"Walter"

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OVERVIEW:

• Arrived in care: 15th February 2026.
• Date of Birth: 15th December 2017 (8 years old)
• Gender: Male
• Breed: Chihuahua x Pug ("Chug")
• De-Sexed: Yes.
• Micro-chipped: Yes.
• Registered with NZ Companion Animal Database: Yes.
• Vaccinated: Yes
• DogsNZ (NZKC): No - crossbreed
• Council Registered: Yes - Christchurch City Council.
• Cat Friendly: Confident cats, who have lived with dogs prior (see below)
• Child Friendly: With supervison, children over 6 years old.
• Human Sociable:  yes, although initially shy (see below)
• Dog Sociable: Yes, requires a dog companion (see below)

PERSONALITY INFORMATION:

• Walter is described as, “a good walker - although not in the rain!” and his foster mum advises that he has already gone golfing and was fine.

• Walter is a sweet, easy-going little companion who enjoys having his person nearby but is not overly demanding. He is happy to relax in the same space without needing constant attention or being on your lap.

• Walter’s foster says, “other than that he’s a sweet guy and he is happy to be with anyone."

• Does bark at other dogs but stops immediately when corrected. Other dogs in the household fine as long as they know not to let him get human possessive.

• Lastly, his foster mum advises that it is, “important they need to like pugs because he’s got that awful pug voice haha.” So, familiarity with the breed would be ideal, but not necessary... Tolerance is necessary. 

Separation anxiety and training needs:

• Walter does experience separation anxiety, which is currently being worked on in foster care and is already improving. He is not overly clingy when his person is home but finds it difficult when left alone. So he will need an adopter who understands separation anxiety and is committed to continuing his training. A home where someone is around most of the time initially, with a gradual increase in alone time, will set him up for success.

• Walter’s foster mum says the following comments re: his separation anxiety: “the separation anxiety has improved a lot, but they have to know how to maintain that so dog knowledgeable is very important. At the outset… I was only gone for about 90 minutes one afternoon and my camera recorded a lot of crying. It was mournful howling and barking. Even with the other dogs there, they all ignore each other. He stays by the door and mine sleep...”

Information learnt from his former owner includes: 

• Walter is a very sweet boy who can be a little nervous around new people at first. 
• Once he feels safe, his gentle and affectionate nature really shines through. 
• He has grown up alongside female Cocker Spaniel, and is currently spending time 6 Griffons, where he is coping well with the support of a confident dog pack, which has helped boost his confidence.
• He is good, social with other dogs usually. EXCEPT he can not be as good on lead meeting new dogs  - he is much better off lead socialising.
• He has lived with 2 cats his whole life. But may bark/chase unknown cats if they are fearful and/or they haven’t lived with dogs before. Any cats in the home must be doggy confident.
• Behaviour when meeting strangers: Usually good, can be a little nervous and will      back away though not aggressive or nasty.
• Needs a dog companion to be left alone, can get anxious and bark if left too      long.
• Getting used to crate training, he is house-trained.
• Needs to have firm rules or he thinks he “rules the roost”.

HEALTH:

• Walter has had his veterinary assessment and been signed off as fit to be adopted. He is not on any medication or vet specific diets at present.

•  On 23 March 2026, Walter was seen by our vet after his foster mum noticed a change in his eye. He was diagnosed with a mild protrusion of the third eyelid gland (commonly known as “cherry eye”). The eye is otherwise healthy and Walter is not bothered by it. This is likely something he has always had a predisposition to, with a minor irritation causing it to appear. He is currently being treated with eye ointment, and it is expected to settle with time. Surgery may be considered if needed, but at this stage we are monitoring his response to treatment.

• NZCR dogs are adopted only after being   medically cleared by our vet, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped  (registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register and local Council), and treated for fleas and worms, unless medically unable to do so.

ADOPTER REQUIREMENTS:

• Due to Walter requiring ongoing training, he is ideally to be adopted within the South Island or Canterbury. We may consider a North Island applicant with significant dog training experience, capable of commiting to his needs.

• Cats: only suitable with confident, dog-savvy cats who have lived with dogs before and will not run or show fear. Foster mum says, "Getting to know my very confident cat but I’m thinking cat free house probably better."
   
• Other dogs: Requires at least one small, confident dog in the home who is not possessive and can model calm behaviour. Walter is not suited as a solo dog, requires a doggy companion, of similar energy.   
   
• Separation anxiety: Will require an owner with plenty of weekday availability. Needs a home where someone is around most of the time, with a gradual increase in alone time. Not suitable for homes where he will be left for long periods. Please see above for further information.
   
• Behaviour and training: Walter can become possessive of his person and will need clear boundaries. His adopter must be confident in managing this and preventing guarding behaviours.
   
• Experience required: Best suited to an owner with good understanding of dog behaviour who is committed to ongoing training (including calm arrivals and departures, e.g. ignoring him until settled). Must have an owner who is comfortable with training and upholding boundaries. Requires an adopter able to implement firm rules.

• Walter needs a safe and secure home, with full fencing and NO holes or gaps they might escape through. Rural properties: you must at least have a fenced in, safe backyard to ensure she/he cannot escape (especially earlier on in the trial). 

• Any kids in the home must be over 6 years old and be doggy knowledgeable. Children must be educated about dog behaviours and signals and able to give the adopted dog ample space.

Before applying, please ensure you meet the listed criteria, as applications that do not align will be declined. These guidelines are set with the dogs' needs in mind, based on input from foster carers. If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be declined, so please review the criteria carefully to avoid disappointment. Thank you for your understanding. 

Adoption Fee: $600.00 to be paid to: (Westpac Bank) New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue Trust account no. 03-0823-0074502-000