AZLAN
LOCATION: MONTREAL
GENDER : MALE
AGE : 3 YEARS
SIZE : EXTRA LARGE
BREED : ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD
SOURCE : ONTARIO
NEUTERED / SPAYED : YES
MEDICAL NEEDS: HISTORY OF HEALED PELVIC AND HIP FRACTURES WITH ARTHRITIS, REQUIRES JOINT SUPPLEMENTS AND MONITORING. LYME POSITIVE, BUT ASYMPTOMATIC AND REQUIRES NO TREATMENT AT THIS TIME.
VACCINATED : YES
MICROCHIPPED: YES
ENERGY LEVEL: MEDIUM
DOG FRIENDLY: AZLAN IS GENERALLY INDIFFERENT TO OTHER DOGS, BUT IN SOME SITUATIONS HE CAN BE REACTIVE. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A DOG-FREE HOME FOR HIM.
CAT FRIENDLY: YES
KID FRIENDLY: YES
ADOPTION FEE: $700
ABOUT :
Meet Azlan! Azlan was rescued from a bad situation, where he was not receiving the care and love he required. Despite his difficult past, he has a sweet temperament and has been gaining more confidence as he settles into family life.
Azlan is fairly independent and enjoys being around his people without necessarily needing constant attention. He's happy to find a comfortable spot in the living room and relax while the family goes about their day. He's been great with the children in his foster home and has formed a particularly close bond with the youngest, whom he enjoys following around and playing ball with. He's also been doing well with the resident cat.
While in his foster home home, Azlan has been an easy dog to live with. He's housetrained, sleeps in his crate at night, doesn't jump on people, and rarely barks, even when visitors arrive. He respects boundaries and has done well when left alone for short periods, although he hasn't yet been tested for longer absences. He's not particularly interested in toys, but does enjoy the occasional game of ball with the kids.
Azlan absolutely loves being outdoors. He enjoys spending time in the yard and going for walks, and sometimes needs a little convincing to come back inside! His independence, love of being outdoors, and occasional stubbornness are all fairly typical of Anatolian Shepherds, a livestock guardian breed known for thinking independently rather than always looking to their people for direction. While he generally walks well on leash in quiet environments, he can pull quite strongly when he sees another animal or something that catches his attention. Given his size and strength, he needs an experienced handler who can safely manage him on walks. He also requires secure containment and supervision outdoors, as he is capable of clearing a fence, and would likely not hesitate to roam the neighbourhood if given the opportunity.
Although he's making good progress, Azlan can be a little nervous around loud or unexpected noises, particularly large trucks and sudden household sounds. He's also hesitant with stairs and is still learning to navigate them. His future family will need to be patient and continue working on his confidence at his own pace.
When it comes to other dogs, Azlan is generally indifferent. He is able to pass by most dogs without caring, but if other dogs bark or react to him, he can react in return. Due to his strength and size, his family will need to be cautious with other dogs around. He requires a dog-free adoptive home.
Azlan has a history of old pelvic and hip fractures, as well as arthritis in both hips. These injuries have healed, and surgery was not recommended by his veterinarians. He is currently managed with supportive care, and his adopters will need to continue monitoring his mobility and providing appropriate joint support and pain management as needed. He was treated for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, and currently does not require any additional care related to these conditions.
We're looking for a home with experience handling large, strong dogs, ideally with a spacious and securely contained outdoor area. We would especially love to find a family with experience with Anatolian Shepherds or similar livestock guardian breeds, as understanding their natural instincts and independent personalities will be important in helping Azlan succeed. A rural setting could be a great fit given how much he enjoys being outside, although he is very comfortable living indoors with his family as well. He's done well with children and cats in his current foster home.
Azlan is a lovely dog with a lot of good qualities, but he does need a family who understands his size, strength, and the importance of consistent handling and management. With the right environment and continued guidance, we think he'll make a great companion.