About Bella

Bella is a wonderful 2 1/2-year-old Australian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees cross.�%A0 She's like a 95lb, fluffy, Aussie, less intense than a purebred, but very much an Aussie on the inside.�%A0 Raised by an older couple who realized they couldn't provide enough stimulation for a big, young dog, she was entrusted to an experienced Pyrenees person...who adopted her out as a Purebred Pyrenees, to be a playmate/helper to a middle-aged, ACTUAL Pyrenees, guarding birds. I love Aussies, but wouldn't have knowingly adopted one, as I can't meet their needs.�%A0 I don't have a job for her that matches her instincts, and between work, school, and health issues, I don't have time and energy to offset that with structured play. She ADORES horses, she'll follow them around at a polite distance, and lie near where they're grazing and gaze worshipfully at them.�%A0 She ignores adult cats, and is gentle and fond with my foster kittens.�%A0 She has good house manners, likes to spend more of her time outdoors than in, but it is very important to her to be allowed in, and feel she is part of the family.�%A0 She walks pretty well on leash, sometimes pulls a little.�%A0 She is kind to little dogs, and will play with big dogs until they drop. She'll fetch a little (loses interest after a few throws).�%A0 But...she has more instinct to herd, than patrol. When the Pyrenees and Akbash run after predators, she tries to herd them away from the predator, darting back and forth in front of them, nipping at their legs.�%A0 As she's younger and more athletic than both, they have difficulty getting around her, or disciplining her.�%A0 She doesn't grab or chase birds, but she's not careful of them either, and she's big and incredibly fast.�%A0 She'll race through ducks, and trample or send them rolling.�%A0 And occasionally, when she thinks no one is looking, deliberately run into their midst and slide to a stop, gleefully watching them squawk and scramble She's very smart, affectionate, funny, mischievous, but really responsive and genuinely caring.�%A0 She's like a bright little boy who is perfect unless he's bored, then pulls a little prank, but is deeply contrite as soon as he sees you're really upset and not just slightly miffed. For the right person, she'd be a constant delight. She is spayed and current on shots.�%A0 Adopter must love and have experience with Aussies, have a big fenced area, another dog for her to play with, and a job or activities for her.�%A0 She'd love if you had kids and/or horses for her to adore.�%A0 Sterling references, and either a home visit, or pictures required.

Jackson County
Ashland, Oregon