Can you help me identify this dog?
 

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We found this adorable puppy abandoned on CR 209 today. A lady in a nearby house said she saw a truck pull up and put him (in a large dogfood bag) down beside the road.

I have no idea how old he is and can't identify the breed or mix. He's very small (less than 20 pounds) and my guess is he's 3-4 months old. I will be getting him checked by a vet in the next couple of days.

He is calm, extremely friendly, follows us around like a shadow and appears to be housebroken. He is getting along fine with our two larger dogs.

Don't know yet whether we will be looking for a home for him or keep him ourselves. We are falling in love.

Do you have any ideas about what kind of dog he is?

Cute pooch. The vet probably will have the best idea of what kind of dog he is. From the size of his paws he is going to be quite a bit bigger than this.

what a good person you are

He looks like an Australian Cattle Dog sometimes called Australian Heeler. We had one that lived next door to us in CA.

You did a good thing, thank you for being so kind.

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Identify Puppy
 

Poor little guy is all mixed up - you say he is small, but his feet are huge which usually gives some idea of how big he will be when fully grown. He has all the characteristics of a Great Dane, but I think he is much too small. But, he has the ears and the muzzle of a Dane. I think your other poster is probably on the right track - an Australian Cattle mix.

He is a precious little guy, enjoy him.

It looks exactly like a Heinz 57 dog to me.

Yes I do. He is a KEEPER!:pepper2:

....and I will be down to pet him very soon. Oh goody another dog friend.:spoken:

Bike,
Another big hug and "thank you" for taking him in. :bowdown:

His ears and very straight legs make me think he may have some shephard in him, though Heinz 57 sounds about right-- as does Gracie's description of him as a keeper. If you can't, I wish for him a home just as loving!

He kind of reminds me of Clarke Griswald, the talking dog.

Blue Heeler was my first thought as well, with something else mixed in. If your curiosity gets the best of you, canine DNA testing kits are now available at a reasonable price. Here is an article with som pricing samples:

Dog DNA Tests: Why Your Mutt

You deserve a big spot in Heaven for taking in this dog! He will love you forever as he will realize what you've done to save him. I truly hope you do decide to make him one of your family. He is a cutie for sure! Maybe you could just name him "Keeper".

He's called a Lucky Dog,

http://www.drmirkin.com/images/truman2.jpg

Putting a dog down near a road is unconsiconable. I love his look, especially that black eye. He seems to fit right in with your other pets so that's a sign.:clap2: I don't know the breed but he looks healthy.

I vote for adorably cute! I can see why you're falling in love with him. Your vet should have a pretty good idea of some of his mix and his ultimate size. Regardless, he's a doll baby and Keeper is a great doggy name.

Thank you for being so caring (one of the things I love best about The Villages -- people like you!).

As an absolutely nothing to do with this post, I've passed you two (I think) several times as you've been riding your bike. I will definitely have to stop you next time and say hi. Hope you don't mind.

Reminds me so much of our neighbors' dog up north, Lobo. Showed up on their doorstep the day they moved in. He was a spectatular neighborhood asset, got along well with all of the neighborhood dogs and was good with all kids. I personally saw him run off strange dogs that came out from our small near-by town about a mile and a half away. They were told he was some kind of cattle dog, your puppy resembles Lobo.

Please do!

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To all of you who have asked, Truman is fitting in and acting as if he always lived here. I'm anxious to get a clean bill of health from the vet and will let you all know what she has to say about his age and possible breed. From the photos of Blue Heeler puppies I think that's likely to be what he is, at least in part.

Thank you all for your kind words. We think that what started out as a bad day for Truman has ended up being a very lucky day for us.

That there is a beautiful Australian Cattle Dog. I own one. Great dog you have there. If you aren't willing to him, I would love to have have him. Just remember, he is a herding breed, and a very smart, and VERY ENERGETIC dog!!!!!!!!! Good luck!

I agree...What a good person you are! If your new pet turns out to be just a fraction as good for you, as our two rescues are for us, you will be hugely blessed.

Shepherd/German haired pointer?
For sure, the adorable kind. I think you should keep him.

Bless your heart. There is a special spot in Heaven for folks like you!

I agree with Australian Cattle dog - I've been looking at some pictures on line and there are some that look exactly like him. What a beauty! How absolutely heartless for someone to drop him off the way they did. So mean!

Bike 42 - does this mean you've decided to keep him?!?!?! YIPPEE!

They're my friends.:)

She looks exactly like an Australian Cattle Dogs . Also known as Queensland Heelers. VERY loyal dogs, very active, VERY smart. They love their Mommy and Daddy and like other people...but LOVE their family. They are quick to learn and once they learn something they never forget. They top out at around 30-40 pounds. Ours is 12 years old and 30 pounds...she is a smallish female and still active. They like to keep busy will tend to herd you. She will walk by your side and nose your ankle every now and then. They are wonderful dogs....please keep him.

There is a special place for you in heaven.

He sure looks like an Australian cattle dog to me with a dash of Heinz 57 thrown in just for variety! A hearty Congrats! to you for taking him in. My wife and I have a schnauzer and a cat that are both rescues!

I think I saw them as we were leaving this morning.

Were you riding on Paradise this morning near the Boone gate?

I see you both riding your bike all over TV and the next time I see you I will silently send you blessings. You are two :angel::angel:.

I looked up in AKC book and found out name
 

The dog is "Adorable".....Enjoy!

As many other posters have said, you are angels to take in this puppy. St. Francis of Assisi must have seen this puppy needed help and sent you two. Keep us up to date on your new fur baby.

I agree with, I believe it was, GracieGirl, he is a keeper..

Good on you for being such a caring person.

The beautiful puppy looks like an Australian cattle dog. Very loyal and smart breed of dog. You will have a great dog if you love him and train him.

Vet's report on Truman
 

Yes, we are going to keep him.

The vet says he's healthy and gave him all his shots + flea medicine. She says he's about 4 months old and she agrees with those of you who said Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler/Queensland Heeler).

He is doing beautifully in our home. My lab and weimaraner seem to enjoy having him around -- he's playful but not a pest. He's already showing his herding instincts, running circles around them when they play outside!

I just cannot believe that anyone could abandon such a sweet, smart puppy in such a heartless way.

Thanks to all of you TOTVers who have reminded us how fortunate we are.

I agree with....
 

Gracie... He's a keeper.

You can do a DNA and find out exactly!

It's less the $100 and will give you some insight as to his traits!

Congratulations on your new baby!

What an interesting story. What a lucky dog. What nice people you are.

Thank you for rescuing this puppy. :thumbup:

bike42, thanks for your kindness, dogs are windows to our souls. You did a good thing.

Hurray for you! Hurray for Truman!
:clap2::MOJE_whot::clap2:

This has been a wonderful story and I have loved reading this. :mademyday: