More about Janus

Janus is a 9 1/2 year old male, weighing 93 lbs.  He is well within the breed standard, his strongest attributes being his head, gate and tail (all of which are exemplary).  He is extremely intelligent and has a very gentle and loving disposition.  Even though he has a strong working/herding drive, he does not become difficult if not worked for a while (no chewing, barking or other unwanted behavior).  He is very affectionate with little children, showing a great deal of tolerance when being jumped on, smacked on the head with toddler toys, having his testicles squished by accident, or other "tortures" applied by my daughter or visiting toddlers.  

Janus has also run on an all Beauceron dog sledding team, however, some years ago I decided to learn skiing, and I have competed with him and my friend's dog Maggie in the Novice class at the Cannon Valley Classic dog mushing race (a 2 day event).   We placed 8th out of 12 competitors, and we would have been much better if I knew to ski just half as well as my team knows how to run.  Unfortunately, this was the only race we were able to start in, since there aren't many novice races around, and because spring came early.  Nevertheless, we had a great time. 

Janus has accompanied me on business trips (staying at the Hilton and the Willard Inter-Continental in Washington DC, which by the way is the best hotel I have ever stayed at with my dog - they treated us great, no hassles, even though they never had a dog that large ever staying there before).  He has been canoeing, horse-back riding (I rode the horse), camping, back-country hiking, mountain biking and even went snorkeling (he just swam - we snorkeled).  

On September 23 & 24, 2000 Janus competed in the 3rd Journée du Beauceron.  He placed second in the adult male group, and got an Excellent rating from the French judge M. Renaux.

At the beginning of November 2000, I took Janus to have him evaluated for Schutzhund training.  He passed evaluation, and is now thoroughly enjoying himself, especially during protection work.  If I had known that a.) Janus would love it this much, and b.) there is a Schutzhund Verein/trainer in my area that accepts breeds besides the German Shepherd dog (and that have the aptitude of training a variety of breeds), I would have started Janus in this sport years ago. 

In July 2001 Janus passed his Begleithundpruefung at the St. Croix Valley Schutzhund Verein trial in Hinckley, Minnesota.  I am very proud of him.  Still, I have decided to retire him from the sport, since he is getting up there in age, and it is very unlikely that we will add a SchH-I title.  Janus is starting to slow down a little, so I will let him be the family pet that loves to go for long runs through the parks, chasing the occasional deer.  We are looking forward to a good and snowy winter here in Minnesota, so we can go skijoring :-)

On August 23 & 24, 2002 Janus was entered in the Veterans class at the Journée du Beauceron in Missouri, once again receiving an Excellent rating.  (Proof that age does not diminish quality).  This event has become the Beauceron National Specialty and was extremely well received that year.  Janus won Best Veterans Male.  This was his last official event to be entered into.  He now is truly retired.

As you can see, Janus is a very versatile and loving dog.  Like any one of us, he has his faults, but they are dwarfed by his good attributes. We have gone through a lot of changes together in the last few  years, and he has been a loyal friend and companion.  He has helped me keep my sanity, and has often lent me his shoulder to cry on.  After all these years he continues to amaze me.   My husband has stated often "I wish I had had a dog like him when I grew up - what a friend I would have had - every little boy's dream come true".  I know what he is talking about, and I am very happy that our daughter has the opportunity to grow up with him.

Janus - I love you - you are my friend and my hero!!!