Sometimes we receive a blessing and are not even aware that is what is being given to us. Artie was born a singleton from our female Gesha Vom Merlin and our male Flint Vom Mittelwest. Artie was for sale for months and months. As time passed, we realized Artie was very special. Again we had been blessed with another dog that was not going to be the "typical show dog". Artie had drive, and a LOT of it. He liked to always be active, playing, instigating the others into play, and constantly on the search for his favorite toys, the ball and the tug. At five weeks, we put Artie with his Aunt Gipsi and his Father Flint to raise him. This worked out wonderfully, because from his Aunt Gipsi he learned what was acceptable in play and what was not. From his Father Flint he learned how to play.

Artie went to work with me every day and learned to be around other dogs and to be by himself as well. His body grew fast, yet the rest of him was very slow to mature. Artie is full of life, energy, drive, and a strong desire to learn. He learns very quickly, and does so happily. He is strong, and a hard dog.

Artie went to Schutzhund training with me every time we trained. He would watch from the truck, and you could hear him demanding to come out and be a part of all that was going on. At 8 months I brought Artie out the first time. His exuberance for the tug was overwhelming and down right painful for my arms. His strength of drive was much higher than I expected. Over the next year, we brought Artie out a few times, and would put him away thinking he is still too immature and needs more time to grow mentally. In 2008 Artie has worked on the three phases of Schutzhund. His tracking is slow, his obedience needs a LOT of work, and in protection he still had the strong desire to engage. A strong foundation is still being laid for him in bite work. Artie has always had a strong full grip, backed by a lot of determination.