RUGBY- BOXER/AMERICAN BULLDOG MIX?

STATE: near Hartford, CT 
AGE: about 2 years
DOB: unsure 
WEIGHT: 55 lbs (skinny)
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: yes/yes
COAT COLOR: white & brindle
CHILDREN under 4: no (no history)
CHILDREN OVER 4: unsure 
SEPARATION ANXIETY: No
OTHER DOGS: yes 
CATS: no (no history)
CRATE TRAINED: yes
HOUSE TRAINED: yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: somewhat 
LEASH TRAINED: no
MICROCHIPPED: no
ADOPTION FEE: $475

 

4/29/25-A little more background on Rugby, the shelter said he was found with another dog, a female about 40 lb mixed breed. They were both tied up to a fence next to each other. In the shelter, he seemed completely unfazed by all of the barking and the dog in the kennel next to him. He also met a dog at our vet, he went over to sniff it, no growling, only seemed interested.  He is a good boy! 

4/27/25-Rugby has been settling in really well, beginning to find his place in the house.  He’s starting to wag his tail, play a LOT, recognizes his name, brings us toys and is very persistent when he wants to play lol.  He LOVES fetch and tug of war.  He’s had the zoomies (we call them thunder runs because he makes noise and has so much power) and makes huge circles around the yard.  We did catch him trying to dig twice, and he responded well to “no”.  

Since he’s only been here a little over a week he is still a little nervous with houseguests.  He will give a low growl with them, but warms up quickly when treats are involved, then he will jump on the couch with company. He loves to come and sit on my feet, and watch me in the kitchen hoping I’ll slip him a little snack of cheese (one of his favorites).  We are trying to teach him to ring bells to go out, but Rugby seems content giving us his grunts.  Still no house accidents!  This boy loves attention and loves to sit and play outdoors.  If you’re looking for a playmate, Rugby is your guy!

4/23/25-Rugby is home and resting after his neutering appointment.  He did well in the car, loves looking out the window.  He has been settling in over the last few days.   He had some upset belly with the transition, which seems to be getting better with a bland diet.  We are slowly mixing in dry food now.  We have had toys strewn about the house, he enjoys playing and bringing toys over.  Tug of war is a favorite.  Rugby really enjoys being outdoors.  When we are inside one of his favorite spots is sitting in the den staring out the storm door.  He has full reign of the fenced backyard and has been laying around soaking up the smells.  He does chase the rabbits and squirrels around.  A little wary of house visitors but quickly adjusts.  He needs work with leash training.  He does pull quite a bit.  No house accidents yet.  He will put his paws up on the windowsill but responds well to “no” and gets down quickly.  No counter surfing as of yet.  He will jump on the bed but is more hesitant to get on the couch.  He will come up invited and once he does he will come in for lap snuggles.  He’s a very cute, soft, friendly boy with a lot of love to give.

4/19/25-Meet Rugby!  Rugby came to us yesterday afternoon from a shelter.  He spent the day yesterday decompressing, and fell asleep in the crate with zero difficulty.  This boy is exhausted.  He is very, very thin.  His ribs and hip bones are showing, so we have been giving him extra food and he is gobbling it right up.  I also noticed 2 little red spots on one of his paws.  I’m hoping those will get better with better food and accommodations.  He let us give him a bath and got brushed.  He appears to LOVE the outdoors.  Sniffing all over and marking his territory.  He definitely has the Boxer lean down pat!  This boy leans hard!  He also appears to know sit, stay, come, paw and down!  He is wearing his belly band to stop pre-neuter marking with no problems. 

04/18/25-Rugby is a sweet about 2 year old stray to a shelter we work with & no one claimed them. We think he is a boxer/American bulldog mix (but unsure, he’s not saying who is parents are! Lol).  He came in today thanks to his transport volunteer.  He has his neuter & heartworm test next Wednesday 4/23. Once he is neutered & we get to know him better too he will be ready to go to his new home.