Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Not good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
💙 MEET TOBIAS — A YOUNG DOG WITH SO MUCH POTENTIAL 💙
📍 Upland Animal Shelter — Upland, CA
🐾 Animal ID: IEPA-A-18286
🐕 Breed: Bull Terrier Mix
♂️ Sex: Male
🎂 Age: 2 years, 3 months
⚖️ Weight: 56.8 lbs
📅 At the shelter since: November 16, 2025
Some dogs show you immediately who they are. Others need someone to spend time with them, walk with them, learn their rhythms, and see the dog they are capable of becoming.
Tobias is one of those dogs.
At just over two years old, Tobias is a young, affectionate, energetic boy who has spent an important part of his young life in the shelter. But one volunteer, Star, has made a point of getting to know him. She tries to walk Tobias every time she comes to the shelter, and over time, something special has developed between them.
When asked why Tobias is one of her favorite dogs, Star didn't hesitate:
“He's young, and I believe he has a lot of potential to be a great dog.”
And perhaps the most beautiful thing she said about him was also the simplest:
“I think we kind of understand each other.”
🐾 A WONDERFUL WALKING COMPANION
Tobias may have plenty of youthful energy, but put on his harness and head out for a walk, and you'll see another side of him.
According to Star, “He walks beautifully. He walks wonderful in a harness.”
Daily walks will be important for Tobias. He is an active young dog who needs opportunities to move, explore, play, and use his energy in positive ways. He isn't a dog who should spend his life confined to a crate. He wants to participate in life.
Give him exercise, structure, companionship, toys, games of fetch, and adventures, and you'll be giving Tobias exactly the kind of life in which he can thrive.
🎾 SMART, PLAYFUL & READY TO LEARN
Tobias loves toys. He loves fetch. He's treat motivated, knows basic commands, enjoys water, and is smart and eager to learn.
Because he has spent many months growing up in a shelter environment, Tobias will need someone willing to help him make the transition from shelter dog to family dog.
Star believes so strongly in his potential that, if she were adopting him herself, she says she would work with a trainer. Not because Tobias is a “bad dog,” but because she sees how much this intelligent young dog could accomplish with consistent guidance.
A patient adopter who combines affection with structure, exercise, positive reinforcement, and perhaps some professional training could help Tobias become the wonderful companion Star already sees inside him.
🏡 TOBIAS'S IDEAL HOME
Tobias would do best with an active person or family who understands that young dogs need both exercise and guidance.
Because of his youthful enthusiasm and size, children 13 and older would be the best match. He can become excited and jumpy when he has pent-up energy, so younger children could accidentally be knocked over.
Tobias should currently be the only dog in the home, although he is not reactive toward other dogs. He has not been formally tested with cats, but he may potentially be cat tolerant.
Most importantly, Tobias needs people who will include him in their lives—not simply give him a place to stay.
He needs walks.
He needs play.
He needs boundaries.
He needs affection.
And he needs someone willing to show him what being part of a family is all about.
❤️ “WOULD YOU ADOPT HIM?”
After spending so much time walking Tobias and getting to know him, Star was asked one final question:
If you could, would you adopt him?
Her answer came immediately:
“Yes!”
Why?
“Because I like him! ... I think we kind of understand each other.”
Sometimes the people who spend time with shelter dogs see something the rest of us can easily miss.
Star sees a young dog with enormous potential.
A dog worth teaching.
A dog worth investing in.
A dog worth loving.
Tobias has been waiting since November 2025.
Maybe what he's been waiting for isn't someone looking for a perfect dog.
Maybe he's waiting for someone who can look at him and see what Star sees:
the wonderful dog he is capable of becoming. 💙🐾
