Spud Muffin! American Bulldog Mix Cincinnati, OH

Fate must have an amazing family lined up for this guy, because he's been waiting a while. He's happy-go-lucky and has made obvious, impressive strides working with his training. He's a bundle of puppy energy in a 65-pound bully body, but a total lover. He's just enthusiastic and LOVES to play--especially with a good squeaky toy! He's wonderful with calm dogs, hangs out regularly with a volunteers 3 female pitties, and another volunteer's smaller dogs.

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This big-headed hunk was originally found running as a stray along a very busy road. We don't know what or where he was running from ... we're just grateful he ran into the arms of STAF. Spud is right around 2 years old and 65 beefy pounds.

One of our biggest bully-loving volunteers has taken the big guy under her wing. This from her: "When we first started going out together he didn't know what a lot of things were--statues, bikes, etc. But he wasn't reactive, just curious. He can get rowdy and jump when excited, but seems mostly like a gentle giant that still has a lot of puppy in him. Spud is always well behaved when we are out, never barks, growls or reacts at all to other dogs or people. He doesn't pull on the leash. He is quiet in the car and usually just plays with his toys." She says he is a really great walker, doesn't pull and is not interested in squirrels. He doesn't react to other dogs on leash, but is definitely interested in stopping to observe other people and dogs.

Spud is very receptive to learning and is excellent with "sit", "stay" and "leave it". When he first arrived at our shelter, he had trouble containing his excitement. His enthusiasm often manifested in jumping and grabbing the leash/harness, making it a real challenge to get him suited up for walks. He's gotten better, but (as demonstrated on a trial home visit with a prospective home) he still has his "crazy bouts" when he wants/needs exercise and attention, or something sets him off. (Like his reflection in a mirror.)

Spud will fare best in a lower-key, but very active family with lots of walks and yard playtime. He's not a fan of in-your-face kinds of dogs, but would benefit from the company of a more laid-back playmate.

If you have a soft spot for the bully kind, you will melt for this guy. He is very comfortable in a home setting, and is a good boy when provided with a daily outlet for his energy and a calm, confident handler. Again, a fenced yard and another playful (but not over-the-top) dog buddy would be perfect. His family should be up (both mentally and physically) to handling his size, youth and occasional rowdiness. Not to mention his bottomless affection and big, fat kisses.

*** Visit STAF.org for more information on our adoption process, or email us at adoptAdog@STAF.org for next steps. ***

• All of our animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots.
• We do not do same-day adoptions; we ask that you return for a follow-up visit before taking an animal home.
• You must be 21 years or older to adopt from STAF.
• We require a 4-foot-tall physical fence for homes with children under the age of 11. We also may require a physical fence for specific dogs on a case-by-case basis, depending on each dog’s behavior and exercise needs.
• Due in part to increasing coyote activity/incidents in the area and the difficulty of predicting how a dog will respond to invisible fence training, we can not adopt to homes with invisible fences.
• We do request vet and personal references.
• We can facilitate adoptions within a 75-mile radius of our Cincinnati-based shelter.