Lily, our 11-yo, just kind of ignores Roomba. Louise, who is 7, is afraid of him. Lily falls just above, and Louise just below, the MCIS (Mean Corgi Intelligence Scale). Which is low indeed. They are the dumbest dogs we've ever had, but they are hilarious little sweethearts.

I sense Ed would have a great time with Roomba.

Ed, unfortunately, is quite fearless. He is an extraordinarily bold "alpha male" from a long line of solid hunting stock. His fearlessness, unfortunately, spills over into recklessness. I hunt him at least a couple of days a week this time of the year, and his boldness in the field sometimes astonishes, or even worries myself and my partners.

I understand that Golden Retrievers are quite high up on the canine intelligence scale. It makes them easy to train, but it does have its downsides. Especially with a headstrong adolescent like Ed. His fearlessness, intelligence, and inquisitiveness are a double edged sword. Often his own ideas are not very good ideas. Much like his master, come to think of it, but that's a topic for another time...

Oh, I'm sure he would. For awhile... ;)

Lily and Louise came from a breeder on Whidbey who has been at it for 40 years. She mainly breeds for shows, and Lily was a showgirl who retired with a bunch of medals before we got her. Louise was deemed un-show-worthy, a mere birthing vessel. The breeder, who has about 20 dogs at any given time living in her house, has developed a recipe for dogs that are, she admits, fairly dumb. She says they are easier to control because they go along to get along with the herd.

Gratuitous pic of Louise. Note the halo of hair around her face.


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