Since we got nano, people have asked what sort of dog he is. We know for sure that he’s got some chihuahua in there – the golden fur, the slightly domed head, the high curved tail. But he’s taller and sleeker than most chis, and lacking the wide stance and buggy eyes.
As his confidence has grown, so has his energy. After walks, when his body is still cold and his metabolism is racing from the outdoors, he tears around the apartment playfully with his favorite toy, running from the couch! to the kitchen! to the couch! to the kitchen! And although he’s not much of a jumper when it comes to people, he will jump like blazes for treats. I told Stuart a few weeks ago that maybe that mystery DNA is rat terrier or Jack Russell, because damn, dude can MOVE. I mean, REALLY MOVE.
Then I saw this and Stuart and I thought, wow, Italian Greyhound! When we found this dude, all doubt vanished, as that dog could pretty much double for nano. Italian Greyhound! Explains the temperament and the incredible speed.
And the cuteness. Obvs.
parentage
Advertisement
OMG! Dog with two penises!
Pete? … Do you so something about nano tht I don’t know?
Is that the same as a Whippet? If so, it may also explain some of the skittishness, and the snuggly-ness. I don’t know dogs, but my friend’s Whippet tweaks out a lot, and needs more snuggle love than the average pup. And, that dog can run like the wind!
Nano is a cutey, btw.
Whippets and Italian Greyhounds are very similar, but whippets are larger (30-35 lbs, compared to 10-15 lbs). They have similar characteristics, being sighthounds, but IGs were bred specifically as pets, whereas whippets and greyhounds were bred for hunting and, later, racing.
Krissa, did you know that there’s a mutt DNA test where you send them a swab of your pup’s cheek skin and they tell you what breeds are in him? It was put out by Mars Veterinary and a google search should pull it up for you. I’m tempted to do it with Miles, but plan to wait until they get more breed DNA profiles in there to analyze. I think they have 38 right now, but will have up to 120 in the new year.
I just KNEW there was some hound in there, too. I can see it in his eyes. My little hound dog (beagle) has the most soulful eyes. Windows into her little houndy world.
See? Didn’t I say so the first time I saw him? I did!
Yes you did! And we thought of you when we realized it.
See, I’m thinking basenji: http://www.basenji.org/
Aawwww… Nano is cute and it’s a great name
my dearest krissa, i had the most glorious surprise opening up the alumni magazine the other day! a greeting from you. it made me miss you immensely and wonder how you are and feel awful that we have lost touch. so much so, in fact, that i had a dream last night that you came to visit me and told me all about your life. except that the details are probably wrong, since my dream brain made them all up and put them in your mouth, so it’s no substitute. i realized i don’t even know your email address anymore, all i have is your old work address and i don’t even know if that works or if you are still working there. i thought tuning into your sire was the surest way to make sure i got you. anyhow, have much more to tell you, want to hear much more about you, so email me and let’s resume contact! much much love, victoria
Hello! First time visitor to your site – and when I saw Nano’s picture, I thought I was looking at my own dog! We just adopted a chihuahua mix but he’s not so keen on the toys – so, I was wondering if you could tell me the type that Nano likes. I’d love to give Charlie something else to focus on, other than treats! Thanks much.
Angela, if you have a rug with tassel-y bits, DON’T GET YOUR DOG A BOODA BONE. Otherwise, do. Dogs sometimes love rope-y type things more than regular “stuffed animal” toys because the rope bone/ball gives their teeth something to do. ALSO! People have probably recommended the Kong to you and they’d be right. Stuff it with the Kong liver paste and broken-up treats and it’s like an hour’s worth entertainment.
Plus some dogs like CHEWING their kongs. nano, not so much but he does enjoy getting stuff out of it.