Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Socialization: Marios has never met a stranger! Strangers have loved to interact with him, as he will rest his head gently on their hands and look into their eyes. Talk about a schmoozer! He is well socialized with men and women, and while kids are currently unknown, we suspect he would do well with children given a calm introduction. Marios is extremely snuggly, and has picked “his person” in the foster home who he will dote on, cuddle with, and follow as a little shadow. He still loves the other adult in the home, providing plenty of snuggles, but his “person” is who he looks to for guidance, instruction, and routine.
Marios loves other dogs. He would do best with another dog friend in the home to help his confidence. He is submissive and loves to wrestle and play vocally with dog friends, both big and small. He will rub his backside on a dog to try to instigate play, like a cat - it is very cute! He shares toys with the other dog in his foster home without issue. He has a 10/10 review at his doggy daycare, too! As for cats, Marios has expressed interest in outdoor cats, but has not interacted closely with them. However, he has met outdoor chickens, and he was easily corrected within a few days; now he coexists with them and ignores them when loose together. He does want to chase if they are running, but listens well when told no. He appears to have a lower prey drive compared to most setters. Given clear boundaries, we suspect he could live with cats.
Training: Marios is still learning the ropes of living indoors. He is housetrained, no longer countersurfs, and understands “down” with a clear pointing down to get off furniture. Marios eats meals in his crate, but he is not comfortable being left home alone in a crate. We give Marios access to our dog-proof living room when we leave for short increments (1-2 hours). He will bark or whine for several minutes, but settles down on the couch comfortably with our dog for company and sleeps until we return. Marios benefits from clear boundaries. From day one, we established what furniture he was allowed on (the couch) and not allowed on (the bed), as well as what he could and couldn’t chew. He has learned quickly, but will likely need these boundaries reestablished in his new home. He does not like when his people leave him, although he has not been destructive and settles within 15-20 minutes. He will whine when first left alone, which can last up to 15 minutes, so he would not be suitable for apartment living. In two weeks, he is up to two hours by himself uncrated without issues. Adopters should be willing to continue training to work up to extended periods alone.
Activity requirements: Marios is an easy keeper. His routine is a morning romp in the backyard, a leash walk in the evening, and backyard play afterwards including fetch and wrestling with the dog in the home. We leash walk him once a day, and he walks easily with no pulling. He will reliably potty on leash too. He settles down wonderfully in the home with a great off-switch. While his energy level is manageable, he gets out most of his energy by playing with our dog in the home. He does self-entertain with toys as well, but he would greatly benefit from another dog in the home to play with and learn from.
Fence requirements: Marios loves to zoom around the backyard, but he would be a candidate for a home that has leash walks twice a day and visits dog parks regularly. For a fenced yard, it would need to be escape-proof, as he does test boundaries with fence gaps and unlatched gates. He has not shown an interest in climbing our fence or jumping it, but we would highly recommend “setter-proofing” the fence due to his risk of departure.
Personality: If you’re looking for a new best friend that doubles as your own personal shadow, Marios is your guy. He loves his person, and he loves the people that come with his person! Bonus points if the person has a dog. Marios’s ideal day consists of a leash walk, playing with another dog, chewing on a toy, and taking a nap on the couch. He is an expert snuggler. If you are near him, expect him to rest his head on your leg or shoulder with his soulful puppy eyes looking up at you. His fur is soft as can be, which makes the snuggles even better. Marios has been a hoot in the neighborhood. Everyone thinks he’s a puppy due to his size! His hobbies include sitting in the backyard squeaking his tennis ball, and chasing the tennis ball, bringing it close… and dropping it several feet away from you before stopping by for snuggles. He hasn’t quite mastered “fetch” yet! While Marios is a confident dog, he is still timid as he’s learning the ways of the world. In busy environments, he will be fearful, but given time and patience, he actively works through his fears. His trainer described him as “resilient,” and we agree. With that being said, his adopter should be alert in high stimulation environments, as his first reaction is to flee from the scary stimuli!
Health history: Marios was emaciated when he was found by the rescue, and he had an ear infection. He is continuing to put on weight, and his ear infection has since cleared. He is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention. His next leishmaniasis test is due in September, 2026.
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: Marios would benefit from an experienced dog owner, especially one with another playful dog in the home, or an adopter who is committed to working with a trainer to continue building his confidence. He has a soft temperament and learns best from R+ training.
Foster location: Gainesville, FL
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