Labrador Retriever and Black Mouth Cur Dogs Available for Adoption in Amherst, Massachusetts

Meet Murphy!

A goofy and affectionate two-year-old Labrador Retriever mix currently living in Westminster, MA, whose floppy ears and golden coat are just the beginning of his charm.

Murphy is a big-hearted pup (weighing in at 70 pounds) who greets life with playful energy and happy tail wags! He’s a silly guy who often “talks” with little playful noises, making it feel like he’s really trying to communicate with you. He thrives on the simple joys of life like long walks, breezy car rides, chew toys, and full-throttle zoomies in the yard. But don’t let his silly side fool you, Murphy is a smart cookie who responds beautifully to clicker training and is eager to continue learning through positive reinforcement. He’s already mastered sit, lay down, and is working on stay and recall with promising progress.

Murphy is wonderfully social with other dogs and would flourish in a home with a confident canine pal to show him the ropes and help him feel secure. Doggie daycare is one of his favorite places, where he truly comes out of his shell. At home, he settles into a steady routine, curling up on his bed or couch for snuggles and quiet time, his version of winding down after a day of play and exploration.

Murphy does have some anxiety, especially in unfamiliar or chaotic environments, and has shown fear-based behaviors when feeling trapped. He’s had three incidents where he nipped or bit. Once with a visiting family member entering the home and twice with men in public settings. These moments stemmed from fear, not aggression, and his guardians have worked hard to create structure and help him feel secure.

Murphy can be a little nervous around some men, though he does well with many, and has made great progress through consistent training, patience, and love. Because of this, he’ll thrive with a calm, experienced pet parent who understands anxiety and reactivity and can continue supporting his confidence. Slow introductions to new people and surroundings, along with consistency and gentle guidance, will help him blossom. A home without children is recommended.

Murphy also benefits from a mindful diet, it's suspected that chicken may contribute to his skin sensitivities, so it has been removed as a precaution, along with regular soothing baths to keep his skin comfortable. With the right care, his golden coat shines almost as brightly as his personality!

Are you the kind, dog-savvy companion who can help this smart, sweet, and slightly silly pup thrive in a loving, peaceful home?

If you're interested in providing Murphy with a loving home, please email adopt@joyfulpets.com for more information on adopting him! Please note that Murphy will remain with his current family until a suitable new home is found for him.

Also, Murphy is open to a long-distance adoption, love knows no distance when finding your perfect companion!

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

The Black Mouth Cur is a versatile and intelligent hunting dog known for its strong work ethic and loyalty. Originating in the southern United States, these medium to large sized dogs are muscular and athletic. Their distinctive feature is the black mask on their muzzle, giving them their name. Black Mouth Curs excel in various tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding, making them ideal companions for active families looking for a versatile and devoted canine.

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.

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