My mother, Anouk, gave birth to me, along with my two brothers and three sisters, on Thursday 11 December 2008, just after midnight.
My name is Nyal: I was named after the city of Nyala, the capital of Sud Darfur province in Western Sudan, Africa—a strong passion of my mistress’s. Nyal is also the name of the main character of a famous fantasy book.
Both my mother and father are extremely good-natured. I am very good-natured, too, and very calm: I get on very well with all the other members of the pack.

I arrived at my new home in February and settled in right away, causing very little damage, to the great joy of my new mistress. I am sociable and playful with all my fellow dogs. I love children and am very patient with them. I can be rather shy towards people but once I get to know them I will shower them with kisses and give them a very warm welcome. My mistress describes me as a bit of an anarchist but I am also one of the best things that have happened to her in her life as well as the best dog she has ever had. In particular, she says that I have never grown up and that I will remain a puppy all my life.