Champ

Available

“Champion”

Approximately 2-3 years oldMaleLargeLabrador mixWeight: 20kgBaan Maa, Thayang

Confident, cuddly and secretly the pack's big brother, once he's decided you're worth the fuss.

AffectionateFunLeader

Monthly sponsorship£0 / £20

At a Glance

EnergyMedium

Exercise needed1-2 hours daily

ChildrenYes

Other dogsGood

CatsUntested

First-time ownerYes

Apartment livingPossible

GardenNot essential

Can be left aloneUp to 4-5 hours

Toilet trainedPartially

Lead trainedYes

Crate trainedYes

Good to Know

Champ had hip surgery in the past (see Health) but today runs, swims, jumps and plays with no pain or limitation.
He can be intimidated by dogs noticeably bigger than himself, and may bark at buffalo.
He isn't keen on the moment his lead goes on, though he's a different dog once it's clipped.

Champ's Rescue Story

Champ came to Baan Maa after being found on a feeding run, unable to put weight on one of his back legs. He had blood parasites and a dislocated femoral head, most likely the result of a road accident, and had to wait for his blood condition to improve before surgery could go ahead. He then had the damaged femoral head removed and worked through months of physiotherapy afterwards. He's fully recovered now. He runs, swims, jumps, sits and lies down just like any other dog, with only a little residual muscle wastage in that leg and no sign it slows him down or causes him any pain.

About Champ

Champ is relaxed, confident and quietly in charge of his pack, in a kind way. He acts as a sort of big brother to the other dogs at Baan Maa and will step in if play gets too rough for someone's liking. He can take a minute to size up someone new, especially if they're not on his level (crouch down and he warms up fast), but once he's decided he likes you, he doesn't do anything by halves. He rubs himself against you head to toe and hands out enthusiastic 'lick baths', with a particular fondness for human hair, which he seems to feel is in need of a wash. He isn't a barker and he isn't pushy. It can take him a few days in a new place to show his full, daft, affectionate side, so give him time to settle before deciding what he's like.

The Full Profile

Life with Champ

Champ is up around 6.30am and keen for his morning walk before the heat sets in, after which he's considerably more interested in napping. He needs at least an hour of exercise a day and would happily do two if you had the time, whether that's a proper walk, wrestling with his friends, or just tagging along with people. Dinner is around 4pm, followed by more play in the field, and he settles by about 7pm. He'd rather be with you than left behind, so bring him along when you can.

People

Champ is gentle with people and has been excellent around Baan Maa's toddler. He can be briefly unsure of someone he's just met, but usually warms up quickly, especially if you get down to his level rather than looming over him. He isn't a stranger-barker. Women tend to get an especially warm welcome, and he hasn't had much exposure to teenagers yet. He loves cuddles, though putting his lead on is the one moment he could do without.

Other Animals

Champ gets on well with other dogs and is protective of them in a good way, breaking up rough play rather than starting it. He can be intimidated by dogs noticeably larger than himself, and is generally fine with male dogs unless they're pushy and in his face. He's untested with cats. Around cows and chickens he may give chase, and he'll bark at buffalo. He'll also chase rodents, birds and ducks given the chance. No resource guarding has been seen.

Training

Champ is lead and crate trained, and generally well mannered around food, though he may investigate a bowl someone else has abandoned. His toilet training is a work in progress, since he's had limited experience indoors, though he keeps his own kennel clean. Recall is so-so and commands are still developing. Car journeys make him nervous at first, but he settles once moving.

Dogs moving into a new home often regress a little at first, even on things they'd already learned. That's normal, not a step backwards - a bit of patience and the same consistent routine soon has them back on track.

Health

Champ is currently healthy with no medication or ongoing medical needs. He came to Baan Maa after being found on a feeding run, unable to put weight on a hind leg. He had blood parasites and a dislocated femoral head, most likely from a road accident, and needed surgery to remove the damaged femoral head followed by months of physiotherapy. He now runs, swims, jumps, sits and lies down completely normally. There's some residual muscle wasting in that leg but no sign it causes him any pain or holds him back day to day.

Ideal Home

Champ would suit families, first-time owners, experienced owners and retired adopters who can give him regular exercise, as well as people working from home who can bring him along on the day's errands. A house or garden would be lovely but isn't essential if he's getting enough outdoor time; a reasonably spacious apartment could work too. He could be an only dog or live with a compatible one, a female or an easygoing smaller male would probably be the simplest match.

Might not be the best match if...

He might not be the best fit for a home that expects a dog to get by without proper daily exercise, or for pairing with a highly dominant dog.

Fun Fact

Champ gives full lick-bath treatment to anyone who will allow it, with a special interest in hair. He is also, despite apparently always smiling, notoriously hard to get a good photo of.

Perfect Day

An early walk before the heat, a long nap through the middle of the day, dinner at four, a proper play in the field, and somewhere to lie down near his people until it's time to settle for the night.

Interested in Adopting Champ?

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