Sacks Belgian Shepherd / Malinois & Black Labrador Retriever Mix Scarborough, ON

PHOTOS UPDATED FEBRUARY 24, 2024

Sacks, born December 7, 2023, joined Mattie's Place with his Mom (Athena) and littermates when he was about 1 week old. His Dad, Reaper, joined Mattie's Place in November 2023.

Athena and Reaper were with another organization and neither were spayed/neutered and they were allowed to intermingle in that organization setting and hence, puppies were born and they couldn't care for any of the dogs so they were transferred to Mattie's Place.

1st vet visit (December 16, 2023) the weight was: 0.7 kg

2nd vet visit January 20th the weight was: 3.9 kg

3rd vet visit February 17th the weight was 6.9 kg

They have received multiple rounds of deworming and their 2nd round of vaccines February 17th, 2024.

Spay/neuters are scheduled for May 1, 2024 at the cost of Mattie's Place at our veterinarian.

Athena (Mom) is a Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix. Reaper (Dad) is unknown, but likely Bully breeds/GSD/Lab. Both dogs have really kind demeanours and Athena was a great Mom to her pups.

Sacks personality is ever evolving. Please note he continues to grow and his pictures will be updated as often as possible and his personality will also continue to change and be updated.

Adopters will need to have dog experience and be willing to invest in professional training. That said, these puppies are so incredibly watered down with breed mixes, I don't anticipate any carrying hard-core Malinois traits and are really just GSD mixes (mutts).

An adopter that is willing to put the work in, beyond basic puppy training with a professional trainer will be important. Also, someone committed to socialization outside of training and kindness a puppy needs as they grow, learn, experience their world around them. An adopter committed to the life of a dog, no matter what comes your way, for the next 10-12-15 years! An adopter that understands puppies are hard; they will pee on your floor, eat your remote, keep you up at night and go through many stages of puppy in the 1st year of life. It's an immense commitment and obligation to a canine life.

I don't know their final adult weight, but presumably, based on parents, in the 60 pound range, but I have no guarantee of that.

Sacks shows some signs of potentially having the ability to be a sport/working dog. Of any of the littermates, he shows more GSD traits than the others.

FROM THE TRAINER WHO HE LIVED WITH FROM 1 WEEK TO 6 WEEKS (DECEMBER)

Sacks: orange collar male. He’s on the small side compared to littermates. Bone structure is more narrow so I expect him to be a similar size and build to Athena.

Compared to littermates he’s on the more active side, he bites (*for clarity on the “bite” notation: it’s just the bedding. When I change their bedding and when I had blankets or towels draped over the x-pen he bites, thrashes, tugs and plays with it. It's all in fun for him.), pulls and thrashes the blankets and often engages in play with littermates. He’s one of the more vocal puppies but is also more confident and outgoing. I’d describe his personality as open.

He isn’t hesitant to explore and play in new areas or greet new people. Seems relatively unaffected by loud sounds (I banged pots and stomped the ground continuously for 10 seconds each). He paused to process the sound, did NOT have a startle response and eventually continued exploring unaffected by the continued noise.


FROM THE FOSTER (JANUARY 26, 2024) WHO HE LIVED WITH AT 6 WEEKS:

Sacks is growing quickly and his ears are starting to stand up straight.

He’s very easy going and isn’t startled with things happening around him.

He is very calm and collected and likes to cuddle.

He’s very vocal when playing and likes to play tug of war with toys. He’s great with other dogs (his foster big brother and sister).

He’s very food motivated and has learned to sit for treats.

Sacks enjoys sleeping in the crate.

UPDATE FROM THE FOSTER (FEBRUARY 24, 2024)

Sacks is an energetic puppy eager to learn more about the world and his surroundings.

He has become more confident and demonstrates this by initiating play with his three husky foster brothers and sister. He is energetic and likes to chase and be chased. He enjoys playing with toys, which has been an excellent form of redirection as he can be a mouthy puppy.

He is very social and loves meeting new people. He likes to cuddle and gives kisses to everyone when he is held.

He has learned “sit” and “let’s go”, and is working on other basic commands. He has been learning how to walk politely on a leash around the house.

Sacks enjoys sleeping on soft surfaces, such as dog beds, blankets, rugs, and couches. At night, he sleeps in his crate. Occasionally, he wakes up and cries to go potty, but has been sleeping for longer stretches of time as he gets older.




ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES:

Spay/neuters (contractual obligation to be completed at my veterinarian on date given) / initial core vaccines and 1 boosters / multiple deworming.

Also: food / dishes / leash-collar / toys / poop bags-pee pads / treats


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To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in it's current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen.