This biweekly column is written by Suzanne Lawter, Director of Community Outreach for Mutts Matter Rescue, a local nonprofit, all-volunteer dog rescue. Mutts Matter is a network of volunteers who love animals and want to make a difference by helping forgotten and discarded dogs find loving families. Since our founding in 2010, we have successfully rescued and placed more than 1,400 dogs in the local Washington Metropolitan area.
Adorable Muffin is a sweet and playful Japanese Chin/Pekingese mix, with a cute little underbite and watchful eyes that serve him well as he minds the home front. He’s currently in search of his new family, and will make someone an excellent companion pup. He’s about 5 or 6 years old, weighs 14 pounds, and has a beautiful, flowing black and white coat that will need a good brushing weekly, and grooming every 3 to 4 months.
He comes from royal stock, and, like his ancestors, has a regal and self-assured air about him.
Japanese Chins were bred to be companions to the Chinese aristocracy and often given as gifts to the nobility, and Pekingese dogs were held sacred in ancient China, and could only be owned by royalty. Both were bred to be lapdogs, but they make excellent watchdogs too.
Muffin is independent, but also a very loyal and affectionate pup once he knows and trusts you. He likes to be near his person, and will sit at his foster mom’s feet or jump up in her lap when he wants to snuggle. His foster mom, Claire, can pick him up to cuddle or groom him, and can take food and toys away without issue, but he’s reserved around strangers and needs time to trust you before being handled. Because of this, Muffin cannot be adopted to a family with small children, but he’d be fine with older kids who understand boundaries and respect his personal space.
Claire describes Muffin as a “Pretty laid-back and friendly dog. He’s affectionate but not needy, and likes to have his independent ‘me’ time. He enjoys walks and car rides, and likes to play fetch. He is house trained, loves to cuddle and get belly rubs, and enjoys hanging out in the kitchen while you cook, and will assist to remove crumbs as needed.”
Muffin is a big fan of soft, fluffy toys and can usually be found with one in his mouth. He carries his toys everywhere, and even when it’s walk time, Muffin shows up ready to face the world with his prized possession in tow. He can be goofy too, and will hop like a bunny when he gets excited. When he stops to sniff and explore on a walk and falls behind the rest of the pack, he will hop as fast as he can to catch up. He’s a team player in his pack, and ready to take the lead on walks, or greeting visitors at the front door.
Muffin is currently being fostered with two Shih Tzus, Lilo and Gizmo, and he really enjoys the company of other dogs, so a home with another small companion pup is preferred. He will do best with a confident and patient owner who will teach him the rules of the house, and keep him on a consistent routine. He needs an owner who is willing to do a proper introduction to new people and other dogs, but once he’s familiar, he is a sweet, cuddly little pup.
Although Muffin is not a high-energy dog who needs a lot of physical activity, he will need a daily walk and some play time to keep him healthy and balanced. Like all brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, he can’t handle extreme temperatures and can overheat easily, so he needs to be monitored in the summer months.
If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a pup in need, please go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or if you have questions, you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.
Photos via Mutts Matter Rescue
