It's not often a chow mix is labeled a "nice, friendly" dog by shelter staff. That's because most chows and mixes are very uncomfortable in the shelter environment, and they'll do whatever they need to to keep people they don't know from handling them. Mostly they're scared, not aggressive, but they often get mislabeled. Bear, however, was a friendly guy from the get-go. Shelter staff really enjoyed him, but perhaps because his skin needs help, no one was interested in adopting him. So we got him out of there and got him some medical help. 

We think Bear likely was an outside-only dog in his previous life. He really enjoys the yard at his foster home, and makes great use of the doggy door to head out there frequently. He's got rough calluses on his elbows, often a result of lying on hard surfaces, like packed dirt or concrete. He has lost hair in some places, but it is growing back. Our vet says he'll need to be on ketaconazole for life because of his skin issues, but we're hopeful that a good diet will make that unnecessary. We're working on it. 

Bear gets along with other calm dogs. We aren't so sure about cats, but we are working on that. He's a voracious eater -- likely a sign he was on the street for awhile (he was found as a stray), or perhaps because he didn't get fed regularly in his earlier days. 

He is a real sweetheart who loves to give kisses but won't crowd you. He isn't interested in getting on the furniture but likes lying in his dog bed -- or, again, outside, weather permitting. He's a dear, dear boy who needs a chance to learn to be a happy dog in a happy home. We don't think he's ever had that chance.  

Although he likes being outside, he must go to a home with a secure yard where he will be inside most of the time, and he must sleep indoors. No most outside-only life for Bear!

If you rent, we require written proof that your landlord will allow you to have a chow mix.