Breed
Schnauzer crossbreed

Age
11 years 3 months old

Weight
17kg

Sex
female

Reason for arrival
Abandoned on the Streets

Can be left alone?
Yes (please read 'Other notes' section below)

Can live with dogs?
No

Can live with cats?
No

Can live with children?
No

Garden required?
Yes (private garden)

Toilet trained?
Yes

Travels well?
Yes but can be vocal

Knows basic commands?
Yes (but needs further training)

Friendly with strangers?
Nervous

Can live in a flat?
Yes with direct access to a private garden

Social with dogs on walks?
Prefers not to interact but can be reactive if pestered

Needs to attend training classes?
Yes

Owner experience?
Experienced owner

Daily exercise required?
1hr controlled off-lead walk

Medical conditions?
See 'Other Notes' section for more info

Other Notes

Belle builds strong bonds and can become stressed when left alone. She’ll need a home where someone can be around during the day, however, once settled in her new home she could, on occasion, be left home alone for a few of hours. Due to her nervous nature, she’ll need to live in an all adult home without visiting young children. Belle will try to avoid contact with other dogs and can sometimes be grumpy to those that approach her so will need an owner who will give her guidance and reassurance where needed. Belle has hearing loss. Whilst she is not totally deaf, she doesn't respond to verbal cues. She has learnt hand signals whilst being on foster and responds very well to them. We can provide 3 free sessions with our Mayhew Animal Behaviourist to help settle Belle into her new home. This sweetest of souls will make the most loyal and loving companion for someone who will take the time to love and understand her sensitive nature. Belle has been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and is up to date with flea and worm treatment. Belle has also been health checked and behaviourally assessed.

Foster Carer Comments

We've now had Belle for over a year. She's broken the record for our longest foster. When I tell people this when they meet Belle they find it very odd. Why has no one adopted her? She is such a sweet, intelligent, loving soul. She is very obedient and well behaved. Belle does have issues though which might put people off and make her less appealing or less easy to adopt. But of the dogs we've fostered she's actually one of the less challenging ones. She's quiet and peaceful, never had an accident in the house and never ever been destructive. Belle is hard of hearing. While not totally deaf, she doesn't hear verbal commands. But she is bright and keen to engage. So she has easily learnt sign language. She responds to hand signals for stop, sit, wait, paw, other paw, No, and "all gone". You do of course have to get her attention in order for her to see the hand signals... Belle is scared of being approached by strange dogs, especially larger ones She will react and quickly let them know to back off. Once you know this you learn to be aware and try and avoid it happening. She sees a small group of dogs regularly in the park and over the months has grown to trust them and become friends. She actively seeks them out now, especially as some of the softer owners often give her treats and cuddles 😄. Belle is wary and distrustful of being handled by strangers. When she first came to stay with us she would seek cuddles but tolerate it for only very a short time and then get anxious. But over time she has grown to trust us. She will come and jab your hand with her nose to get you to stroke her. If you stop before she's had enough, it's another jab with the nose. She'll climb on the sofa and lie down next to you and roll over on to her back for tummy tickles and might even start 'talking' while you rub her belly. Belle is such a rewarding dog to look after. The right person would be so so lucky to have her come and make their home her forever home too.

Belle is available

If you are interested in adopting Belle, please read the information below including the 'Other notes' section, to check your circumstances match theirs. If they do, please take a look at our current rehoming process, and fill out an application form.

Application form