Diego is a 4 year old, 70 lb. neutered male in Quincy, IL
Diego is a smart, affectionate, high‑energy Australian Cattle Dog who loves his people deeply. He was raised from 6 weeks old and has grown into a loyal companion who can play tug, chase, or play with another dog all day — and then happily curl up on the couch to fall asleep beside his favorite humans. He thrives on activity, structure, and connection.
Personality & Behavior
Diego has the classic cattle dog mix of drive and devotion. He’s energetic, intelligent, and eager to engage, but he also enjoys downtime and cuddles once he’s had a chance to burn off energy.
He does well with other animals when introduced slowly and intentionally. Sudden or chaotic introductions can overwhelm him, so he benefits from calm, structured meet‑and‑greets.
Training & Skills
Diego is housebroken and can comfortably hold his bladder for long stretches if needed. He knows an impressive list of commands, including:
Sit
Stay
Lay down
Paw
Heel (sit or walk)
Sit pretty
Play dead
Roll over
His recall is decent but still improving. He is crate‑trained, though he prefers going in with a treat and reassurance. On leash, he does best after he’s had a chance to release some energy.
He will bark at noises outside and can guard high‑value items, so his new home should be familiar with managing resource guarding and setting clear boundaries.
Bite History (Full Transparency)
Diego has had two bite incidents in his life:
At around 1.5 years old, he nipped a young child’s foot during a hot, overstimulating day when he appeared to be herding. The bite broke skin.
About a year ago, he bit his owner’s hand when hiding under a desk to avoid going into his crate. The bite did not break skin, and he immediately tucked his tail and went into the crate afterward.
These incidents occurred in specific, understandable contexts, but they make him unsuitable for homes with small children. He needs an experienced owner who can provide structure, predictability, and continued training.
Health
Diego is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and has no mobility issues. He does have seasonal allergies that can cause paw licking, rashes, and occasional ear infections, but these are manageable with routine care.
Why He Needs a New Home
This is a very difficult decision for his family. They love Diego deeply, but they are expecting a child and do not feel comfortable having him around small children given his history. They also don’t have the land or setup to safely transition him to an outdoor or working‑style lifestyle. They want to do right by him by finding a home that truly fits his needs.