Chico Diablo

Chico Diablo is a handsome black and tan Doberman with cropped ears and a docked tail. He's lean, muscular, and athletic, with a love for playing with balls and being outdoors. Chico is affectionate and a bit clingy with his foster family, always ready for attention and pets. He's crate-trained and sleeps soundly in his crate overnight. He also walks well on a leash and knows his basic commands, responding well to verbal cues.

Chico is a sweet but spicy guy who is a devoted family pet and will flourish in the right environment. He craves affection, is house-trained, crate-trained, and leash-trained. A fenced-in yard would be ideal for him to burn off some energy. While not a strict requirement, he might find comfort in the company of another medium to large female dog.

Chico arrived at rescue with some emotional baggage, having experienced the loss of his home and feeling confused at the shelter. Initially, he was noted as being a bit 'nippy' and would avoid being touched, using his teeth gently to create space when his collar was pulled. After being moved to a secure, fitted tactical collar, he's begun to build trust, responding positively to gentle touch around his neck and collar. He's learning to trust people again but will need confident owners who can establish clear boundaries for his safety. He is sensitive to yelling and is not a dominant personality.

Due to Chico's past negative experiences with collar grabbing, we do not recommend a home with small children, as his reactions are self-protective rather than aggressive, and we want to ensure no harm or fear comes to a child.

Chico has been neutered, is up-to-date on vaccines, has been treated for heartworm, and is on prevention. He's now at a healthy weight with a shiny coat and is very motivated by food.

Chico initially came to rescue with another Doberman after his family passed away. It became clear the two males didn't get along, and they were separated. Chico was initially fearful, using barks and growls to protect himself by backing away. He has since been given time to decompress, build trust, and learn the routine. He can be a "fence fighter" (barking and growling at another dog through a barrier), but without a barrier, he will back down and not engage. Because of this repeated reaction to other larger male dogs, we do not recommend dog parks or a home with another male dog. He is, however, submissive, gentle, and playful with female dogs. Chico was underweight when he arrived due to stress. He has not been tested with cats or small animals.

Ideal Home

A home with a fenced-in yard would be ideal for Chico to exercise and play. While not a requirement, he might do well with another medium to large female dog. We do not recommend a home with small children due to his past experiences with collar grabbing. We also do not recommend a home with another male dog, and dog parks are not suitable for him.

Ongoing Health

Chico has been neutered, is up-to-date on vaccines, has been treated for heartworm, and is on prevention. He has reached a healthy weight and has a shiny coat.

Training & Support

Chico is crate-trained, house-trained, and leash-trained. He responds to verbal commands. He is sensitive to yelling and not a dominant personality. He will need confident owners to establish clear boundaries for his safety, especially regarding interactions with strangers or during vet visits (muzzle use recommended for strangers).

Application Details:

• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.

Transporation

Chico is being fostered in Texas. Adoption fees include transport via van to the Midwest or the states of NJ, CT, VA, and VT through our pet transport partners.