Tanuki (ADOPTED!) is around 4 months old, and currently weighs 19-20 lbs. Because of her perfect mask, her foster named her after the Japanese raccoon-dog.
UPDATE 6/17/16: After a few weeks feeling safe in a stable home environment, and after her sister was adopted, Tanuki is transforming into a regular playful, energetic cattle dog puppy! When the two girls were together, she may have felt the burden of responsibility for her sister. Once Rocket left, Tanuki has become much more playful. She is now a typical happy, busy puppy, who would love the space to run off her energy. This is NOT a pup who should be left alone in the house for several hours during the workday. She is also entering a chewing phase and enjoys gnawing on her rope toys and taking apart her soft, plush toys. Tanuki has recently started stealing shoes and puts them on her bed in her crate. She does not chew them, she only collects.
Tanuki and her sister were found living in a field, and after four days, the landowner realized that they would starve if nothing was done to help them. When the pups first arrived, Tanuki was the more serious and watchful of the two pups. She was the one who assessed new situations and made the decisions for both of them. When first meeting new people, she will initially run away to get distance from them, and observe. Once she decides a situation or person is safe, it didn't take long for her to come forward and give you kisses. Tanuki will soon begin playing and wants to be part of the activities. When she feels comfortable, she is very friendly, enjoys affection, petting, and cuddling. If a situation becomes noisy or chaotic she may run to hide in a protected space. Sudden moves or loud sounds will send her running for cover. For this reason, we do not recommend this pup for a household with young children. Tanuki's foster is socializing her each day, and she is becoming more friendly and outgoing everyday.
This pup is fine with cats. She likes protected spaces and is good relaxing in a crate. Currently, her foster is working to get her to walk on leash. Tanuki is doing well learning to walk on leash, but she will need continued work. While she has the cattle dog trait of being very bright and a thinking dog, she also has the trait of being willful and stubborn. She is an adorable playful puppy now, but will need a home where she can get plenty of mental and physical activity, and people who will continue the work of socializing her throughout the day, and teaching her basic manners and routines. Tanuki is all Australian cattle dog, and needs people who have experience with and understand these dogs. A large yard or acreage would be ideal for her.
I you would like to meet Tanuki, please begin our process by completing our adoption questionnaire (online form or download a hard copy). Please click on the Adopt tab near the top of the page, and scroll down to find the online Adoption Form. You can also email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have specific questions.