At three and a half years, "Lios" still abounds with charm and energy , but is definitely not the rambunctuous pup he was a short while ago. He is large, powerful and very handsome with a very imposing stature that belies his keen affection for people and other dogs. I should add, only if they are properly introduced, otherwise he is a fierce guardian of his family and their property. When on guard, which seems always, he is quick to bristle and challenge invaders, be they deer, groundhogs or unexpected people with a loud stentorian bark and low growl. Once reassured, however, he is quick to relax and wag his stump of a tail with the pleasure of knowing he performed his duty and his work was appreciated.

"Lios" has a very extensive vocabulary, both understanding much of human conversation and expressing himself with a series of whines, chortles and woofs which he has taught his family to recognize. He is as warm and cuddly as any lap dog, but has the good sense not to try climbing onto people, or otherwise intruding into their space unless invited. He will "kiss" his mistress on demand, but never anyone else. He is very clean and well groomed as a result of the combined efforts of himself and his mistress.

Aside from eating, his preoccupation is play, and he will carefully select a particular toy or collagen "bone" to present to a member of the family or guest. The latter usually is reluctant to seize the toy presented in the jaws of a determined looking Doberman and so most fail to accept the invitation. "Lios" doesn't quite comprehend why his magnificent gesture is not appreciated, but surmises it is because he has selected the wrong toy for that person's taste. So, he will patiently trot off and select another, and another, until his toy box is emptied and the guest is surrounded by a sea of rejected play objects. Then, the dog will finally retreat to "his place", a comfortable mattress, and ponder why all his charm has failed to move the guest.

"Lios" is a loving and very trusting creature. Trips to the veterinarian for a variety of minor problems have had painful consequences, and while he has cried out in feeling, nonetheless allowed the veterinarian to continue his, or her, ministrations. He will let his mistress do anything she wishes, including removing food from his mouth, cutting his nails, cleaning his ear canals and brushing his teeth with a Sonicare toothbrush. One guest has remarked, that if she were to die and had her choice of resurrection, it would be to return as a pup in the Papa household.. That says it all!