Rue (ADOPTED!) is approximately 12-18 months old, and weighs between 35-40 lbs. She has a quiet, gentle and very sweet personality. She meets all people and animals very politely, and loves to play running games with other dogs. Rue has a soft personality and is a very loving girl. However, as a young herding breed dog, she needs her exercise, playtime and guidance.
Rue rides very quietly, and nicely in a car, sometimes putting her head out the window to sniff the air. She is an extremely bright and attentive girl, who adores human companionship and attention. Rue is very happy be your own personal shadow, following right at your heels. She stays so close, that if you stop suddenly, she may bump into your leg. She will sit for treats, and takes them very nicely. Rue met our fosters' three other dogs very nicely, and tried to make friends with their cat, who swatted her several times. She put up with the swats and it was clear that she is great around cats. We have not yet seen Rue around children. She has shown no interest in her fosters' chickens, and was a little fearful when seeing the pigs for the first = time.
Our girl walks fairly nicely on leash, but could use a little work to be perfect. Rue seems to be completely house trained and crate trained. She is wonderful when playing with other active playful dogs, and can run like the wind! Rue could be a useful stock dog. Her foster mom tested her on sheep, and Rue does have some herding instinct. During their herding session, Rue herded the sheep, but when she tried to direct them using a nip to the heels, it was so soft that the sheep didn't react at all! For a cattle dog, Rue tends to have a very well easy, go with the flow personality. However, she is still cattle dog with a mind of her own. When her foster made Rue sit on the sidelines after her turn herding, to give her own dog a turn with the sheep, Rue protested with a demanding bark to tell her that she was not happy on the sidelines. It was her first time and she was having fun. Once Rue learns routines and situations, she will understand what to expect.
Rue would do very well in a multiple pet home situation, where she can continue to play with and have the companionship of both humans and other dogs and maybe cats. Since Rue is still very young, we are seeking a home for her that will have the ability to reinforce her good behavior, give her structure and basic obedience training, as well as the exercise, play time, socialization, and loving care that this very sweet soul deserves.