Whitby
MALE | BORN APPROX MARCH 2019 | AUSTRALIAN TERRIER X SHIH TZU
LOCATED IN AUCKLAND
Meet Whitby – the scruffy heartthrob who’s already taken his foster home by storm.
What we’ve learned so far:
He bonds faster than Wi-Fi. Honestly, he’s already more emotionally available than your ex.
Enjoys spa days. Bath? Check. Towel-dry? Check. Modeling career incoming? Also check.
Made instant friends with his canine foster sibling. Zero drama, full bromance.
Belly rubs are his kryptonite. Touch the belly, unlock his soul.
He can swim! After a visit to Lake Taupo it was discovered Whitby is quite the little dolphin, and loves a good dip.
Areas for Improvement (aka Whitby’s Netflix spin-off “Work in Progress”):
Cats. Right now, he thinks they’re mysterious woodland sprites who must be pursued at all costs. We’re teaching him they’re actually just small furry roommates.
Dog Friends. While he's pretty good with most of them, this needs a good intro as he can be a little "In your face" so this is a work on. Someone who understands advocating for their dog would be great.
Lead skills. Currently auditioning for “Fast & the Furious: Sidewalk Drift.” But he’s clever, responsive, and already making progress – so the glow-up is underway.
Overall: Whitby is an energetic, curious, life-loving little dude who’s equal parts hilarious chaos gremlin and total cuddle bug. He just needs a patient, experienced human to continue his “Becoming the Best Boy” journey.
Further Info
Good with dogs: Yes, after good introductions. Would be a great only dog too.
Good with cats: Not currently, but this is a work on in his foster home. We would prefer a cat free home.
Good with other animals: Thinks anything other than a dog is fun to chase. Not ideal with chickens.
Good with kids: Not a fan, needs a kid free home.
Energy Levels: Medium - high
Home Experience Level: Needs an experienced urban home that can continue his training.
Health: Very healthy guy!
Weight: 6.3kg
A Note on Training and Adopting Our Dogs
Our dogs are wonderful, and we invest a great deal of time and effort into their training and preparation. However, no dog is “perfectly trained” or ready to adopt without any ongoing work.
All dogs go through normal life stages and changes — puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, aging, moving homes, and adapting to new environments. Any of these can lead to stress, uncertainty, or moments of testing boundaries.
Because of this, ongoing training is essential. Training isn’t a one-off task; it’s a continual process that helps you understand your dog’s needs, support them through transitions, and set everyone up for long-term success.
We would expect adopters to maintain the training we’ve started and seek further guidance if needed. We’re always happy to help with information and recommendations for trainers, and provide advice during the trial and adoption process also.
Can't adopt Whitby? You can still help.
Although we charge a small adoption fee, this doesn't generally cover the costs of us getting our dogs ready for adoption. Desexing, grooms, vet care, vaccinations, registration, training and variety of other things can go into these dogs. If you'd like to help either on a one off or regular basis we would be grateful for your donation.
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