Apollo
Healer and god-protector from evil — Apollo is one of the Olympian deities in classical Greek and Roman religion and Greek and Roman mythology.
Background Info:
Apollo was adopted from the city shelter in 2021 but lost his home a few months later because his owner was pregnant and didn't have time for a dog anymore. We have a little bit of info regarding his background during the time he was with that family. Please see below.
Adoption Fee: $ 200
Breed: Dogo Argentino Mix
Sex: Male
Age: 1-3 yo
Weight: 75-85 lbs
Health Condition:
Apollo is rather healthy but is prone to allergies, especially during times of stress. As of now, his condition has been easily managed with medications as needed. We are giving him a mild dosage of anti-depressant and he is taking Apoquel for the time being.
Physical Description:
Apollo looks like he could be a Dogo-Argentino or a mix. He is taller than a Pit Bull and has the body structure of a Dogo, although a little smaller than average for the breed. He is still larger than an APBT. Since he is probably under 2 years old, he might reach the Dogo's standard weight of 85 to 100 lbs in the coming months.
Current Living Situation:
Apollo is currently living at MPR shelter, doing the best he can to bear his situation. Shelter life is not easy for him. He is a sensitive boy who attaches himself very hard to his loved-ones. He misses his family very much but tries to be brave and resigned.
Apollo keeps his kennel clean and doesn't have accidents in the playroom. He hasn't been destructive of his bedding either but can be a little vocal when waiting for his turn to spend time with a volunteer.
Personality:
Apollo is super smart and loves to do and learn tricks. We are already teaching him clicker-training and he amazes us. This dog could go very far in obedience training if someone worked with him.
Apollo has good vitality, energy, and stamina but he is not a hyper dog. He loves to be engaged physically and mentally, but knows how to relax too.
Apollo seems to be territorial and may bark in the yard if he perceives someone or another animal as an intruder.
Apollo enjoys attention and has some separation anxiety. He will need a patient owner willing to give him the time he needs to understand he will not be abandoned again. The dog already had a few families and for a breed as loyal as a Dogo, losing his loved-ones definitely takes a huge toll on his psyche. Apollo needs stability and someone who will promise to return the same loyalty.
We have been told that Apollo loves car rides and is fantastic on leash.
Behavior with people:
Apollo's personality is in line with the Dogo's temperament standard: loyal, affectionate, protective, and intelligent. Loyalty is actually at the top of the list of recognizable Dogo Argentino temperament traits. These dogs are devoted animals that tend to develop strong bonds with their owners and family. As a result, they can be reserved with strangers and quite protective of their loved-ones. If you are looking for a dog who thinks that everyone they meet is a long-lost friend, Apollo might not be the best candidate for you.
"Loyalty is a positive aspect of the Dogo Argentino temperament. However, when combined with the territorial nature of the dog, they can become overly protective around strangers.." https://dogtemperament.com/dogo-argentino-temperament/
When it comes to his family, Apollo is a snuggle buddy and a bit of a clinger. He loves to lounge on the sofa or bed to take naps but nothing beats sleeping in bed with his human.
Behavior with children:
We were told that Apollo lived with toddlers and teenagers before and did very well with them. A potential family needs to keep in mind that while Apollo will be very dedicated to "his" kids, he could become protective of them and guard them around their friends. He's also a dog that requires vigilant and responsible ownership. We believe he would be better in a home with adults only.
Behavior with other dogs:
Unknown. Apollo has not formally met other dogs since being with us. At the shelter he seems indifferent towards the dogs kenneled next to him. A home with a compatible female might be ok with the correct supervision and management but another male is not recommended.
Behavior with other animals:
We were told that Apollo lived with a cat before so we don't want to rule-out a cat-home for him now. The previous owner told us that he wants to play with playful cats but respects cats who don’t want to play. That said, Dogo's were bred as hunting dogs and most of them have a high prey drive. So please keep this in consideration before applying for him if you have small animals. We strongly encourage you to research the breed.
Training:
We have started clicker training with this highly intelligent dog and he's a pro! He obviously loves to show his smarts and work his brain. This gentleman dog is attentive to your commands, knows sit, down, and wait. Apollo has significant potential for obedience training and will make you proud!
Adoption Fee: $ 200
Breed: Dogo Argentino Mix
Sex: Male
Age: 1-3 yo
Weight: 75-85 lbs
Missouri Pit Bull Rescue makes no express or implied warranty, representation or promise to the age, health, breed, habits, disposition, behaviors, obedience, or safety of the dogs in our program. Our assessments are subjective and based on information we receive when selecting the dogs for our program, as well as observations and reports from our volunteers and caretakers. Adopters understand that no one can predict how a dog will react under all circumstances and situations.