Rufio - Cane Corso and Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Houston, Texas

Meet Rufio, he is a Cane Corso mix and currently weighs 66 pounds. However, his foster mom is working to put some much needed weight on him. His ideal weight is 75 pounds.

This sweet boy was scooped up from the streets in early January 2026 and is learning every day that he can trust humans.

He is a shy, quiet boy with a sweet, gentle temperament. It takes a little time for him to trust new people, but within a week of taking him in, he started following his foster mom around the house, seeking affection, and hopping up on the couch and bed to be near the family.

Rufio loves his foster mom and 2 kids (ages 9 and 11). The 9-year-old son is his favorite! He is a little intimidated by his foster dad, but hasn't exhibited an
ounce of aggression. Rufio just runs away from him, so we are taking it slow.

His energy level would be described as low to medium. He enjoys evening walks, does not react at all to other people or dogs, and is working on his leash etiquette, which is pretty good.

He is not vocal at all. He occasionally whimpers quietly when he's excited or unsure about something and emits a goofy howl when his foster mom leaves the house (this is endearing and hilarious and only lasts a couple minutes).

He is dog friendly. Currently lives with 2 resident, grumpy, senior Chihuahuas'. They boss him around, despite the size difference. He lets them run the show and stays out of their way. No resource guarding noted. He would love calm, well-mannered doggy friends that could help him come out of his shell a little bit.

Rufio is house trained. He approaches the back door when he wants to go out and is great about doing his business in the backyard and on walks.

He is crate trained when the family is not home and tolerates a secured crate well and never has any accidents.

He sleeps through the night and alternates sleeping in the bed with his foster parents and in a crate in their bedroom. As long as he is near his humans, he snoozes peacefully.

This nervous boy would benefit from having a patient family that can help him feel safe and loved. Earning a timid foster's trust and seeing them blossom is immensely rewarding!

Rufio is located in Houston, TX, but can be transported to most states for an additional fee of $300.

The Cane Corso, known for its muscular build and imposing presence, is a formidable yet loyal Italian mastiff breed. With origins tracing back to ancient Roman times, these powerful dogs were initially used for hunting, guarding, and protection. Today, they are beloved family companions, displaying a calm and affectionate temperament towards their owners. The Cane Corso's distinctive appearance, intelligence, and protective instincts make them popular choices for experienced dog owners seeking a devoted yet vigilant companion.

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

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