Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Not good with cats,
Needs experienced adopter,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Birdie!
A sensitive and stunning three-and-a-half-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix from Los Angeles, CA, whose brilliant red mottled coat and expressive eyes reflect a spirit as deep as it is determined.
Birdie is the kind of girl who could write a memoir on resilience and self-growth. After spending over a year in a shelter, she’s made tremendous progress and now thrives with daily structure, gentle guidance, and lots of love. This intelligent, medium-sized explorer (about 55 lbs of curiosity and cuddles) has blossomed with the help of weekly force-free training and consistent care—and she's ready to bring that same dedication to a new family.
She's a trick enthusiast—whether it’s “put it in the box,” leash-fixing on command, or offering her left or right paw, Birdie loves to perform for her favorite people (especially if she has an audience!). Her ideal day includes hiking wooded trails, wading through streams, grazing in the grass, and rolling gleefully on dried sweet potatoes. When the adventure winds down, she’s all about snuggling, brushing sessions, and curling up upside down with a big, cow-like sigh of contentment.
Birdie has a sweet and playful nature and gets along well with most other dogs, both big and small. She's done especially well with familiar canine friends and lights up into a wiggly goofball when she sees someone she loves. That said, Birdie has a documented bite history, including several inhibited nips in high-stress or overstimulating situations. These occurred during her initial transition out of the shelter—before her caregivers fully understood her triggers. They involved unfamiliar guests entering the home unexpectedly, fast-moving children, and surprise interactions with visitors. Importantly, none of the incidents resulted in punctures, and all have been manageable through proactive, thoughtful management and training.
Since then, her behavior has improved significantly with professional guidance and a consistent, structured routine. She’s fully crate- and house-trained, walks beautifully on leash, has excellent recall, and is now even easing off her anxiety medication thanks to all her progress! She may need a little extra support in high-energy or unfamiliar situations, but with the right caregiver—one who understands working breeds and offers calm leadership—Birdie shines!
Birdie is spayed, fully vaccinated, and microchipped. She is most compatible with a family who works from home, has a fenced yard, and enjoys outdoor adventures as much as she does. While she hasn't met many cats, she's generally friendly with other dogs and appreciates slow introductions.
We’re including a full month of behavioral guidance from our consultant to help Birdie settle in. Her new family will have compassionate support every step of the way to feel confident, connected, and at home.
Ready to welcome a soulful sidekick with a heart as big as her smile? Birdie might just be the perfect match for your pack! Reach out to adopt@joyfulpets.com to learn more.
