Phoebe

Available

6 months- 2 years|Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler, Rat Terrier|Female|Medium|Garden City, NY

🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart🚽 House Trained

Phoebe

Available

6 months- 2 years|Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler, Rat Terrier|Female|Medium|Garden City, NY

🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart🚽 House Trained

Phoebe is a young, medium-sized Australian Cattle Dog/Rat Terrier mix with a short coat who currently lives in Garden City, NY. She is spayed, vaccinated, and house trained. Though her exact weight isn't noted, she's described as around 25 pounds and isn't expected to grow much more. Phoebe doesn't have any special needs and is looking for a patient adopter to help her gain confidence.

About Phoebe

Phoebe is a 9-month-old Australian Cattle Dog/Rat Terrier mix currently in foster care and searching for her new best friend. She weighs around 25 pounds and isn't expected to get much bigger. When she first arrived, Phoebe was terrified of pretty much everything new, choosing to watch from her open crate rather than join in. Her adopter will need to be patient and give her space to get comfortable at her own pace. Once she feels safe, Phoebe’s vibrant personality comes forward—she loves running and exploring the fenced yard, playing with balls, and even enjoys romping in the snow, despite coming from down South. Phoebe truly lights up around other dogs, playfully inviting them to join her and respecting boundaries when told no. A dog playmate is a bonus, but not required. She hasn't been tested with cats. Because Phoebe can get jumpy when she's excited, homes with small children aren’t recommended. She is already house trained (with only minor mistakes possible as she adjusts) and keeps her crate clean overnight. This girl is clever—she knows several commands, but will need continued training, especially around leash walking and basic manners. Her foster is a certified dog trainer and will offer a free session after adoption. Phoebe is spayed and up to date on vaccinations. She still startles easily with car rides and needs time to acclimate to new places. She is a chewer, so she’ll need plenty of chew toys and gentle guidance away from things like blankets. Phoebe is a quirky, smart pup eager to form a close bond and be someone’s loyal friend. She is being fostered in Pittsfield, MA, but can be adopted in neighboring states as well. Ready to fall in love? Hit apply and lets get started.

Questions about Phoebe

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Phoebe is an Australian Cattle Dog/Rat Terrier mix and does best in active homes with access to secure outdoor space. She thrives in environments where she can run and explore, but will also need a quiet spot for decompression.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
Australian Cattle Dog and Rat Terrier mixes like Phoebe do well with a secure, fenced yard where they can play, explore, and burn off energy, but daily walks and time outdoors are important if a yard isn't available.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Phoebe’s breed mix can be suitable for homes with older children who understand boundaries, but because she gets jumpy when excited, she's best placed with adults or families without small children.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
Phoebe's mix tends to be smart and sensitive, often fitting best with experienced dog owners or those willing to invest in training and patience, especially since she can be timid and needs confidence building.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Phoebe gets along very well with other dogs and enjoys their company, making her a great fit for multi-dog households or for joining a family with a playful canine friend.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Phoebe has not been tested with cats. Typically, Cattle Dog and Rat Terrier mixes may have high prey drive, so careful introductions and supervision are necessary with cats.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
Due to her breed heritage of herding and hunting, Phoebe may have a strong prey drive. Supervision and gradual introductions are advised if small animals are present.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Like many Cattle Dog and Rat Terrier mixes, Phoebe is cautious with new people and environments, taking her time to warm up and feel comfortable before engaging.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Phoebe is young and developing her confidence but can tolerate short periods alone, especially if she has her crate and enriching toys. Over time, with patience, she may be able to be alone for a standard workday.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Phoebe is bright and eager to learn, but her breed mix does best with consistent, positive reinforcement training. Structured training helps her confidence and channels her energy productively.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Phoebe falls into the medium-size range, being about 25 pounds, which is typical for her breed combination.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
Australian Cattle Dog/Rat Terrier mixes like Phoebe often live between 12 and 16 years with good care and regular veterinary visits.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Phoebe’s short coat will likely shed moderately throughout the year, with seasonal increases, so regular brushing helps manage loose hair.