Meet Chulo! A spirited almost seven-year-old Labrador Retriever/Mastiff/Black Mouth Cur mix currently in Austin, TX, whose essence is a joyful blend of heart, strength, and sunshine wrapped in a handsome tan coat. Chulo is the kind of companion who turns everyday moments into mini adventures! Whether he's diving into a game of catch, sprinting through the yard, or dancing through sprinklers with tail-wagging delight, this boy lives for movement and play. His goofy personality is an absolute delight! He’s the kind of pup who can entertain himself with a chew toy one moment and then come check in with you the next, ready to be your loyal sidekick. He’s incredibly empathetic, one of those rare dogs who seems to sense when your day’s been tough and quietly leans in with comforting presence. Chulo enjoys company but also respects solo time, balancing affection and independence in a way that makes every day feel easy and full of connection. Chulo gets along wonderfully with other dogs and has a friendly spirit, even if he didn’t grow up socializing often. He’s crate-trained, house-trained, and knows basic cues like sit, stay, lay down, and paw. He’s also got a charming way of "talking" with gentle gruffs when he wants attention, and while he’s generally quiet, you might hear a bark if someone knocks at the door. Chulo has developed some anxiety, particularly around feeding times, and has moderate food-related resource guarding that has gradually escalated over time. During feeding routines, he may growl, stiffen, or air snap if someone gets too close to his food, and there has been one bite incident that broke skin after multiple warnings were given. Outside of feeding situations, Chulo is affectionate, social, and does not guard toys or other objects. His family has transitioned him to an automatic feeder, which has helped reduce direct interaction during meals. He does best when given space while eating and would benefit from an experienced adopter who can continue managing his feeding routine safely in a calm, structured environment with clear routines and positive reinforcement. With his affectionate nature, eagerness to bond, and zest for outdoor fun, Chulo is ready to bring joy and companionship into the right home, especially one that understands his needs and can offer the guidance he thrives on. He’d love a fenced yard, patient guidance, and plenty of tennis balls! Could your family be the next chapter in Chulo’s playful, heartfelt story? If you're interested in providing Chulo with a loving home, please email adopt@joyfulpets.com for more information on adopting him! Please note that Chulo will remain with his current family until a suitable new home is found for him. Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.