Skylah - 5yr old - Staffy x Ridgeback

Skylah is a Staffy x Ridgeback cross as far as the Vets can tell. She is 5-6 yrs old. I rescued her 1.5 yrs ago. I got her registered, vaxxed, de-sexed and microchipped and she is up to date with deworming/flee treatment and vet visits.

She is great with humans. Playful or ok at worst with most dogs. She occasionally, somehow doesn’t like some dogs. I can’t figure out a pattern there. She is usually walked on leash. She never attacked a dog. She can get too friendly and sometimes annoy the other dogs. She tends to chase cats. No idea about stock but she walks past ducks ignoring them while on leash.

She has lived her whole life outdoors. She was chained up to 20 hours a day until I adopted her. Since she has been living at my fully fenced (1.2m high) back yard (appx 150m2) sheltered from weather. At first, she was bit anxious but settled in quickly. She would find holes under the fence and would go for a walk. Would return when she is done in half an hour or so. Once we blocked all holes, she stopped that. Amazingly smart. I mean it. She learns things in minutes. Very food driven, that helps. She spends some time in the house on her spot when I am at home. When she is drawn an imaginary boundary in the house (such as; ”this is your spot”) with a dog bed or blanket, she doesn’t leave that spot. I left meat or other food on coffee table many times unattended, she just sat there staring at it with puppy eyes. Never touched it. Understands -no, stop, leave, come, go, sit, roll, go to bed, stay etc…- perfectly. She will learn much more if just a little bit time invested in her. She is usually ok to walk off the leash. But I put the leash on when I see another dog coming just in case. Flatmate walks her off the leash and takes her to dog park, no problems so far. She sits nicely in the car for a ride.

Great with all humans, maybe a little bit too much. She will try to give a hug and kiss to everybody. May need some training there.

Great guard dog. She only barks when she thinks her territory is under threat. She only barked twice during the night, both turned out to be potential intruders around the fence. She won’t bark at all in the house, and only barks at dogs or people passing by occasionally.

A great companion. Best dog ever. Very sad day for me. Unfortunately moving to overseas in to unknown. She would be happy in a crowded house where there are multiple people who can give her attention. Loves belly rubs and will play with you relentlessly if you are keen. She may not be left at home unattended long durations as she had never been. She is perfectly happy to live/sleep outdoors as long as sheltered.

She is on diet as per vet’s instructions and can only eat dry food with some veggie or beef stock.