Description:
Duke is a wonderful dog.  We're thinking he is a Shepherd/Hound mix, but really, who knows?  Duke was left at a friend's house while his master went out of town, but his master never came back so the folks who were keeping him brought him to Judy.

He's very shy and a bit scared right now and who wouldn't be?  He walks well on a leash, which is a whole lot more than I can say about my dogs!  Duke is looking for his forever home.  Won't you give it to him?

6/23/09 Foster Update:
Duke really is a wonderful dog. He was very scared at the shelter so we brought him home in the hopes that he would be more comfortable and come out of his shell.  Within two days he was a different dog.  He is still shy around new people but it doesn't take long for him to warm up and before you know it he walks up quietly behind you and nuzzles your hand gently for attention.  He gets along well with our other dogs and is patient with our kitten.  He apparently didn't get along with a dog at the home he was previously in but that dog was not fixed which we believe was the problem because he fits in fine with our pack. Duke gets more relaxed and happier everyday and is very sweet.  There is not an aggressive bone in this boy's body and he is not a barker. He is completely housebroken and hasn't chewed on anything in the house.  He absolutely loves being in chairs, just about any chair will do, although he has picked out his favorite in the house.  We now sing "Duke of Chair" to him on a regular basis (in the tune of "Duke of Earl" of course).  He is polite enough not to howl at us because we are so off key.  He is a laid back dog.  He likes attention but doesn't have to have it all the time, he is content to just be in the same room, preferably in a nearby chair.  We do not know the extent of his obedience training but he always comes when he is called and listens well even when we are asking him to get down from a chair so we can sit. All he needs is someone that will be patient when they bring him home and let him get comfortable and relaxed in his new surroundings.  Before you know it you will have this handsome boy doing an adorable dance every morning when you wake and whenever you come home.  He will make you smile everyday.  Duke is a very easy dog to handle and would be easy for an inexperienced dog owner.  Give Duke a chance to steal your heart and I promise you won't be sorry.



***According to dogbreedinfo.com, in April 1899, Capt. Max von Stephanitz registered a dog named Horan as the first Deutsche Schäferhunde, which means German Shepherd Dog in English. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage, they are calmly confident, but not hostile. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. Serious and almost human in his intelligence, they have a high learning ability. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. A quick daily brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion. Shepherds have a life expectancy around 13 years.