Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese “Genetics are Everything!”
Posted By Sandy Wilson on May 9, 2010
Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese
Diesel v. Schulmeister, SchHI X Hera v. Fafnerhaus
Aiko is a grandson out of Alf v. Fafnerhaus “Nicky”, who was Ellen Nicklesburg’s main herding dog for many, many years. Nicky was one of the last males to be produced out of Manfred Heyne’s bloodlines. Margaret v. Fafnerhaus was bred to Manfred’s Nick von der Stammherde Ramholz, HGH, to produce Alf “Nicky” von Fafnerhaus. Nicky was bred to Ussa v. Kuchenthal, HGH, who was chosen by Manfred himself for breeding. Nicky and Ussa went on to produce many progeny with strong herding genetics.
This breeding combination produced our Hera v. Fafnerhaus. Hera is the foundation of our breeding program; she consistently passed down her strong herding genetics to so many of her pups. Aiko is living proof that these herding genetics are still very strong. We are so proud of him and we know Manfred would be too.
Today we had fun on Mother’s Day with the kids playing on the new trampoline. While they played, my husband and I took the sheep out to graze with our boy, Aiko! He is in seventh heaven when he is out with the sheep. Aiko is always so happy to work. It was really a cool day in May after all the hot weather we have had over the past several weeks; even though cool, a very nice day to take the sheep out mid-day!
Aiko tending to the flock at Little Meadow Sheep Farm.
Bill has been working with Aiko since last Fall taking herding lessons and Aiko is coming along very nicely. We are just thrilled with Aiko as he is such an honest dog – he is the kind of dog who is very handler sensitive and very wanting to please in every way. Aiko hates to make mistakes and seeks to please – just a super dog and we love him so!
Aiko watching the sheep as he moves along the mowed boundary.
Aiko worked all four sides of the boundary today and did very well. We cut the graze down a bit, so he had more work to do as our sheep numbers were down this year due to downsizing the flock last year. Soon we hope to add some Blueface Leicesters to the group, which will be a nice addition to our flock. I love the fleeces of the Border Leicester, but adding Blueface Leicesters is an extra treat for me since I love to spin – it’s truly like spinning butter – so smoooth! Next year we should double our flock size and also have a wonderful mix of purebred Border Leicesters, Blueface Leicesters and some crosses – I can’t wait. I am looking forward to seeing the fleeces we produce in the coming year. The dogs will also love having a larger flock to herd – more sheep – more work!
The sheep are happily grazing the lush grasses of the pasture and don’t mind Aiko as he patrols the boundary keeping the sheep inside his confines. He is a very smart worker, always counting his sheep and figuring out where best to be to keep the flock in order. I love to watch him work – he takes his work seriously and instinctively knows where to be along the border to keep his sheep contained. These dogs are a true asset to any shepherd.
After some herding, Aiko was ready for a nice game of fetch with his new stick! LOL! Aiko tries to always find fallen tree limbs to bring to us! Gosh, if I could only teach him to pick up all the fallen branches in the yard and put them in a nice neat pile!
That’s MY BOY!
Aiko with his mother, Hera v. Fafnerhaus. As you can see, he loves his gigle ball too! Always seems to have a stick or a ball in his mouth – the dogs just all love hanging out together!
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