Anika

I don't think I have posted any pictures of Anika, my one year old Hovawart dog yet! Hovawarts (hovies) are pretty rare, so I'll tell you a little about them. They originated as a mix between the Newfoundland (a massive, droopy-eyed, black and white fir-ball) the Leonberger (these look rather like german shepherds) and possibly the Hungarian Kuvasz (Looks most like a giant, white golden retriever.) They were originally bread in Sweden or Germany as an estate dog, because they make extremely loyal companions and dutiful guard dogs. They have a loud, piercing bark, and are very elegant. But above all, they are very sweet and extremely smart. Usually, they form an especially strong bond to one person in the family, and remain friendly to everybody else. However, since Mom and I are pretty equal in taking care of her, she is rather torn between us! Some times she chooses to be the world's most loyal dog to mom, and other times she decides that I am her new best friend. Anyway, she's a ton of fun, and a bundle of muscles and energy. Shirley and she get along very well, and as far as chewing goes, carved pumpkins and rocks seem to be the only things they like...well..besides the trash can in the garage...oh yeah...and my shoes...but other than that, they are pretty good! (By the way, her name is pronounced the European way, AH-neeka)

Here are some pictures:

This is Shirley: