Move over, PSL … there’s a new Latte in town! Latte is a one-year-old Shih Tzu-Chihuahua mix who was rescued, alongside his sister Matcha, from the same hoarding situation that released Pearl and Apple last year (see Latte’s introductory post for more). After a much-needed groom and surgery to remove his cherry eyes, Latte has spent the past few weeks decompressing with his fosters. Latte would be the first to admit that first impressions are not his forte, so he’s looking for a patient family with lots of love to spare!

Given Latte’s past, it’s not hard to imagine that he is a feisty and protective guy. Latte was rescued from a home where he lived with nine other dogs, without much exposure to the outdoors or strangers. He is reactive to most dogs on leash, barking and snarling, but never lunging. This defensive behaviour is also his go-to reaction with strangers. While he mostly ignores humans on walks, there have been situations where he’s barked and growled at kids who are playing at the park. It’s likely that Latte is just being protective – this level of interaction with people and environments is completely new to him – so his adoptive family will need to continue creating positive connections to new experiences!

At home, Latte barks at anyone coming through the door. His fosters have been working to de-escalate this behaviour, and it is working! Latte’s reactivity is more often directed at men, though women haven’t totally managed to escape his not-so-friendly greetings. The good news is that Latte has really taken a liking to his foster family, which tells us that his tough guy exterior is just his way of protecting himself. Latte absolutely adores his fosters, following them everywhere they go and snuggling up for pets and belly rubs! He has been working extra hard to become BFFs with the resident twin seven-year-old boys. Latte is completely smitten with his foster brothers and loves hanging with them every chance he gets – give Latte a weekend of couch hangs watching K-Pop Demon Hunters with the boys, and he’s in heaven! With kids he doesn’t know, Latte is less interested in interacting. He’s met some younger kids who have been too handsy for his liking. Latte would do well in a home with children, though we’d recommend kids 7+ who can respect boundaries.

Latte’s tiny size would make him a great candidate for condo living! His doesn’t have high energy needs and his potty schedule is manageable. That said, should Latte find himself a condo-dweller, his family will need to address his reactivity and barking sooner rather than later. Latte has already made a tremendous amount of progress with his fosters and we have no doubt that patience and consistency will go a long way for this little guy! His basic obedience has also been shaping up nicely and he’s learning to heel while on the leash. Latte prefers praise over treats, which makes training easy in its own ways! Right now, Latte goes for two 20-30 minute walks per day – anything more would tucker this guy right out!

Latte is potty trained, microchipped, neutered and up to date with his vaccines. Now that his cherry eyes have been removed, he has no other medical issues to report! Latte despises his crate and is much happier to roam freely when left alone, usually opting to nap on the couch. His fosters have noted that Latte is not used to treats or dog food – it is suspected that his previous owner fed him human food (as evidenced by Latte’s obsession with any food that falls on the floor). His fosters have been adding wet food to his kibble to entice him to eat.

Sweet Latte knows that he can’t stay a tough guy forever – this little guy is eager to break through his hard shell and settle in with his new family!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults; kids 7+) and dogs (though he would be best in a home without other dogs); not cat tested
ENERGY: Low
QUIRKS: Latte is better than a Roomba – any food that falls to the ground doesn’t stand a chance with Latte around!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience, leash skills, continued socialization, reactivity
MEDICAL NEEDS: None
WEIGHT: 13lbs
FOSTER LOCATION: Hamilton