Black Labrador Retriever and Hound Dogs Available for Adoption in Cincinnati, Ohio

Theodore—Ted, Teddy, “beefcake,” or my personal favorite, “furry cement bag”—is a completely different kind of special. About 9–10 months, around 50 pounds… built like a brick. Short, thick, solid. When he comes in at you, he does not slow down. He hits at knee level like he’s got somewhere important to be and you’re just part of the path.

Ted is, without question, the biggest goofball I’ve ever had. I’ve been fostering dogs for about 15 years, and there’s just something about him that hits different. He’s not the smartest dog you’ll ever meet. If I had a dollar for every brain he didn’t have, I’d have exactly one whole dollar. But what he lacks upstairs, he makes up for with this pure, innocent, completely unfiltered sweetness that’s hard to explain unless you’ve seen it.

He has what I call “Ted mode.” You can literally watch it happen. His face softens, his eyes glaze a little, and it’s like a switch flips—he’s coming for love, and there’s nothing you can do about it. He crawls into your lap, wedges himself into your hands, rolls slightly onto his side, and just waits for scritches like it’s the most important job you have that day. It only lasts 10–20 seconds sometimes, but it’s enough to melt you every single time.

Ted does well on a leash and has been getting more consistent with it. He’s also learned “wait” and does a great job with it. For a dog with his level of energy, the ability to pause, sit, and hold himself back when asked is a big deal. He's very teachable and will do great with someone who wants to introduce new commands.

He plays hard, loves hard, and lives life at full speed. He’s one of those dogs that doesn’t just exist in your house—he fills it. Sometimes that means chaos. Sometimes that means laughter. Usually both at the same time.

Ted needs a home that can handle energy and give him an outlet for it. He’s not meant to be bored. If he doesn’t have something to do, he will absolutely find something to do, and you may not like his choice. A fenced yard is strongly recommended, and attention throughout the day is important.

The perfect home would be one that understands that energy. A family that’s around a lot, maybe someone working from home, maybe a household where someone’s always there. Give him a little physical space, give him attention, and he will give you everything back. Everything.

All HART dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccines, including bordatella and rabies. They are heartworm tested and on preventative for heartworm, fleas, and ticks. If you are interested in any of our pets, you must complete an online dog adoption application at www.rescueAhart.org . The application will put you in touch with this wonderful dog's foster family so you can schedule a meeting. Thanks!

The black Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. They are agile, keen swimmers with a strong work ethic, making them excellent hunting and service dogs. Their glossy black coat is low maintenance and sheds minimally, while their friendly temperament makes them great family pets. Black Labs are known for their outgoing personalities and eagerness to please, making them loving companions in various roles and settings.

The hound dog breed is a diverse group known for their incredible hunting abilities and keen sense of smell. These dogs are esteemed for their athleticism, endurance, and loyalty, making them excellent companions for active individuals and families alike. With a rich history of assisting hunters in tracking and trailing game, hounds possess a strong prey drive and a distinctive bay when on the hunt. Hounds come in various sizes and coat types, each with its unique characteristics, but they all share a remarkable intelligence and a friendly disposition.