Meet Ruger, a BIG beautiful 9 yr old standard wire, weighing in at 27 lbs. This boy was specifically bred for hunting. According to his previous owner, Ruger was originally purchased from a breeder in Utah who imported Ruger's parents from Romania specifically for their hunting genes. Ruger definitely has the high energy disposition and high prey drive of a hunting dog. He may be 9 yrs old but he will play fetch until the thrower's arm wears out. Ruger is the furthest thing from a senior couch potato. 

Ruger has been an only dog his entire life so he is used to "ruling the roost," so to speak. He is a major resource guarder when it comes to toys, balls, etc. Ruger believes EVERY toy is his toy. That's the main factor why Ruger needs to find a new home. Ruger's prior family has a small child who sometimes mistook Ruger's toys for her own. Ruger is not a fan of small children, cats or other dogs. He is learning how to fit into a pack so he might be alright with another dog on a case by case basis but definitely no small children, cats or any other animal that could be mistaken for prey should be present in Ruger's new home. 

Ruger would do best with an experienced doxie/dog owner. Ruger wants to run the show if his human(s) allow him to do so. He has a very loud bark and will use it to try to get what he wants. This boy would not do well in a living situation with shared walls, i.e. apt, townhome, condo. 

Ruger loves to go for walks and play fetch. He needs physical and mental activity/exercise to burn off his energy. An adopter with an active lifestyle would suit Ruger well. Ruger is smart and learns quickly but he is also stubborn (characteristic breed trait of doxies). Ruger was used to sleeping on a dog bed in his previous owner's bedroom. He needs a forever home where he can continue sleeping close to his human or he will bark after everyone turns in and especially if anyone moves around in the night! If he’s not near his human through the night he will give a very loud barking 6:00 a.m. wake up call to the house! Ruger is house trained and even knows commands such as drop, sit, down, rollover.

If you live in a house with a secure yard, and if you are experienced with strong willed dogs and have a physically active lifestyle outside the home (hiking, camping maybe, regular long brisk walks, etc.), please submit an adoption application for Ruger. He will make a perfect wingman for the right person.

10.4.22 Update from Ruger’s foster mom: 

Ruger doesn't try to get up on the furniture. He keeps all 4 paws on the floor. He flies in and out of the doggy door! He loves having free access to the big fenced yard. He’s getting along reasonably well with the other dogs in his foster home. It’s obvious that Ruger is used to being an only dog because he tries to demand all the human attention. One of the dogs in the house will pin Ruger down on his back and put Ruger in his place when necessary. Never anything serious, just dominance display. 

In summary, Ruger is a high energy, high maintenance, toy obsessed boy. He is definitely the right person's dream dog. Ruger would be happiest as an only dog where he is allowed to sleep near his human(s).