Gunther was adopted on March 8, 2021
Have you herd? Gunther is ready for adoption!
Generally speaking, specific dog breeds show a predisposition for different types of behaviour, based on what they were historically bred to do.
Australian shepherds, for example, can exhibit their natural herding instincts which include stalking, chasing, nipping heels and staring. Bred to control other animals, they may not enjoy having another dog ‘get in their face’. Boston terriers often play by pawing, neck biting, and yes, boisterously jumping in another’s dog space. There are always exceptions to every rule, of course, but herding breeds and Bostons don’t always mix.
One such exception, of course, is Gunther – an Australian shepherd and a Boston terrier, together in one handsome package!
Recognizing his unique combination of breed traits, Gunther’s foster parents have provided an environment that offers him the daily mental and physical workouts he needs. While their suburban home doesn’t offer a handy herd of livestock, in addition to reinforcing basic obedience, Gunther is kept busy with puzzle toys and games, long walks where he can explore, treadmill exercise, and safe off-leash activities in secure areas.
Active with their own dogs in many sports, his fosters have introduced Gunther to a range of different activities, and he shows a natural ability for many, including agility. He is bright, eager to please, curious and willing to try new things. As they say, “Gunther wants to grow and learn. And be a good boy!”.
Boston terriers and Australian shepherds do have some things in common – their enthusiasm, energy and strong desire to be wherever you are.
Gunther will make a fantastic companion for someone who understands his needs, enjoys an active lifestyle, and is looking for an affectionate, dedicated friend who wants nothing more than to cuddle up with you after the day’s fun adventures have ended.
Gunther is healthy and has been fully vetted. As with most Boston terriers, his protruding eyes will need to be carefully watched for injury and other genetic conditions to which they can be prone. When he first came to Rescue, the pressure in Gunther’s eyes was high; the vet thinks that his eyes’ “drainage system” had been plugged, causing the pressure to build. Pressure is now steady and within the good normal range. Gunther’s eyes will need to be checked every few months to monitor this and catch it quickly should it happen again.
Because of his bouncy personality and herding instincts, he would do better with older, dog-savvy children. While Gunther does well with his canine foster siblings, he was obsessive with the cat in his previous home, to the point that we can’t recommend a home with felines.
GUNTHER • NEUTERED MALE • 3 YEARS OF AGE • 26 POUNDS • NO CATS • FOSTERED IN SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN
Note: From the time applications are opened, through the selection and screening process, adoptions can take approximately three weeks to finalize. We thank everyone who takes the time to apply, but only those who best fit each dog’s requirements in a forever home will be contacted.
and games. “Chew time”, training time, off-leash play, group dog walks and the treadmill all help to keep him active and occupied. Care must be taken not to get Gunther over-excited, as he will sometimes mimic the livestock herding behaviour in his DNA by nipping at human heels and the legs of the other dogs in his home.
INTRODUCING GUNTHER! 
Gunther is one of the most unique looking dogs we’ve ever had in our Rescue program. His foster parents say that photos just don’t do him justice – and the better you know him, the more handsome he becomes!
Gunther’s first couple of years were not the happiest. Eventually, he was headed to the shelter, when a caring person stepped in to bring him home with them.
There was a lot of catching up to do. Basic manners, housebreaking… all the “puppy” training he had missed out on. But the most pressing issue was Gunther’s obsession with the family cats. His prey drive towards the feline family members was so strong it was impossible for them to live safely together. As much as they wanted to provide Gunther with the family he deserved, the decision was made to transfer him to BTRC.
At just under 26 lbs., Gunther is a fit and active boy. His unusual breed mix, we have been told, includes the tenacious Boston Terrier and the Australian Shepherd, a working dog with strong herding instincts. His foster caregivers are knowledgeable and dog-savvy volunteers whose own dogs are very active in dog sports. Gunther is now enjoying physical as well as mental stimulation, with mind-engaging games and activities.
Friendly with people and the resident dogs, Gunther likes learning and working for rewards, and, of course, soaking up all the attention!
Gunther has recently undergone a full check-up at the vet. We are awaiting some routine test results, but overall, he’s a healthy boy.
Welcome Gunther! We’re excited about the wonderful things your future will hold!
NOTE: Gunther is being fostered in Saskatchewan, and is not ready for adoption as he still needs to be fully assessed. As soon as he is ready to find his forever home, we will open up the applications and let everyone know on social media. Followers of this page will be the first to know.