Petey is a young Pekingese/Australian Shepherd mix. These breeds have come together beautifully in this little guy, just 20 pounds with a sweet face. He was adopted by a young lady who couldn't keep him because she lives in a townhouse and he barked when she left him alone. Now, let me be clear ~ she only had him for one week. Any rational person would expect a dog to have an adjustment period, and she was rational, but her neighbors and landlord were not. They were unwilling to allow Petey a couple of weeks to get used to his new home and out he had to go! I think that is awful and I don't mind saying so! Meagan was heartbroken at this ultimatum but she did the best she could by Petey, providing us with wonderful, insightful information. I'll just share her words with you:

" Petey is great for someone who is at home a lot and who really wants a couch potatoe for a dog! He might be young but Petey seems to enjoy just being as close to his owner possible, and if that means a lazy day on the couch Petey is up for it. He doesn't seem to like many toys, he has chewed on his tug of war rope a little. He totally ignores all the the stuffed animals. He does like his tiny tennis balls that we play with. If i throw it to the other end of the house he will chase after it, and if your lucky he'll even bring it back!!! He does howver get distacted quite easily while playing. We sometimes call him ADHD dog. He really just wants a person to love him and be with him as much as possible. He really bonds to one person. I had my boyfriend take him on a walk while I made dinner and Petey was not happy. He practically dragged my boyfriend home so that he could come sit at my feet again. Petey is also great at night. Since he was new at my place I kept him in my room at night, Petey would sleep all through the night in his blanket right next to my bed. No issues at all. I have noticed that Petey does not have any accidents during the night while he is kept in my room. He will however go to the bathroom in there during the day or while I'm not at home. I think his former owners had him using puppy pads because whenever he has an accident he looks for a blanket or clothes on the floor to use.
Petey is a great pet and sooo beautiful! He is such a love and so smart. Within one day of having him I was able to teach him that the bed and bathroom were off limits (too many fun things for a pup to chew on in the bathroom). Petey sits for treats and understands no and stay. Other than his tendency to bark when I leave I haven't noticed any other bad behaviors. He does try to jump up on my legs every now and then, but it's nothing serious.."

I couldn't have said it better myself! What I find so interesting about pets is how they respond differently to different environments. Since we have had Petey we have seen a little dog who is doesn't bark when in his crate, loves to play with stuffed toys, plays well with the other dogs, both big and small, doesn't jump up on people, but IS very loving. Petey is a great dog who just needs a little love and attention. What a darling!!!

7/26 Update:
Petey was adoptd from us last August but returned today.   According to his owner, he loved her but not her  five year old daughter or men.  I would suggest that Petey would do best in a home with a strong pack leader and kids over the age of twelve.  FYI dogs preceive themselves as higher in the pack than children under the age of twelve.  We have this good description from his former owner:
"Petey should be taken to a home with a fenced in yard as he is trained to go out back. Petey eats a half a cup of Beneful Healthy Weight dog food and two of his vitamins for skin and coat in the morning and half a cup at 7:00 pm. He gets a treat in the afternoon. He hates to be left alone so he needs to be in a crate if you are stepping out. Petey does not do well with kids or men. He gets a heavy hair cut once a month and must use oatmeal shampoo as he has sensetive skin. He loves to go for walks and he is a watch dog. He is on heart guard and his flea treatment is given by bill not liquid. He loves for you to through his ball so that he will fetch but don't get upset when he runs past you and won't give it back. It's his way of playing. He loves his bed and knows when to go to bed when you say night nights. He will not go on furniture unless you leave food on the table unattended. Petey needs a female owner who lives alone with no kids."


According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed entirely in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. It is possible that the name was derived from one of the dog's ancestors. The breed's principal forebears were most likely Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of the colonies. At some point it probably crossed with Collie stock. It has only recently gained recognition as a distinct breed. Its many talents include, retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search & rescue, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian,