Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Story
Mafita was rescued from the streets after a good samaritan saw her get hit by a car. She was brought to the vet and thankfully had no significant injuries. She was transferred to the shelter where she recovered well and quickly took up the role as bossy lady of the back area. She may be small, but she knows how to keep everyone in line.
She is social with other dogs and has extensive experience living in a group environment. Mafita does not typically initiate conflict but if another dog repeatedly bothers her or directs conflict toward her, she will respond and knows how to set clear boundaries.
Mafita is a very social and people-oriented dog. She enjoys human interaction, is comfortable with touch and handling, and walks very well on leash. Mafita does not show food aggression toward people. As with the other dogs coming from a group environment where food has historically involved competition, providing structured feeding and individual feeding spaces is recommended during her transition.
Because she has spent most of her life living with other dogs, Mafita could benefit from having a socially-appropriate canine companion in her future home. She does not require a yard and can adapt to apartment living as long as she receives regular walks, physical activity, enrichment, and appropriate social opportunities.
Mafita is an adorable little ball of love! She may be small, but she makes up for it with her big personality. Her short little legs allow her to duck under other dogs to budge in front to make sure she can get all the attention. She will climb into your lap for a cuddle, loves a good belly rub and will absolutely brighten your day no matter what your mood. She is a very happy go lucky dog, easy going with other dogs and an absolute joy to be around.
Overall, Mafita is a socially engaged dog who interacts comfortably with people and dogs and communicates when she needs space. Her good leash skills and comfort with human interaction should be helpful during her transition into a home.
Medical Notes: Treated for Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis. Periodontal disease grade 3. Dental cleaning scheduled after completion of doxycycline. Mass on inner cheek is most likely a lesion from dental tartar. Cytology of mass will be taken while cleaning is completed.
Good with men: Yes, she has had positive interactions with male caregivers, volunteers and the male veterinarian
Good with women: Yes
Good with kids: Yes
Good with other dogs: Yes
Good with cats: Unknown
House trained: Unknown, she has never been in a house before, however in the area that she is currently living in, there is an interior and exterior area and she knows to go to the bathroom outside on the gravel, versus on the tiled area where she sleeps. House training will be required when she is introduced into a home environment.
Crate trained: No
Energy Level: Medium
Can be handled/touched: Yes, she did well for her grooming and vet examination. She loves attention and affection from people.
Barker: Occasionally, she is nosy and likes to know what is going on. She joins in with other dogs barking.
Flight risk: Yes, after a long and stressful travel day from Mexico and being introduced to an entirely new environment, with new people and nothing being familiar she will be quite nervous and may try to run. Extra precautions should be taken to ensure she cannot escape a home or vehicle while she settles in.
Food aggressive: No food aggression towards people. She has always been in a group environment where food has historically involved competition so, providing structured feeding and individual feeding spaces is recommended during her transition.
Walks on leash: Yes, she walks very well on a leash
Leash reactive to people or dogs: No
Rides well in car: Yes, she has had limited experience with riding in cars but did well when she was in a car recently
Destructive: No known destructive behaviour
Needs a home with a yard: Preferred
Needs a home with another dog: Not necessarily, having a companion could help her adjust to her new environment. She is fairly confident on her own.
Can live in an apartment: Yes, as long as she receives regular exercise and enrichment Please visit our website niagaradogrescue.com to learn more about this amazing pet and to see other available dogs.
