Archie (formerly “Captain Jonathan Archer”) is a 2 year old Australian Cattle Dog mix born on 5/25/24. He weighs 52 lbs, is neutered, fully vaccinated, and currently lives in Winston-Salem, NC. Archie originally came from an unplanned farm litter where both parents were registered ACDs, though he himself was never registered. He was first adopted by a man living in a small apartment who was inexperienced with high-demand working breeds, and Archie spent much of his first year confined to a crate. I heard about his condition through a friend and took him in last year. Since then, I have focused on giving him the stability, love, enrichment, and care that such a special dog deserves.

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When Archie came to me, he had little response to the name “Archer,” so I began calling him Archie, which he quickly learned. He is deeply loyal, affectionate, and socially engaged with people. Archie genuinely loves humans and wants to be involved in everything his people are doing. He is happiest following someone around the house during chores, riding in the car, hiking a trail, or napping in the sunshine on the porch. He quickly recognizes familiar people and becomes extremely excited to see them, often making friends and family feel very loved and welcomed.

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Archie is physically affectionate and loves pets, cuddles, and closeness, though he can become overstimulated and mouthy when excited. This has improved significantly over the past year as he has grown more secure and emotionally regulated. While he can still become overly excited around favorite people or busy household activity, he is responsive to calm structure, consistency, and routine.

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For an ACD, Archie has a moderate energy level. He is accustomed to two moderate walks a day along with approximately two hours of one-on-one play or enrichment. He loves variety and easily becomes bored with repetitive walking routes, so changing scenery and activities helps him thrive. Hiking is his favorite activity, and he especially loves swimming in creeks and visiting the beach. He also enjoys fetch, racing, hide-and-seek games, enrichment puzzles, cardboard boxes, pupsicles, chew toys, and bones. Chewing is especially important for him as a healthy outlet for anxiety or overstimulation.

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Archie is crate trained and has lived indoors his entire life. His crate is a comfort and regulation space for him, and he often chooses to sleep there even when he has free access to the house. He has lived in both apartments and homes, though he does best with access to a fenced yard where he can safely play, explore, and monitor his surroundings. He has never lived in a rural environment or been allowed to free roam.

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Archie currently lives with an elderly Chihuahua and is generally gentle and caring with him unless food or high-value treats are involved. Archie does display resource guarding behaviors around bones and treats, and I manage this by feeding the dogs separately. He has never bitten or broken skin on a person or another animal. He has not been around cats or young children, so I cannot confidently assess those situations. Because of his energy level, mouthiness when overstimulated, and need for structure, I believe he would do best in an adult home or one with older, dog-savvy children.

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He is leash trained, crate trained, housebroken, knows basic commands, and has fair recall. He has not had formal professional training, but I believe he would thrive with continued structure and additional training support. He is fully vaccinated and currently on Simparica Trio. Last summer, he was bitten on the ear by another dog at a dog park, and he occasionally experiences ear pain or inflammation that requires medicated drops.

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Making the decision to rehome Archie has been heartbreaking. I was recently diagnosed with a chronic illness and live alone, and I can no longer consistently meet the physical, emotional, and training needs that he deserves long-term. Archie has made tremendous progress over the past year, and I love him deeply. Because of this, I am committed to finding him a stable, experienced, and compassionate home that understands both working breeds and dogs who come from neglectful beginnings.

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Archie would thrive with an adopter who is experienced with herding breeds or other high-needs dogs, understands routine and emotional regulation, and enjoys an active lifestyle balanced with consistency and structure. He needs attentiveness, patience, continued training, and a lifelong relational bond with his people. He is not a dog who can simply be “left alone,” but for the right person, he is an incredibly devoted companion.

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I will carefully evaluate potential adopters and require a successful meet-and-greet. I am unable to assist with transportation but am not requiring an adoption fee. All of Archie’s supplies, including his crate, leash, toys, and other belongings, will go with him. Above all else, I want Archie to have the loving, adventurous, stable life that he deserves.

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Email gulliongirls6@gmail.com