Except for the floppy ears, Cinder (ADOPTED!) looks to be a pure Australian cattle dog (heeler). She weighs 30-35 lbs. and is about 1-year old. Cinder is an extremely sweet, loving dog, who wants to please her people. She is very much a velcro dog and will follow her chosen person wherever she can. She loves to give kisses and cuddle on the sofa.
For a young cattle dog, Cinder is moderate energy. She loves toys and will carry them around the house and yard with her. Cinder likes to play fetch and run around the yard, leaping over bushes and planters in her path. Cinder can be very playful and energetic, but for a young girl she is also very calm and likes to lounge around the house.
Cinder is a very smart girl; she knows sit, down, drop it, and is continuing to learn. She is completely housebroken and will let you know if she really needs to go outside. She rides quietly in the back of the car (not crated). Cinder also walks fairly well on leash, but is very cautious on walks, especially if on a busy street/sidewalk. A loud noise or a scary stranger approaching quickly can cause her to panic. She does best when running with and focusing on her person.
Cinder is good with calm dogs who respect her space and are not too forward. She will play with another dog once she feels comfortable. If another dog tries to keep at her, when she wants to stop interacting, Cinder can get grumpy and communicate that she wants to be left alone. She has reacted defensively when meeting dogs who are extremely busy, approach her quickly, and are in her face. We have not seen her with cats, but feel she may be fine with them - as she is with anyone who is not a threat to her.
For a young dog who is still just a pup, Cinder was found on her own, as a stray. This could be the reason for her nagging worries about her safety, especially in unfamiliar surroundings or when meeting a new person. Sudden moves and loud noises scare her. If strangers approach too quickly to greet her or startle her, Cinder may retreat, while growling, and may air snap if she feels cornered. She is quicker to warm up to people who are calm and, at first, don't focus on her, allowing her to approach at her own pace. Cinder has shown a bit of herding tendency. Once, while a visitor was seated, Cinder began to softly mouth her pant leg. No one knew what she was trying to do or communicate. For these reasons, we do not recommend Cinder for a home with small children.
When her people leave her alone, she will whimper softly but, only for a few minutes. Cinder is getting better at being left alone, and is NOT destructive in any way when alone. In her foster home she is beginning to learn that she is not being abandoned each time someone leaves. She often will sit by the window, watching for her person to return.
Cinder needs a quiet, calm home, with loving and patient forever companion(s) who will stay dedicated to working with her and show her the world is not so scary. Once she trusts someone, she will open up into a very playful, happy and loving pup, who is very enthusiastic about giving kisses.