Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Socialization: Russell is a very friendly, social, and loving boy. He ADORES his people and wants to be as close to you as possible. Our Rescue Ranch team has observed that he can be a little standoffish with strangers when he is in his kennel, but when free, he seems comfortable meeting people. For those he knows, he loves to give hugs, so we are working on teaching him only to jump up and hug if invited to do so. Russell has been friendly with both men and women, but he is nervous around the toddler of one of our Ranch employees. We think he would do well with children above the age of 7 and would love to have some school aged or older children in his family. Russell is a very people-oriented dog, but he also gets along well with other dogs. He did have some humping behaviors in the beginning, but that has steadily decreased as he has settled in with us. Despite the occasional humping, he's gotten along well with all the other dogs in his travel group in Greece and at Rescue Ranch. He's become best friends with our shy girl Harlie, and they love to play together. While he is good with other dogs and will play, Russell is happiest when he is beside his people getting love and attention. We have not personally seen Russell interact with cats, but his rescuer in Greece told us that she tested him with cats and he didn't show any signs of aggression at all. Since we haven't seen him with cats ourselves, we would recommend very careful and supervised introductions.
Training: He is very intelligent he knows "Sit" and "Lay Down". Currently, we are working on his "Place" command and working on leash manners. He does tend to pull on the leash but is getting better and better with each training session. Russell has some food insecurity which makes him very eager to eat. He just needs time to understand that he is going to get fed every day and be able to rely on his people for that nutrition. Feeding him with a slow feeder bowl has been a huge help in slowing him down and letting him enjoy his food. Russell is generally well-behaved inside, although he has tried to mark a few times, but that behavior is becoming less and less with time. I would recommend using a belly band inside initially to help teach him not to lift his leg indoors, but he is learning rapidly. He is calm and sweet inside and does not chew on things he shouldn't. He is crate trained and settles down nicely in his kennel.
Activity requirements: Russell is an active boy and needs regular daily exercise, but he also likes to relax and hang out with his people and his doggy friends. A fenced yard is always ideal, but a couple of long walks a day would also be sufficient for him. Russell has enough energy to keep up with all your adventures, but he can also be calm and chill out at home as long as he's had some exercise. Russell does still pull some on the leash, but we are working on that, and he is improving every day.
Fence requirements: A fenced in backyard would be perfect for Russell, but I do think he could be trained to an invisible fence or be fine with regular walks and hikes. He does not have a huge prey drive that we have seen, and he has not tried to challenge the fence at all.
Personality: Russell is a very people-focused dog. He is desperate for love and affection and really wants to be with people. He likes to be as close to you and possible, and he thinks hugs are awesome. He will happily follow you around wherever you go, and if he can lean against you, that's even better. He does also like to play with the other dogs... but generally he does so in bursts and then will return to his people. If you don't mind sharing your couch with a big boy, Russell would love to spend his evenings snuggled up watching TV with you!
Health history: Russell is in great health. All his blood tests for parasites and infectious diseases were negative and he is microchipped, neutered, fully vaccinated and on monthly tick/flea and heartworm prevention. He was quite skinny when first rescued, but he has filled out well now, and his body condition is excellent. His next leishmaniasis test is due January 2027.
This dog originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80.
Foster comments: Russell is hoping for a family that will love him as much as he will love you! He would love to be able to be close to his people as much as possible, so a family who works from home or who could take him along to work would be ideal for him. That said, he does not have any separation anxiety and will relax at home in a kennel as long as he's had some exercise before hand. Russell does enjoy the water and will stand with his feet in the bucket on a warm day, so a family with a pool, river/lake, or beach nearby would be wonderful... but at the end of the day, as long as he is loved, Russell doesn't care where he lives!
Foster location: Delton, MI
Transport note: We are able to arrange volunteer transport to get dogs from their foster home to their adopter as long as the adopter and the foster are within a 1,000 mile radius of each other and the adopter is located in the USA. If the adopter is more than 1,000 miles from the foster home, adoption would only be possible if the adopter is willing to drive the distance beyond the 1,000-mile transport limit. Long distance adoptions may also be possible if the adopter is willing to pay for a flight for getting their dog from the foster home to their location if the foster feels this is an appropriate arrangement for the specific dog. Canadian adopters would have to drive into the USA to pick up their dog, as we do not transport outside of the USA.
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