Nikko Catahoula Leopard Dog & Australian Shepherd Mix Springfield, MO

Here at the shelter, every dog or cat has worth and value and is a very good boy or girl. All have their likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses... and then there’s Nikko. Such a handsome package holds a dog that’s smart as a whip and simultaneously an absolute menace. He processes information with his mouth first, has a very small amount of patience, and the attention span of a raisin. However, he’s intensely intelligent and figures out tasks on the first try. A good thing he’s got going for him is that he LOVES other dogs - he plays so well in a pack with dogs that can match his energy level. He plays hard but has shown us that he can get along with more submissive and more dominant dogs. Because of this, we are going to require that his future home have another dog for him to bond and learn from.

As a 1 year old Catahoula mix, he’s got loads of energy and is already prone to be protective of his people and skeptical of strangers. Yes, he’s super mouthy and rude, but we can tell that someone was obviously quite cruel to him early on in his life; that is evident when you move objects by him too fast or lift up your leg to untangle the leash and he cowers with his eyes closed, fully ready to be hit. ?
Some really kind people donated funds specifically for Nikko to work with a trainer. He’s currently doing sessions with an outside trainer here at the shelter twice a week, and they said he’s as smart and driven as any Malinois they’ve worked with. In training, he’s showing us how bright, adaptable, and capable he is.

He’s available to an adult-only home that is skilled, patient, and ready for the challenge and love he’ll bring them. His home will need people experienced with behavioral dogs and willing to continue his training long-term. We won’t be entertaining applicants who don’t have the experience or the commitment to take on this boy - we’re not budging on what Nikko needs to finally become an upstanding citizen and part of a family.

For more information on Nikko see his page on our website: https://www.swh.org/nikko.html

At the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, our goal is to match potential adopters with a pet that is best suited to their home, interests, and lifestyle. All of our animals are up to date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, microchipped, given flea/tick prevention, and dewormer. Our adoption fees cover the cost of any vet care needed.

For more information on adopting or to fill out an application please visit our website at https://www.swh.org/adoptions.html

Anyone is welcome to visit our shelter during our adoption hours of Monday-Saturday, 12-6pm, or Sunday from 12-5pm, no appointment needed.