Chopper

Updated 2/15/12

Chopper, age 2

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When this 2-year-old charmer appeared at the shelter, our intake volunteer reported, “sturdy, compact little fellow with beautiful feathering and pantaloons. He’ll be great for anyone who wants a smaller-size Golden.” We were thinking he’d tip the scales at around 45 lbs, so imagine our surprise when Chopper weighed in at a mere 35 pounds! Other than his size, though, there’s nothing in his appearance that says he’s not pure Gold. His personality might give one tiny clue that he has a drop of two of Sheltie blood—he does like to “herd” and nip at heels just like a Sheltie would!

Chopper got his name from his “wardrobe” – he showed up at the shelter wearing a Harley-Davidson collar. His foster family decided that his official GRR name didn’t suit him, though, and the kids started calling him “David” or “Davey” instead. 

This dog is one smart cookie. He wasn’t housebroken at first, but quickly got the idea & heads for the door when he wants out. He likewise was unfamiliar with the crate, but quickly realized that he got a treat when he trotted in; now he does fine crated when nobody is at home.  He’s a great car rider & sits or lies down quietly; he’s pretty good on leash, without much pulling. He learned SIT almost instantly and he’ll be easy to train to other commands for sure.

Chopper is really good with children, patient and tolerant. He jumps some, but his small size makes it less annoying than when a big guy rockets into you—still, his foster family tells him “no jump” and gently pushes him back down. He’s great with other dogs, too, and loves to play --  in fact, he can get a little rambunctious and has to be reminded to settle down. He thinks that “bitey leg” is a grand game – to the occasional exasperation of his playmates!

Despite his small size, Chopper is quite the successful counter surfer when your back is turned; he likes to investigate available wastebaskets, too. Overall, though, he’s calm in the house (unless he’s managed to get someone to play with him, in which case you may have two crazy dogs charging around!). He LOVES squeaky toys.

By any name or pedigree, this guy is sociable, easygoing, and happy. He’ll thrive in a home where he gets plenty of exercise, fun training and interaction. Older children would be fine—not that he wouldn’t be fine with littler ones, but he IS an active and bouncy pup still! Another playful dog would suit him to a tee (but an older or grumpy dog, or one who doesn’t lots of physical play, would likely find him a bit too much).

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