“Maybe he’s a lab mix, or a Shepherd mix, or something else?” Tex’s parents puzzled over his heritage when they first adopted him, and so did everyone they met – because it just wasn’t clear from his appearance what breeds might have been hiding in his DNA. That is, until one day when Tex’s mom saw a TV show featuring a breed called the Chinook sled dog – and she knew immediately! That’s Tex! After a bit of research on the breed, and finding tons of similarities (his fur/ears/tail, his natural predisposition toward people instead of other dogs, his distaste for swimming/water), they deemed this mystery solved! Tex is a Chinook sled dog, through and through, and although I’ve never heard of a rescue Chinook sled dog before, I guess anything is possible! :)

Tex’s parents really lucked out when they adopted him, in my opinion. I mean, in addition to the bragging rights of owning a super-rare dog breed, Tex is simply a great dog! He adores his parents and is always excited to go on a walk with them. They say he’s so people-oriented that taking him to the dog beach usually entails stopping him from leaving with other families – but I saw a special glint in his eyes when he looks up at his mom & dad. :)  Plus, you can’t be in a bad mood around this guy – he won’t let you! That handsome, contagious smile and his sweet disposition will wipe a frown off anyone’s face! So naturally, our session together was a total blast!

This is Tex – he wore his patriotic bandana to our session, of course!

We relaxed in the grasses of the Balboa Park Rose Garden …

… and then found a few fun architectural spots in the rest of Balboa Park! (All that constant love & attention from his parents is so rough, poor Tex…)

And lastly, I couldn’t resist including this outtake! This curious boy came up close for a bite of chicken treats! :)

Stephanie & Steven, thank you so much for a fun afternoon! I’m excited to show you the rest of our photos when Steven is back on dry land! :)

Tags: dogs, park, pet photography, pets, photography, San Diego, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego pet photography