Alf v. Fafnerhaus “Nicky’s” Offspring – Following in his Footsteps!
Posted By Sandy Wilson on July 12, 2009
Alf v. Fafnerhaus, also known as Nicky has passed on some very strong genetics. His progeny are maintaining strong work ethic, biddability, intelligence and a williness to work and natural herding talent. I know I repeat these things over and over again, but it is such a gift to see in these dogs. The traits that these dogs exhibit are very strong in the bloodlines. I am thrilled to see these genetics are prepotent and are being clearly seen in many offspring.
Here are photographs of some of the different progeny that Nick and Ussa have produced. All of these dogs have a very strong desire to work and please. They are a true pleasure to watch while they are working.
Dux von Fafnerhaus HGH "Luki"
Luki, Dux von Fafnerhaus HGH, is a Nicky son who was puppy-tested and selected by Manfred Heyne. Luki was given to Manfred on one of his visits here and was taken to Germany to be Manfred’s full-time herding dog. Over the years Manfred competed some with Luki in herding trials including the 2002 BLH, but Luki’s main job was to tend Manfred’s flock. As time went by, Manfred’s age and increasing health issues meant that Luki often had to keep watch and tend the flock on his own demonstrating the true value of the real HGH. Eventually, Manfred had to retire from active herding. He sold most of his sheep in 2007 retaining only a few since he could never live without them. Manfred knew how much Luki loved his work and so out of his love and devotion for this dog, he returned him so he could continue working as he lives out the remainder of his days . . . . herding sheep at the place of his birth. Luki is one of the last of the real herding dogs from Manfred’s old herding/working bloodlines. It will be a sad day when this old boy retires too! These dogs are such proud animals.
Falcon v. Fafnerhaus - I guess geese are betting than nothing!
Falcon v. Fafnerhaus, HTAD I-ge, is yet another son out of Nicky. He is a very high drive dog and loves to herd, but there aren’t many sheep where he lives, so instead he enjoys herding geese. It doesn’t matter that these are geese and not sheep, these genetics are strong for herding and for working. True versatility!
Nicky and son Gunthie working together.
Gunther still resides on the farm and works several hundred sheep as his sire once did. It’s nice to see a son follow in dad’s footsteps “paws” so to speak. When Nicky was still working, Gunther and Nick would work the flock together in perfect harmony . . . no commands needed. It is what these dogs do.
Freuda v. Fafnerhaus - Following in Nicky's footsteps!
Freuda is a beautiful working female. She has genetic obedience that is so valued when training these dogs. She works independently here making her own boundary to keep the sheep where they belong. Freuda is a warm and friendly dog who enjoys working. She is one of the sweetest dogs I know!
Fenix Rising v. Fafnerhaus "Rogue"
Rogue, Fenix Rising von Fafnerhaus, doesn’t have access to hundred’s of sheep to herd, but still enjoys herding several at a time. These dogs are able to adjust according to the task. They can herd large numbers of sheep and small numbers - it’s all herding. They have the ability to adapt to different herding situations. Rogue has many AKC titles which include CDX, RA, HXAds, HSAc and AHBA title HRDIII (Sheep). Rogue herds ducks, sheep, and cattle! Way to go Rogue!
Fee v. Fafnerhaus "Xena"
Xena, Fee v. Fafnerhaus, a daughter of Nickys, is freely working the boundary in Germany. Xena absolutely loved to herd sheep and it didn’t take her long to work her way around all four borders. While Xena’s owner visited with Manfred, Xena had the opportunity to work with her full brother Luki, both tending to the sheep as a team working together. It is amazing how these dogs are mentors to one another. The older dog always teaches the younger one and also helps them along in their training – a spectacular sight to see!
Hera v. Fafnerhaus - at Little Meadow Sheep Farm
Hera is the first real herding dog we have ever owned and what natural talent. I don’t think we really appreciated what a dog with natural herding ability could do until we owned and worked a dog like our Hera. She is a wonderful working dog – the most biddable dog I think we have ever owned. Hera loves to work as the rest of her brothers/sisters do and she now has her own progeny out there following in her footsteps. We are seeing how strong these genetics are in her daughter Arla and son Aiko that are working on our farm presently. Hera has truly given us a gift!
These are just but a few progeny that have taken on the task of herding. There are many others that are participating in other canine activities. Thanks to everyone who gave me permission to supply such terrific photo’s and stories of these wonderful dogs who will always be remembered and appreciated by us here at Little Meadow Sheep Farm.
More on the next generation – the grandkids!
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