Bandit

Bandit — A Loyal, Mellow and Devoted Blue Cattle Dog

DOB: 1 June 2022
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
Weight: 23.4 kg
Vet work: Completed

Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/

Meet Bandit, a handsome Blue Cattle Dog with a loyal heart, an obedient nature and a wonderfully relaxed personality at home.

Bandit is very human-focused and loves being close to his people. He is happiest when included in everyday family life and will need a home where he is welcome indoors rather than being left outside on his own. Once settled, he is a happy, mellow and easygoing companion who enjoys affection, good company and, very importantly, his tucker.

He loves children and enjoys their attention, although he can become a little excitable during play. For that reason, he may be better suited to a family with school-aged children rather than very young children who could accidentally be knocked over.

Like many Cattle Dogs, Bandit is loyal and naturally protective of his home and family. He can be suspicious of unfamiliar people entering his yard without warning and will sound the alarm when he believes something is not right. He recently made his feelings very clear when his foster mum’s son-in-law entered unexpectedly. Bandit will therefore need sensible management around visitors, with calm, controlled introductions rather than people simply walking into his yard unannounced.

He is not a noisy dog and does not bark unnecessarily. His foster carer describes him as a very appropriate barker who generally only speaks up when he has something important to report.

Bandit is intelligent, compliant and eager to please. He sits on command, has good recall and is learning to shake hands. His foster mum can even call him away when he becomes interested in chasing a kangaroo, which says a great deal about how responsive he is to his person. He should continue to thrive with kind, consistent training and clear guidance.

He is very dog-friendly and lives happily with two female dogs, whom he adores. He is also remarkably tolerant of the adolescent Wolfhound in the home, who occasionally tries to assert herself by climbing all over Bandit. Bandit handles this with patience and good humour.

He is not currently living with another adult male dog, so introductions to unfamiliar males should be handled thoughtfully and gradually. An active, friendly female dog could be an ideal companion for him, although Bandit is sufficiently people-focused that he could also be happy as an only dog in a home where he receives plenty of companionship and attention.

Bandit has shown no concern around the birds housed in the backyard aviary. As this is different from living with free-ranging poultry, any introductions to birds outside an enclosure would still need to be carefully supervised. He has not been tested with cats.

He loves travelling in the car and sits calmly and comfortably in the back seat. He walks comfortably on leash and would be a wonderful companion for outings, adventures and an active lifestyle, while still being very content to relax at home once the day is done.

Bandit’s ideal home will offer secure fencing, indoor privileges, room to run and play, and people who appreciate the loyalty, intelligence and devotion of a Cattle Dog. In return, he will offer companionship, obedience, protection and the wholehearted love of a dog who truly wants to belong.

Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/