Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Story
Socialization: Harlie is shy with new people and timid in new environments, especially with people she does not know. Once Harlie knows and is comfortable with a person, she will be very affectionate and cuddly, but she needs time to trust and feel safe with humans. She tends to warm up to women more quickly than men, but she has learned to be comfortable with the one man who goes frequently to Rescue Ranch, and she will go to him for pets. Harlie absolutely loves other dogs and warms up very fast to new doggie friends. So far, she has not met any dogs she doesn't like. When she first arrived at Rescue Ranch and joined the play group, she was submissive and a little uncertain with the 4-5 other dogs there, but within 2 minutes, her tail was up and wagging, and she was happily chasing them around the play yard and wresting with the other puppies. Harlie definitely needs a home with at least one other friendly dog in the family. We have not observed Harlie with cats in quite a few months, but the foster home she was born in did have cats and she lived with them for the first 4 months of her life. With careful introductions, she could probably live well with cats, but we cannot say for certain.
Training: Harlie is generally pretty well behaved. Like any puppy, she will occasionally chew on things if they are left lying around or if she gets bored, and she might steal food if it was left sitting out on a counter, but she is not destructive and doesn't chew on furniture or anything like that. She currently settles very well in her kennel at Rescue Ranch and rests calmly there after a play session and/or potty break, but she would do best with a chew toy or two in the create with her as she sometimes chews on her blanket when she gets bored. Harlie knows sit, and has a pretty solid recall. But she is young, so there always room for improvement. She very attentive and picks up on things quickly. I believe Harlie would behave well in the house, and she is easy to correct if she does something that isn’t okay. She is very clean in her kennel as long as she gets time outside before bedtime.
Activity requirements: Harlie is a typical setter puppy and definitely has normal puppy energy. She is used to getting multiple opportunities to run in the large play yard with her doggie friends each day, and she settles calmly afterward, but she would certainly need more than a couple of mellow leash walks each day. A perfect home for her would have a large fenced yard and some doggie friends to play with. We have not done a lot of leash walking with her at Rescue Ranch - she doesn't pull terribly on leash, but she can get startled and might bolt if something scared her, so a secure harness and/or double leash would be recommended, especially in the beginning.
Fence requirements: A home with a fenced yard would be ideal, but we would consider another situation if she had regular access to safe dog parks or doggy day care where she could play and expend her energy. The fence at Rescue Ranch is 6 feet tall and she has never attempted to challenge the fence. I think a shorter fence would be OK for her - she'd certainly be capable of jumping a 4' fence, but she hasn't shown the inclination to try to jump or climb the fence with us.
Personality: Harlie is a very sweet puppy who just needs time and patience to feel safe with new humans. Once she knows and trusts you, however, she is very loving and affectionate. After her playtime at Rescue Ranch, she loves to come inside and snuggle up on the couch and she is happy to have you stroke her long, silky fur. She is very playful with other dogs and has a great temperament with them. With doggie friends, she is very happy and easy-going and gets along with everyone. She is not dominant at all and seems to read the signals from other dogs very well and behaves accordingly.
Health history: Harlie is spayed, microchipped, up to date on all her shots, on monthly heartworm prevention and healthy and in good condition. Like all dogs who originate from Greece or other countries where Leishmaniasis is endemic, she will need to be tested annually. Her test was negative on 4/25/2026 and she will be due for her next test in April of 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: A home with at least one other friendly and social dog is an ABSOLUTE MUST for Harlie. She adores other dogs and takes her cues from them, so having other friendly dogs in the family will help her trust and feel safe with her human family as well. She needs a family that will give her time and patience to get to know them. She does have typical young setter energy, so she needs exercise at least a couple of times during the day and then will relax well in the house. A family that is willing to invest in training with her would probably be beneficial, but it will be important to start slow and let her take things at a pace that she is comfortable with. Given that Harlie is fearful with new people, particularly men, an in-person meet and greet will be required to adopt her.
Foster location: Delton, MI
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