Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Socialization/training: Sheba is a very bright dog! She is housebroken, learned basic commands quickly, and is spatially aware of critters in the yard. Whomever adopts Sheba will need to agree to being patient while she figures out that she is in a safe environment. She is randomly anxious about random people and gives them a wide berth, but warms up given time and patience. After arriving, she was fearful of lots of things—puffer coats, the laundry room, the screen door. She’s figured out she’s safe and adjusted accordingly. She’s so bright, so if she has some fears in her new home, give it time, help her understand, and she’ll be good. Sheba is so very affectionate and wants to sit on people’s laps, but respects boundaries. She has not been around toddlers or babies. She is in a home with lots of teenagers, Sheba loves them! There’s still a little puppy behavior that needs correction like jumping up on people and moving shoes around the house, but is very well behaved for her age.
Sheba has been with two adult dogs the last few months and spent a week with another family with a dog. Her pattern of behavior with other dogs is to try to be in charge. To that end, she will growl and tussle (not biting). If the other dog is wimpy, she has continued to try to be in charge. Being put in her place once by a more alpha dog has resulted in her being submissive to that dog permanently. While the dogs seem to have worked out the pecking order and play together, we do feel that Sheba would do best with a dog that is clearly an alpha. She could also be a great only-dog. Initially, she was starting tussles over bones and food a lot; we haven’t seen this behavior in weeks, so we are confident that wherever she goes, she will find her place. Sheba has two cats in her foster home. She does like to chase them sometimes, but she will snuggle up with the more tolerant cat. She’s gotten the double-ninja cat clobber a few times and respected their space after that life lesson. Sheba gets carsick so she has been given chewable meclizine (non-drowsy chewable Dramamine) prior to getting in the car.
Crate trained: Sheba is a gem in her crate and also goes into it by herself. No accidents and has only made noise overnight when she (truly) had to go out. She’s grown into a good sleeper and will sleep in on the rare chance the adults get to. She will also retreat to the crate if something new has made her feel nervous. (I’m looking at you, vacuum!) A crate in her forever home is advised.
Leash trained: Sheba is leash-trained but is very strong and goes full-throttle on it. The athletic middle-aged people in her foster home do a two-hand leash hold when she goes outside on a full run, so this dog would not be a candidate for anyone with mobility or balance issues. A martingale-style collar is a requirement as she tries to back out of her collar when anxious. We are working on heeling on walks, trying to balance wearing her out and it being very cold! Even if the humans don’t, Sheba loves the cold and snow; the look on her face watching snowflakes and chasing them her first big snow was priceless. She would make a wonderful running companion after she learns how to walk in a straight line!
Activity Level: Sheba loves to play with other dogs, loves going for walks and running outside. She is playful and appropriate in house, mixing it up with playing and watching birds in the window. She likes to snooze in her crate or a favorite chair, especially when there is a person in the chair!
Fence: Fence is not required, but she would thrive with one as she loves playing outside. She would be able to learn an electric fence with training, but it will need to be done very carefully as her prey instinct is very, very high and she would take off running after birds in a heartbeat. Sheba springs over furniture like a deer, so there is a chance she could go over a 4’ chain-link. A no-fence home would require lots of exercise.
Behavior: Sheba is SO affectionate and eager to please with people. She’s been engaged, robustly playing, and happy. She wags her tail and smiles when you came to pet her! Whomever adopts Sheba will have to be prepared to work with her if she seems anxious at first. She’s extremely food-oriented, so smart, and so affectionate, so however it starts, we’re confident that she will find her way with guidance. She’s a great work-from-home dog as she self-entertains, playing with toys like a kitten, chewing on bones, etc.
Medical History: Sheba is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention. She does not have any medical issues. Her next leishmaniasis test is due October, 2025.
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: Sheba is an eight-month-old Setter mix who smiles more distinctly than any dog we’ve ever seen. When she’s happy, she makes a big smile face. She has very soft, thick fur and though she looks like dad was a Golden Retriever, she is over half English Setter, a chunk of Brittany, and a chunk of “supermutt.” Her coat is spot on Golden Retriever color even with a blonde tail/rump. She’s a beauty.
Sheba is a very sweet and very smart dog. She has some anxiety, but we’ve really seen her grow over the couple months she’s been with us. She’s playful, LOVES to snuggle with humans, loves other dogs, and is well-behaved. She’s learned to wait to be invited into a lap, sits without asking for leash, food, pets, goes into her crate when she’s tired at night, and often goes to the door when she has to go out. A high fence or electronic fence with a clear-cut training plan will be ideal for Sheba as she loves outdoors and has a very high prey drive that keeps her entertained (birds, critters, leaves, sticks… nothing is safe!). As she is under a year, she is a fifteen-year commitment! We estimate her final weight to be 35 lbs. She’s petite!
Foster Location: Madison, WI
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“Health Certificate”). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
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