is COLOR. Where I live, a dog with much white coloration can be spotted MILES away, and can be a real liability. So camouflaged coloring is a big plus in a Trespassing Dog. Also necessary, is a dog that can be trained to a high degree. I’ve done well with very independent types in the past (wolf crosses, Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Basenjis, Trailhounds and Sighthounds), but in my present circumstances, a dog that OBEYS, quietly and quickly, is a must.
Reliably coming when one calls is a MANDATORY command a good Trespassing Dog needs to learn, and to further disguise my presence, I train my dogs to come to a Crow Call, so my yelling for them doesn’t give me away. I suppose a silent whistle would serve the same purpose, but then, how do you really know the thing’s working, if you can’t hear it yerself? I prefer that Crow Call, even if it does tend to piss off the local crows somewhat.
I also like a dog that is somewhat distrustful of strangers, and won’t just go running up to anyone they meet — although that has some to do with how one trains the dog. There are quite a few dog types that are “one man” dogs, however, or at least aloof to strangers.
A dog that will be PROTECTIVE is something I seek as well, and is a quality that can be quite an asset in a Trespassing Dog.
I personally also like a dog large enough to train to carry backpacks–that comes in quite handy on outings and camping trips. Where I live, I need a dog that can handle weather extremes — especially HOT, humid weather in the Summer. We do have cold Winter weather, but not so frigid as places further North (I’m now live in central N.C.). Dogs too sensitive to either cold or heat can be a real liability, and just not much use certain times of the year. I want a dog that can trek anytime of the year, with enthusiasm, no matter what the weather!
There are several dog types that, believe it or not, can meet ALL these characteristics, and after filtering through them, I settled on a WEIMARANER, as my main Trespassing Dog, and I can say that, after ranging with mine for 12 years now, he has fulfilled every category listed above reliably and enthusiastically, and brought versatile hunting and retriever skills to the package.
Weimaraners get a BAD RAP in America, where too many are just show dogs, or dressed up like buffoons for William Wegman photography “art,” or are lamblasted by bird hunters as not being bird crazy enough bird dogs, which is what they are erroneously categorized as in the U. S.A. In Germany, where they were developed, they are called the Forester’s Dog (you can bet I pricked up my ears when I discovered THAT!), and they were developed NOT as just bird dogs (though they can point and retrieve), but as all around hunters, and for protection — to protect the foresters from poachers ( what’s sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander, I have always heard!)
After my experience with my beloved, faithful-to-a-fault, totally biddable, versatile and very protective Griswold, I rather think a more appropriate description of a Weimaraner, is as a German “Cur” — like our multi-purpose American Cur breeds developed by our frontier ancestors, as dual purpose wilderness dogs! And oh my yes, we will most assuredly need to cover the American Cur breeds in a future “K-9s of the Frontier Partisans” post!
Most people getting a dog, any dog, hardly consider more than they just like it’s looks or that it‘s cute, or a status symbol of sorts. For them, any old mutt will do. And that‘s just fine, so long as they do not try to force everyone else to conform to their formless, shallow philosophy!
Paul McNamee says
Great post, Lane!
Wayne says
What’s your opinion of the Carolina dog?
Coincidentally, I’ll be in Oakland, CA in a week to meet my new grandson. In searching for something fun to do while the baby is being nursed, I stumbled upon the fact that Jack London’s cabin from the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush was dismantled in 1965 and the logs were used to build 2 replicas, one in Dawson City and the other in Oakland, CA which was once London’s stomping grounds. It’s in Jack London Square, only a 4 mile walk from where I’ll be staying. Might have to give White Fang and The Call of the Wild another read.
JimC says
Worth the visit just for the “vibe.”
deuce says
How odd. Other than myself in a post on L’Amour, I hadn’t seen or heard mention of Jack London in a fair while. Then last night, I saw this link posted about London’s WEST OAKLAND home:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/documents/digging_west_oakland.pdf
I only vaguely knew of the whole topic, and now I see two detailed references to London and Oakland in 10 hours. Something in the air.
JimC says
Synchronicity.
Paul McNamee says
3. Yesterday, at a seminar, Chris Golden related how he and Tim Lebbon happened upon the idea for their “Secret Journeys of Jack London” series.
JimC says
Call this convergence “London Calling.”
lane batot says
I’m a longtime London fan–ESPECIALLY his dog and wolf tales! “Old longings nomadic leap; Chafing at customs chain; Again from it’s brumal sleep; Wakens the ferine strain”–the bit of verse at the beginning of “The Call Of The Wild”, I memorized long ago….London is in a large part responsible for my lifelong interest in sled dogs(including those politically incorrect wolf crosses), that led to me keeping them and actually training them in harness, though I’ve brutalized my Risdon Rig dog cart far more than I’ve been able to my actual wooden dog sled(lack of regular snow in N. C., especially in recent years….). No doubt London was a Frontier Partisan to the CORE! Have no worries, sled dogs WILL be included in some future K-9’s of the Frontier Partisans guest post!
lane batot says
…and the Carolina Dog is a fascinating canine, whatever it’s actual origin is. For the uninformed, the Carolina Dog is derived from a population of feral dogs, mostly from South Carolina, and is very much like an American Dingo. Some theories consider it to be a surviving remnant of Native American pariah-type dogs that have survived in a feral state–others think it is just a feral mongrel that has been selected by Nature to have typical pariah-feral-like characteristics, like a Dingo, which feral dog populations in many places have reverted to, when left to their own devices and Nature’s selection process. It could certainly be a combination of BOTH theories! I have(yet?) to have had one of these dogs myself, but from reading about, and having experienced other pariah-types, I’d expect them to be very woods savvy dogs, rather “one man” types, and also very independent(not particularly obediant) in nature. But, for having survived for many decades in a semi-wild state, most assuredly “Frontier Partisan” subject matter! I HAVE been tempted to acquire one of these dogs, as well as a lifelong desire to get a Dingo one day…….
Wayne says
p.s. Thanks for posting the photo of the statue of Daniel Boone and his Plott Hounds located on the campus of Appalachian State U. I think it’s probably the best depiction of Boone anywhere, and I take the time to visit it regularly.
JimC says
It’s really good — accurate to portraits and descriptions.
lane batot says
Wayne, are you a “Boone Goon”? I was incarcerated at Western Carolina University for 5 1/2 years before I could jump reservation, and for those of you outside the area, WCU and Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., have been great sports rivals forever! And are those indeed supposed to be Plott Hounds? Hard to say with no color on a statue to go by. It’s POSSIBLE Boone had some Plotts at some point–they were developed originally in N. C. by the German immigrant Plott brothers(who were gamekeepers in Germany) back in the 1700’s, beginning here in the midstate Uwharrie Forest where I now live, before they moved on to the Great Smokies in the Appalachians. Squire Boone’s N. C. homestead is only a dozen miles or so from the Uwharrie “mountains”, and I would expect the young Dan’l hunted here on some of his first teen-aged “long hunts”. But, dangit, I haven’t read any SPECIFIC mention of Plott hounds in the many Boone accounts I’ve read. I have read where he had some Black-and-Tans at one point–but that’s one of my personal frustrations–if dogs are mentioned at all in some historical accounts, often little or no detail is given as to just WHAT KIND of dogs! But oh my yes, some future post SHOULD include the Plott Hound, now the State Dog of North Carolina!
Matthew says
Good post. I hope you do more Lane.
lane batot says
Jiss try an stop me!
Joey Paxman says
Great post! For better or worse, my life is fully consumed by english pointers. Training, hunting, more training in the off-season, and daily exercise. (And of course biscuits, belly rubs, and other shenanigans.) The refinement of the english pointer and my own personal (key word: PERSONAL) refinement of tastes, ethics, and sport hardly qualifies my dogs as true Frontier Partisans. But I still get goosebumps watching my dogs tear through miles and miles of open Montana grasslands in pursuit of the same prairie grouse that for centuries helped fill the larder of countless Frontier Partisans during both good times and bad.
Hats off to all dog breeders, past and present, dedicating their lives to developing better dogs. Middle finger to any so-called “rescues” just hoping to turn a quick buck under the guise of “animal welfare.” You know who you are.
JimC says
And nobly so!
lane batot says
English-type Pointers are most assuredly “Frontier Partisan” dogs! IF the type of dog is mentioned at all in historical accounts, Pointers of one sort or another go back as far as some of the first European settlements, and likely added to the genetics of our American Hounds and Curs. Growing up a Southerner from a hunting tradition family(mostly on me ma’s Scotch/Irish/Cherokee side), I got to be around a LOT of Pointers(and setters) over the years, especially the English type–and all from generations of actual hunting stock–no show conformation blood there! My relatives in North Georgia had both trailhounds and bird dogs for subsistence, not just sport! What quail my ma’s family did not eat, back during the Great Depression, were sold in bunches to town folk, or traded for basics like flour. Those dogs helped FEED the family, and were considered indispensable. I LOVE the incredible athleticism of pointers, and their incredible stamina and speed is something to behold! Most make purty darn good watch dogs, too, and I’ve known a few that were exceptionally protective. These experiences are what led me to choose a bird dog type for my present(but aging, alas) “Trespassing Dog”–but I wanted less bird interest, and a more “jack-of-all-trades” type, which is how I settled on my Weimeraner (among the 8 other dogs I also have…sigh) A future plan is to have a Weimeraner AND a Rhodesian Ridgeback combo–a surprisingly not uncommon pair of dogs outdoor enthusiasts keep…..
Black Tyrone says
I do own a rescue from my local shelter/pound. Nothing politically correct about it! “solid yellow” large head betraying his pitbull antecedents as well as yellow Lab blood, straight up ears.Yes dingo/Carolina dog like In youth only 75-80 lbs but eastern coyotes nervous. In age he has become a bit of a “velcro dog”. separation anxiety. He was in the pound yes pound over a year and half before my daughter found him. I will admit however my other daughter has a Visula from a breeder, named “Cash”. She was approached by one of the sanctimonious types and told that yes he{cash} must have cost a lot of cash and that she the sanctimonious one, remarked that my daughter should have gotten a rescue as she had done. Hey I said to my Cait, her comments were unwarranted. Dogs and horses go to heaven I hope.
lane batot says
I met(and worked with) A Vizsla that was a superb wilderness Search-And-Rescue dog….. As for the sanctimonious types–another thing I let them know if they are criticizing my research/purchasing/raising of a particular dog type, is that having a stable, well trained, well socialized dog since puppyhood, aides ENORMOUSLY in helping the MANY rescues I HAVE adopted, get over their various abuses and issues they accrued before I got them. That usually shuts them up–that, or I ask HOW MANY dogs they have rescued in their life, and I can usually top them considerably, not including my purposely acquired pedigreed dogs! Asking such “rescue only” types exactly WHAT PURPOSE they got a dog for usually draws blank looks, then I launch into a lengthy harangue about ACTUAL REAL WORKING reasons to get a dog for assistance, that any random mutt is not likely to be able to fulfill, and it becomes obvious such people NEVER think in such terms. Needless to say, those sanctimonious types usually regret having preached to me, can’t wait to escape my presence, and likely think twice before criticizing the next purebred dog owner they meet!…..And of course dogs(and I’d suppose horses too) go to heaven, or like Will Rogers once said “If dogs don’t go to heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they go!”
RLT says
Yep. My Aussie came from a breeder…as you say, “Gasp!” He also had his tail docked by that same breeder…you can imagine the looks we get in public. Or would get, if he’d hold still long enough for folks to get a good look at HIM!
He’s sturdy, hardy, smart as hell, and not too much trouble if he gets stimulation and exercise. He also never barks (and I mean NEVER) and as a herder he loves to range but never too far from the “pack,” even on long woods rambles.
lane batot says
Aussies are SUPERIOR “Frontier Partisans” dogs! I HATE the inaccurate(sorta) breed name “Australian Shepherd”, because the Aussies were developed here in America(especially the West) as all-’round ranch and farm dogs. Plus it just confuses people who constantly mix them up with the TRULY Australian Cattle Dog(or Blue Heeler,or Red Heeler, as the case may be)–a hardy frontier breed itself, with actual Dingo in it’s genetics. The American “Australian” SHOULD just be called the “American Shepherd”, I think. Unexotic to us here in America as that may be! I haven’t experienced one (yet?), but I have been around quite a few, as well as the Cattle Dogs(Heelers), and they are both GREAT, rugged, all-around breeds! From my reading, the best explanation I have found for that “Australian” misnomer, is not exactly a misnomer, even if it is confusing. One account I read related how Aussies were very popular in California in the day, and a large part of their final development as a distinct breed was from there, and at one point(1800’s I believe), large shipments Of Australian Sheep were being imported to California, and they used their existing shepherd dogs to herd them–hence they really WERE “Australian Sheep Shepherds”! THAT makes the most sense of any of the various theories I’ve encountered! But it takes away from the understanding and history of a true-blue AMERICAN dog!
Paul McNamee says
Obligatory, because I am right in the middle of re-reading Robert E. Howard’s “Beyond the Black River” ;
“…I passed the place where Balthus and the dog made their last stand. They were lying amid a heap of dead Picts—I counted seven, brained by his ax, or disemboweled by the dog’s fangs, and there were others in the road with arrows sticking in them. Gods, what a fight that must have been!”
“He was a man,” said Conan. “I drink to his shade, and to the shade of the dog, who knew no fear.” He quaffed part of the wine, then emptied the rest upon the floor, with a curious heathen gesture, and smashed the goblet. “The heads of ten Picts shall pay for his, and seven heads for the dog, who was a better warrior than many a man.”
JimC says
Perfect comment for this post. THAT was a fine dog!
Matthew says
Don’t forget Mike, Sailor Steve Costigan’s bulldog.
JimC says
Well done.
lane batot says
….and which of the Conan tales had him allied with a wolf? And a witch? Yeah, THAT!
Rick Schwertfeger says
Entertaining post, Lane. And I value your knowledge of various breeds, characteristics, etc. I really support the concept of getting a dog whose breed characteristics align with your lifestyle, needs, etc.
My mom and dad always had dogs. Since leaving home oh so long ago now my wife and I have had two – both mutt foundlings – one Marcia found running around a bank branch, and one stray who took a shine to my younger son Casey on a horse ranch. The horse breeder gave her to him/us. Both turned out to have hearts of gold – and not big smarts! Their lack of intelligence limited how much fun they were. Daisy wouldn’t even chase and bring back a ball!
If I ever get one again, I expect to go with one from a breeder – and one with characteristics I desire.
Black Tyrone says
Great reading Lane. Have to keep the dachshund under control sometimes .. no badgers on my property ha ha. I am told in upstate NY packs of the little brutes are trained to go after deer and rabbits. Through heavy brush like butter I’m told.
lane batot says
You should read about Teddy Moritz(She used to have a column in THE ultimate hunting dog magazine “Full Cry”, which I subscribed to for a number of years….)–she’s still around(I hope), and hunts with a pack of dachsunds, lurchers, and hawks! The dachsunds go to ground after woodchucks and foxes, or flush rabbits out of the brush for her lurchers and hawks……
Black Tyrone says
Lane yes gotta be careful with them. Will go down a hole just for fun then its dig out time! A little terrier like hound to be sure. Keeps feral cats busy too.
Wayne says
I’ve been in Boone for 31 years, but I still consider myself an Ozark transplant.
Has anyone else read The Scarlet Plague, Jack London’s dystopian (my apologies for using such an overworked, trendy adjective) novel about a future decimated by a plague that killed 98% of the population? The narrator is an 80 year old survivor who is one of the last humans who can read and count past 10; his unwashed, illiterate great grandsons herd goats to survive. It was the grandfather of much of the science fiction popular today. Sea Wolf Press is running a 100th anniversary collection of London’s books with the original text, illustrations, and cover art from the 1st edition. Paperback & inexpensive – see Amazon.
I favor any breed of working dog, regardless of the work. We always have 2 black Labs. Smarter than you’d think, loyal as can be, fearless in a scrape, wonderful companions. I do a good deal of canoeing, and they’re perfect for that as well. One of the best dog experiences I ever had was with 3 friends, one of whom raises and trains English setters. We spent 4 days bird hunting in northern Wisconsin in a county known as the “Grouse Capital of the World.” We flushed over 75 grouse and woodcock in a single day, but the brush was so thick we barely shot enough for dinner. Watching the well trained dogs enjoy their work was the real pleasure of the trip. It was wilder country than I expected. That part of Wisconsin held the world record for black bear until fairly recently, and there’s a population of timber wolves. I found a big pile of wolf scat that featured an entire deer hoof.
JimC says
Uh-oh…
“Watching the well trained dogs enjoy their work was the real pleasure of the trip.”
Black Tyrone says
Love Jack London . Try Kipling’s dog stories and poems. Sgt Mulvaney had a fighter.. just ribs and teeth. Great from soldiers three.
lane batot says
Wow–never heard of “The Scarlet Plague” before! Havta try and check that one out…..OF COURSE Labradors are great all-around outdoor enthusiast dogs, but I despair seeing them split into distinct working stock and show bloodlines. To me, the lean, rangier, athletic and agile working stock labs are far superior even in LOOKS to the so-called “refined” blocky, chunky show dogs. This has become sadly true for SO MANY breeds. And what’s even crazier, for an untrained pup, at least, you’ll pay FAR MORE wampum for show bloodlines than you will working lines, in most cases. Crazy…..
Black Tyrone says
Lane, had a female Golden in my youth. Runs at the reservoir. brought back LOGS to shore. great memories dogs give us! I love em!
lane batot says
My entire life has been largely defined by the dogs I have shared it with. I was raised by a Dalmation(and probably would not have survived to adulthood without his vigilance and fanatical devotion), and my teen-aged dog was a Golden Retriever X Sheltie cross from the pound–she took after the Shetland Sheepdog the most, herding skills and all, but definetely had some Golden characteristics– but retrieving was decidedly NOT one of them! After that I was out on my own, and no human parental controls–that’s when I got my first wolf cross, and things accelerated quickly(especially when I got into sled dogs), and for decades since I have kept PACKS of 10 or more canines at a time. I’m TRYING to cut back in my fast approaching old age(not quite willing to submit to the advancing years yet….), but I still have quite the “bucket list” of dogs I’d wish to experience before I join my now considerable formidable canine horde on the Other Side. Sigh; so many dogs,so little time…….
lane batot says
…And of course, thanks again, Jim, for a SPLENDID job formatting and illustrating my primitively submitted “guest post”–I seemed to note an emphasis on “Jock of the Bushveld” in yer illustrations! We’ll most assuredly HAVTA do a post on him,one a these days…..
JimC says
Sir Percy is on the list.
lane batot says
I was referring to JOCK, not his human……
Kevin Kay says
Jim Kjellgard, author of many young adult books featuring dogs as the main protagonists (“Big Red” is probably his best known) wrote a book called “Fire Hunter” which dealt, partially, with the adoption of a dog as hunting companion in the paleolithic. He stated that the timeline is highly compressed but he wanted to explore that development in species interaction. He reworked and expanded the novel five or so years ago with David Drake. I forget the title but it should be simple enough to find.
JimC says
Thanks for stopping by the campfire Kevin.
lane batot says
Yup, I’ve been a big Kjelgaard fan since early childhood–I’ve got many of his books still in my library, including all the “Big Red” books, and “Fire Hunter” too! And even his often hard-to-find “Boomerang Hunter”, about an Aborigine boy in Australia and his Dingo! Kjelgaard captured the human/dog bond better than almost any other writer, I’ve always felt! As for early dog origin Paleolithic tales, I’m really looking forward to the upcoming movie “Alpha”(see the trailer on Youtube…..) All the preceding suitable “K9’s of the Frontier Partisans” guest post potential!
Tommy says
And there is always Old Yeller.
JimC says
And Savage Sam, too. Loved those stories as a kid.
lane batot says
Well OF COURSE “Old Yeller” and “Savage Sam” by Fred Gipson, and his other less known classic “Hound Dog Man”–the books and the movies made from them, “Frontier Partisan” fodder, fer shore!
Black Tyrone says
Well Lane its now settled thanks to your post! DOGS R US!
JimC says
It’s true: We’ve gone to the dogs.