About Apollo

This is Apollo - a neutered male Kelpie. He was picked up by Athens GA Animal Control and then moved to the Oglethorpe County GA high kill shelter where we adopted him on July 27, 2021. He was not surrendered and there is no history. The veterinarian thinks he is about 2 years old. He is highly intelligent, likes cats, is easy to walk and is not an incessant barker. He has quickly learned his basic commands and is now housebroken and sleeps in a crate at night. He is up to date on his vaccinations. Apollo has a lot of energy and would live his best life more outdoors 'working in some capacity and with an experienced 'herding breed' dog owner/trainer, preferably female as it is clear that he has a history of being physically abused by a man. In our house, he has resource guarding and gets protective and assertively barks when someone comes to the door or comes in the house. This makes for a great guard dog, but it does not work well in our small house with many kids coming and going. He has not bitten anyone in terms of a puncture wound, but has defensively growled and nipped when approached too quickly or startled. We have lots of small children pass through our household and can't risk an errant nip with them - this is why we have decided to surrender / rehome him. Outside our home, he seems fine and has not exhibited this behavior. We have not tested him in playing with other dogs, but he does very well walking in the park around many people and their dogs. He is in obedience class with 6 other dogs and is doing fine and is not reactive. He loves to play fetch and has learned to catch a frisbee. We have consulted with several canine behaviorists including some who specialize in herding breeds. All believe Apollo, as a young dog, has great potential to be a wonderful pet for someone who has an understanding of this breed's high energy level, need for 'work' and the commitment to train him. But with small children in our household we do not feel we are in a position to provide the best opportunity for him.

Clarke County
Athens, Georgia