Adoption information
About Theo
Meet THEO (aka Teddy)
German Shepherd x Border Collie (Shollie)
Young | Intelligent | High-potential companion for the right home
Theo, affectionately known as Teddy, is a Shollie - a German Shepherd x Border Collie - with one important difference. His German Shepherd parent was a PANDA German Shepherd, a GSD that exhibits a rare gene that causes about 35% of his coat to be white in a traditionally non-white breed.
Friendly, social, and highly intelligent, Theo presents strongly toward the German Shepherd side in both personality and appearance. He is people-focused, thrives with structure and engagement, and responds exceptionally well to confident, consistent guidance. He knows all his basic commands.
Dog-friendly and well-mannered, he has lived successfully in multi-dog households, including his current foster home, where he demonstrates excellent etiquette around other dogs and food.
Around unfamiliar dogs or in larger groups, Theo may occasionally bark. This has been actively addressed through disengagement and focused training, with encouraging progress. He is eager to learn and quick to respond to clear direction.
Theo is cat-friendly, having grown up with a cat in his original home. He is cautious and respectful around felines, often choosing a toy over engaging directly.
Due to his size and strength at maturity and his puppy exuberance, Theo is best suited to a home with teenagers rather than young children. He cannot live with birds of any kind, including chickens, ducks, or other poultry, so a bird-free environment is essential for his long-term wellbeing.
An athletic dog with good jumping ability, Theo walks reasonably well on a K9 bridle but may pull on a collar or standard harness, so ongoing lead training is recommended. Secure fencing is essential to keep him safe.
Theo will thrive with a confident, experienced owner — ideally someone familiar with German Shepherds or similar working breeds — who can provide consistent training, mental stimulation, and clear leadership. In the right home, he has the potential to become an exceptional companion: loyal, intelligent, and deeply bonded to his people. He enjoys being indoors with his family, is house-trained, crate-trained, and accustomed to indoor privileges.
Theo will be desexed prior to adoption.
Adoption is by online application only:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions.
He received regular veterinary care and vaccinations through his local vet and is not yet desexed, following veterinary advice to allow for physical maturity before desexing, but will be desexed prior to adoption.
Watch videos of Theo
Adoption details
Dogs:
(1) The first step is to complete the online adoption application form at https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/ Please answer all questions and include photos of your yard and fencing.
(2) All applications will be considered by our Adoption Team, following which a "meet and greet" will be offered to the top-ranking applicant.
(3) If the “meet and greet" is successful, the applicant may adopt the dog and take him or her home the same day.
(4) For successful interstate applicants, different arrangements may apply and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Cats:
If you are interested in one of our cats or kittens, please click on the green "Enquire about ...", button, tell us a bit about yourself and the home you can offer the cat, and one of our volunteers will be in touch.
