Zorro will father Yle’s Pentulive litter for the last time

Zorro, a Finnish and Estonian show champion who lives in Mustasaari, will father Yle’s upcoming Pentulive puppies in what will be his final litter, Yle reports. The puppies, whose mother is Hilkka, are expected by mid-October.

Zorro lives with owners Henna Lassus and Emil Lönnkvist in Veikkaala, a village in the countryside of Mustasaari. He turns six in February and is also a Finnish agility champion. The litter will be his fourth as a father and Hilkka’s second.

“The fourth time will be the last,” Lönnkvist said. He said the dogs’ first meeting went exceptionally well, resulting in two successful matings.

An active family dog

Zorro is a Lagotto, also known as an Italian water dog. The breed needs activities that challenge its intelligence and sense of smell, Lönnkvist said. In Italy, Lagottos are often used to find truffles.

Zorro has not been tested for truffle hunting, but he has searched for chanterelles. He found them during training, though he sometimes ate the mushrooms before his owners could collect them.

He also loves tearing open packages, a habit that began when his family wrapped Christmas presents for him as a puppy. Shoes, small sofa cushions and gloves have also fallen victim to his enthusiasm, Lönnkvist said.

When he is content, Zorro is a cheerful family dog who likes sleeping on beds and sofas and joining in with whatever the family is doing, his owner said.

Pentulive begins on October 6

Yle’s live broadcast from Hilkka’s home begins at 7 p.m. on October 6. Cameras will follow the mother and puppies around the clock for about eight weeks. The stream will be available on Yle Areena, Yle’s website and its app, including to viewers outside Finland.

Tags: Dogs, Pets, Finland