Prefontaine the Frenchie is an athletic, handsome boy, ready for competition and ready to be someone’s one-and-only canine love. Known as Pre for short, this 4 year-old is looking for a committed parent or two that will love him and guide him through the rest of his life.

Over the course of the last year, his former family moved and had a baby. Many dogs handle big changes fairly easily, however, this little man did not. After the baby came and there was a little less human attention to go around, Pre began showing signs of resource guarding against his canine brother. Eventually the guarding escalated to fights, and his family said he had to go. Thus, Prefontaine ran into FBRN feeling a little confused at yet another big change, but he’s adjusted to his foster home after being given a little time.

When it comes to health issues, Pre comes with a bit of a mixed bag. He has allergies, and has been controlled with prescribed and over-the-counter medications over the past year. He is never truly free of his allergies, but the intensity comes and goes.

During his recent vet visit, it was revealed that his left hind leg has a medial patella luxation, which means that his kneecap sometimes slips in and out of place. This condition does not cause him any pain, but when his kneecap shifts, he keeps weight off it, and appears to have a limp, and then suddenly he’s back to normal. He does not need surgery, but it is a condition that must be monitored and could potentially become more severe as he ages.

However, his allergies or even his leg don’t do a single thing to slow down this athlete. He loves to zoom around the yard, and especially loves playing fetch with a rope toy just his size. Then when it’s time to settle down, he enjoys munching on a Nylabone and will only give it up when he absolutely must.

Prefontaine exhibits the classic personality of a dog that got away with too much for too long, and developed an insecure personality while also displaying some alpha traits. He thrives when there are very clear expectations and routines in place. If his person takes charge, then he doesn’t have to worry about leading, he can finally relax. He grows very insecure about his place and role around most other dogs, so Prefontaine must be your one and only, because he’s all the dog you’ll need!

Changes make him extremely nervous, and it will take him a little longer than usual to adjust to living in a new setting. Any potential adopter must be willing to give Pre a few weeks to settle in and feel comfortable in his forever home. It will be important from the very beginning that Pre has clearly defined rules, and is required to work for food, water, affection and just about any resource as he transitions to his new home.

If you’re someone who needed some motivation to get out and walk, Pre is the Frenchie who you want on the other end of the leash. This pied frog is a perfect gentleman on a leash; he will walk right at your side and not even care about smelling the flowers along the way unless you give him permission to stop and sniff around. He can walk for 30-60 minutes as long as the weather is pleasantly cool. He doesn’t exhibit nasty behavior towards dogs while on leash; in fact he walks with his 3 canine foster brothers with no problem at all, he just doesn’t want to share a home with them! Best of all, he seems truly at his happiest and most relaxed during a walk and immediately after.

Obedience seems to be his forte as he knows sit, down, spin for a treat, and has a rock-solid stay.

Oh, and did we mention, this boy comes fully housebroken? Staying dry overnight and for 6 hours during the workday is no big dea for this oh-so-civil gentleman. However, we must admit Prefontaine is only reluctantly crate-trained. He’ll go in, and happily take his special treat, but he may complain a little before settling down.

Prefontaine would do well with a single or multi-person family as long as the household does not include other dogs or cats. As long as he could have a mid day potty break, he would be fine in a home with working adults. He has loved the little kids he’s met, but due to his dominant and guarding behavior, he would probably do best with dog-savvy children 6 or older. A fenced yard would be a plus, but not a necessity as long as he gets out for walks. Prefontaine is the well-behaved little dog that you’d love to walk to a café, and he’d be excellent company while you have a croissant and espresso.

The most important thing is that Prefontaine lives with someone who is willing to be the leader while being gentle and loving. He will take the reins in a relationship if given the chance, and the resulting behavior will not be pretty.

If you like what you’ve read about Prefontaine and are ready to run off into the sunset with this quirky little frog, please apply for him. You should be ready for a trip to sunny Southern California because he will not be shipped.