Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Shiro is a beautiful girl through and through. She's a husky mix, all white fur with entrancing pale blue eyes. Her playful, youthful nature is endearing to all, as is her funny commentary when she has something to say! She is an open book, mischievous but not ever mean.She's sensitive and patient even with the two household cats that bat her on the nose when she gets too close. She's got a strong prey drive meaning if the cats run she will chase, but my cats have learned not to run, and they are not afraid to look her in the eye. She's just curious about them, has pawed them in fascination, but has never wrapped her jaws around them or hurt them in any way.
Shiro got along just fine with her "big sister" Charlotte, our 9yo border collie that has hosted quite a few foster dogs. She has been a calming, grounding influence on every newcomer. I am pretty sure Shiro would do well with any other dog that treated her with decency. She's a little sponge for attention, but not possessive. She has such a sweet nature and no bad habits, no resource guarding for example. Her one bad habit initially was escaping from the fenced backyard by digging under the fence. That lasted a week or so, holes plugged up, then she decided it was good at this place, no need to go anywhere else. She bonded with us and this became her Pack.
Shiro's intelligent, a very quick learner, but that doesn't mean she will do what you say, that's a different decision process. Her recall can be prompt, but if there's something really interesting to sniff, Mom can just wait a while before she will follow the command to return. She learned from day one not to enter my kitchen, which I found amazing. She has never crossed the kitchen threshold after that first day of teaching. She likes to be near her Mom, but no separation anxiety, she's very affectionate but also does her own thing quite happily. That includes watching the cats, working on her rawhide giant chew, throwing her toys in the air, napping.
A few times children in the neighborhood have asked to pet her when we are out walking, Shiro is docile and friendly. With adults, Mom just has to watch her not to jump up with her forelegs, She's approachable and well behaved to everyone we've encountered. One young man commented "Your dogs are so polite!"
She's a go with the flow kind of girl, cheerful and sweet. When she's hungry, like around dinner time, if Mom is a little late getting to the food dishes, she will come up and put her mouth around my hand - not a bite - just a little reminder to please make my dinner!