Ruby

Available

3-7 years|Labrador Retriever, Cattle Dog|Female|Medium|Oklahoma City, OK

🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🙈 Shy🚽 House Trained

Ruby

Available

3-7 years|Labrador Retriever, Cattle Dog|Female|Medium|Oklahoma City, OK

🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🙈 Shy🚽 House Trained

Ruby is a sweet adult female Lab/Cattle Dog mix with a short red coat, currently in Oklahoma City, OK. She is house trained, spayed, and up to date on her vaccinations. Ruby enjoys the comfort of a kennel and has a friendly, affectionate personality. She does well with both dogs and cats, given the right introductions.

About Ruby

Ruby is a 3-year-old, 60 lb Lab/Cattle Dog mix with a short, reddish coat and a personality that stands out just as much as her looks. As a puppy, she overcame a bout of strangles, which left some facial scarring—though this doesn’t bother her or slow her down. If anything, it gives her smile some extra charm. House trained and comfortable in her kennel, Ruby settles in easily when her people are away. She enjoys walks and is picking up leash manners quickly. Out on walks, Ruby is content to focus on the world around her, usually unfazed by passing dogs. Toys are a big deal for her—she loves chew bones, Kongs, and stuffed toys, keeping herself entertained and happy. She sticks close to her humans at home, whether it’s cuddling on the couch or relaxing nearby. While sweet and people-focused, Ruby’s still working on building her confidence and sometimes gets anxious or overstimulated in new environments. This can show up as excited jumping, which she’s learning to redirect with help and consistency. Ruby does best in a calm, adult-only home with an experienced adopter who understands anxious or reactive dogs. She’s open to living with an easygoing, medium-to-large dog companion who isn’t pushy, or a very dog-savvy cat with careful introductions. She isn’t a fit for homes with small pets or younger children. A professional trainer described Ruby as happy-go-lucky and eager to bond, with real potential to shine once her anxiety is managed. She needs someone ready to invest 3–6 months of structured work to help her thrive, offering patience and a steady environment. Affectionate, smart, and full of love, Ruby is searching for a person or family that can help her continue to grow. She will reward your commitment with loyalty and plenty of affection. They are waiting with paws crossed! Apply now!

Questions about Ruby

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Ruby, as a Labrador Retriever and Cattle Dog mix, does best in a home with space to play and a calm, structured environment. She thrives with people who provide routine and mindful guidance.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
A Labrador/Cattle Dog mix like Ruby benefits from a yard or regular outdoor activities. She enjoys walks and needs opportunities to sniff, explore, and burn energy safely.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
While Labradors are often family dogs, Cattle Dog mixes like Ruby do best in adult-only homes—especially since she’s sensitive and working on confidence. She’s not ideal for homes with young children.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
Ruby’s breed mix and her anxious tendencies mean she needs an experienced adopter familiar with nervous or reactive dogs. She’ll do best with someone comfortable with structured training.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Ruby gets along with some dogs, especially calm, well-mannered companions. Generally, Labrador/Cattle Dog mixes can be dog-friendly if socialized and matched with the right playmate.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Ruby can cohabit with a calm, dog-savvy cat if introduced carefully. Some Lab/Cattle Dog mixes can adapt to cats, but it depends on the individual temperament and slow introductions.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
Due to herding instincts and high prey drive from the Cattle Dog side, Ruby isn’t a good match for homes with small pets or pocket animals.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Ruby is people-friendly once comfortable, though she can be anxious meeting new people. Her mix is generally sociable but may need time and positive reinforcement for new introductions.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Ruby does well in her kennel when left alone for moderate periods. Generally, Lab/Cattle Dog mixes shouldn’t be left for excessive hours, but short absences are manageable with structure.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Ruby needs consistent, positive training with clear boundaries. Her breed is smart but benefits from experienced, firm guidance and patience. Ongoing work helps her stay confident.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
At 60 lbs, Ruby fits the typical range for a Lab/Cattle Dog mix, which often falls in the medium to large size category.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
Labrador Retrievers and Cattle Dogs both generally live 12 to 15 years, so Ruby can be expected to be with her family for many years to come.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Ruby has a short coat and, like most Lab mixes, will shed moderately throughout the year, with some seasonal increases. Regular brushing helps manage the shedding.