I’ve made very few dog-related posts since finding Baja at a PetSmart adoption clinic last June. Initially we were told he was a Blue Tick and Basset Hound mix, but after about fifteen minutes, we figured out his true heritage: Border Collie / Basset Hound. (We can only assume that his father was collie, and the mother, basset.. Think about it for a moment.)

This combination is, I believe, one of the best ever created. Let’s run through the positives:

• short, stubby legs: perfect for digging, running, and looking amusing
• long wheel - err - pawbase: good for high-speed stability
• highly flexible chassis: good turn-in, cornering ability
• markings + coat: very warm winter coat, highly pleasing to the eye, softer than a baby’s bottom
• intelligence: borderline dangerous Border Collie smarts
• hyperactive: dog runs in circles and growls wildly when not exercised for a period of time – highly entertaining.
• scent hound: amazing sense of scent, good for tracking deer
• innate herding abilities: good for herding cars, people, cats
• cuddly: especially after a long day, sleeps under covers, keeps feet warm

He turned a year old last week. He was rewarded with a new blue collar, and a cup of his favorite: Yöghund dog yogurt. mmm mm.