Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Not good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Howard 🐾
Howard is an 8-year-old mixed breed with 13 breeds in his DNA… and honestly, it shows. 😂
(Boxer, Chow Chow, Aussie, Border Collie, Lab, Dalmatian… and a little bit of everything else sprinkled in.) He’s basically a one-of-a-kind original.
Howard is a quirky, stubborn, independent guy who very much lives by the motto: his way or the highway. But for the right person? He’s a loyal, adventurous companion who just wants to do life by your side (on his terms, of course).
💛 Howard’s Personality
Howard is not a social butterfly — he’s a one-person kind of dog. He bonds deeply and prefers a small, predictable world. He’s got big feelings and isn’t shy about sharing them… usually through barking. But honestly? Half the time it’s less “I’m being reactive” and more “I have something to say and you’re going to hear it.” 😂
He’s also a big goofball once you know him, with a personality that keeps you laughing. Just wait until you see him stand on his back legs waiting for treats, it's hilarious.
🌲 What He Loves
• Being outdoors and going on adventures (just not in the heat — he’s not about that life). He especially likes if you let him stop and smell alllllll the roses. He really loves to enjoy his surroundings!
• A consistent routine
• Having his person
• Space to decompress and do his own thing
🧠 Training & Behavior
Howard is smart, and he loves treats. Consistency is everything with him!
• He has barrier reactivity (kennel, doors, leash) and may bark/lunge at bikes or moving cars
• He’s working on “leave it” and does well when redirected with high-value treats
• Impulse control is key — he needs structure and clear boundaries
• He will bark when he’s impatient (like when you’re letting him out of his kennel) — he needs you to wait him out and reward calm behavior.
Think of him as a dog who thrives with leadership and routine — not chaos or guesswork.
🏡 Home Requirements
Howard is looking for a very specific kind of home where he can truly thrive:
• Adult-only home
• Only pet — he wants all the attention to himself
• Patient, dog-savvy adopter who understands behavior and boundaries
• Someone who will respect his space and advocate for him
👋 Meeting New People
Howard does best with slow, controlled introductions. He does not appreciate people getting in his space right away.
Pro tip: skip the head pats — those are for his inner circle only. Start with butt scratches and let him decide when you’ve made the cut. 😌
Howard isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay.
But for the person who gets him? He’s a loyal, hilarious, adventure-loving companion who will absolutely be your ride-or-die.
If you’re looking for a dog with personality, opinions, and a whole lot of character… Howard might just be your guy.
Howard is eligible for our Foster-to-Adopt program, which means you can take some time to get to know him in your home before finalizing the adoption. It’s a great way to ensure the perfect fit!
-----------------------------------------
If you’re interested in adopting, please apply online at mscrescue.org/adopt.
