American Staffordshire Terrier and Labrador Retriever Dogs Available for Adoption

Meet Cleopatra, or Cleo for short, a 4-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier and Labrador mix with a heart as big as her wiggly little body. This sweet girl truly loves everyone she meets, from people to dogs to even curious cats she's determined to befriend. If it has a heartbeat, Cleo is convinced it's her new best friend.
Cleo is the definition of affectionate. She lives for snuggles and has already claimed her favorite spot on the couch, which just happens to be yours. Whether she's gently placed in your lap or climbs there herself, she's happiest curled up close, handing out kisses and soaking up attention. She may grow bigger, but she is convinced she's a lap dog for life. This playful and goofy pup is full of personality. She loves her toys, gets extra wiggly when she's excited, and is always ready for fun. She's also very food motivated and eager to please, which will make training a rewarding experience for both of you. She already does well in her crate and in the car, and she keeps her kennel space nice and clean.
Cleo is still working on potty training and will thrive with a consistent routine. She sometimes isn't quite sure about grass yet and may try to head back to the porch or inside, but with patience and encouragement, she's making progress every day. She can be a little vocal at times, especially when she first goes into her kennel or when she hears the other dogs barking. Usually she just wants to make sure she's not being left out and is hopeful someone might come scoop her up for more love. Cleo has a little bit of everything. She's sweet, playful, cuddly, and full of joy. If you're looking for a loyal companion who will keep you smiling and never let your lap stay empty, Cleo might just be your perfect match.

Cleopatra is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 05/01/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 9am and noon. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame. Since they haven't arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start's Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program. Visit our Foster to Adopt Program page to learn more. Once they get to Minnesota, they might require further veterinary care. Ruff Start's veterinary suite is located in Princeton, MN, and, as the foster, you will be required to transport your dog to and from these vetting appointments.
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*Rescue puppies are notorious for losing their birth certificates before entering our rescue. We cannot guarantee the breed or size they will be full grown.*

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the Amstaff, is a medium sized, muscular breed known for its loyalty and courage. Developed in the United States, they are intelligent and affectionate dogs, making them great family companions. With a distinctive short coat and strong build, American Staffordshire Terriers are often misunderstood due to their past as fighting dogs, but they are actually loving and playful pets when raised in a nurturing environment. They thrive on human interaction and are eager to please their owners.

The Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile dog breed known for its friendly demeanor and high intelligence. These dogs are often used as guide dogs for the visually impaired, search and rescue dogs, and excellent family pets. Labradors are known for their great sense of smell, strong build, and love of water, making them exceptional hunters and swimmers. With their loyal and loving nature, Labradors have rightfully earned their reputation as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.

Our vision is simple: We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home...