Rutger’s previous elderly owner found Rutger’s high activity level more than he had bargained for. Rutger is a healthy dog.

Rutger is not a fan of cats or of giant breed dogs, though he played nicely with an Old English bulldog. He can tolerate living with submissive dogs, but the best bet would be having him as an only. If you think your dog could be a possible roommate for Rutger, be sure to explain on the application why.

In terms of personality, Rutger is a little insecure, and he tries to be dominant, but lets it go to his head if he’s allowed to actually take over. He’s SO much happier when he lives with a strong pack leader who knows enough about dogs to make Rutger’s life safe and calm. Rutger wants to please, and he is very good at obedience.

Rutger chews only on appropriate toys, and he is housebroken as well as crate-trained. Though his foster family were expecting a dog with very high energy levels, they found Rutger’s activity level about on par for a Frenchie. He likes a sedentary life peppered with intense play sessions, and then more napping, please.

Temperamentally, Rutger will become a little tyrant if he’s allowed to. He’ll guard his toys, food, bed, water, with any dog he can’t dominate. However, with dogs he feels are on his level, he will often offer to share his toys to entice them to play. He has absolutely zero guarding or aggression issues with people.

Rutger has a very high prey drive, and he has some ugly habits when it comes to trying to establish his dominance. He will resort to mounting and even urinating on other dogs. As you might imagine, this wins him no friends.

Rutger loves to walk—he’s a dog who likes to stroll around the neighborhood and take in all the sights and smells. When he’s feeling secure, he enjoys playing with other dogs, but his favorite thing is hanging out with people. He just likes to hang out, he doesn’t seem to really need a lot of hands-on stroking and petting. He loves toys, especially squeakers.

Here’s what his foster mom wants for Rutger:
Almost any combination of adults and/or children would work. It is most important that there be a strong pack leader in the house. A home without toddlers would probably be best (though he has done fine with our dog-savvy toddler.) There should be no cats or small animals in the house, and a single, submissive male dog would probably be best. Rutger would also do well as an only dog, provided that he has regular access to either a dog park or fenced yard and a canine play buddy. Note: I should mention that Rutger seems fine with all dogs outside, even ignoring his most hated member of our canine family.

Rutger can go several hours between potty breaks, and a mid-day visit from his owner or pet-sitter would be fine. At this stage, he’s not a good candidate for an office dog, however, given the right leader, he could be a go to work dog.

We prefer a home with a fenced yard, but access to a dog park and frequent trips to get his yaya's out would be acceptable.

Here are some last words from Rutger’s foster mom:

Rutger is such a lovable dog! He wants nothing more than to please his people and find his forever home. Though Rutger is slight in frame, he makes up for it in personality and energy! Rutger is a comical dog that enjoys playing and performing acrobatics. This boy can jump and run like the wind! Mostly, however, this sweet frog is a lover, enjoying following his foster mom and dad around the house or curling up in their lap and snoozing on the couch. He is so appreciative of the attention that he gets! Rutger would be a wonderful addition for an active individual or family that is looking to include a loveable frog in their family activities, or an individual or family that is willing to play with him or give him regular access to submissive, playful dogs. Rutger will make some lucky family a very wonderful companion!

Rutger is making a real impression on the ladies up in SW Ontario, Canada. Be prepared to make a chilly drive to fetch him, because he will not be shipped.