Meet Hippo – Our Favorite “Low-Rider”!
Is it a tiny land-dwelling river horse? Nope — it’s Hippo! This adorable, short-legged sweetheart is around 8½–9 months old and currently weighs about 50 pounds. We don’t anticipate him getting much bigger and expect he will likely stay under 60 pounds. Without a DNA test we cannot confirm his breed, but we suspect he may be a Lab x terrier mix — whatever he is, he’s 100% lovable.
Hippo arrived at the shelter as a stray alongside another short-legged mystery pup (possibly a sibling), and he has been an absolute gentleman ever since. He has been growing up in a shelter environment since January and wants nothing more than a forever home to call his own. Don’t let the short stature fool you — he has a big-dog heart packed into a compact, aerodynamic frame.
The shelter absolutely adores him, and here’s why. Hippo is closer to the ground, which makes him much harder to tip over and much easier to snuggle. He has mastered the art of the walk and stays right by your side — probably because he knows that’s where the treats live. Speaking of treats, he has never met one he didn’t like, and his kind, soulful eyes are his secret weapon for scoring extras. Most importantly, this boy has enough affection to fill a house ten times his size.
Like most adolescent dogs, Hippo is still learning the basics. He is working on house training, leash manners, and polite greetings, so his future family should be prepared for typical young-dog energy and the consistency that comes with continued training. With patience, structure, and guidance, he will mature into a devoted, well-balanced companion.
Hippo has done very well with other dogs and would likely thrive with a playful canine friend. He has not been tested with cats, so a home without cats may be best unless adopters are experienced and committed to slow introductions. He has had limited exposure to children in the shelter, so we recommend respectful, dog-savvy kids who understand boundaries and appropriate interactions.
He would do best with a family that can provide both physical exercise and mental enrichment. A fenced yard would be wonderful for zoomies and exploration, but given his size and adaptable nature, an apartment or condo could be considered as long as he receives consistent exercise and stimulation. He is a bright, affectionate boy who simply needs someone willing to give him a chance.
The shelter Hippo is currently in is severely overcrowded, and without a committed adopter, dogs like him face uncertain futures simply due to lack of space. He deserves more than a kennel — he deserves a loving home where he can stretch those little legs and soak up all the affection he has to give.
Health:
Hippo is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, heartworm negative, and on monthly preventatives.
Transport Information:
All of our dogs, including Hippo, are currently located in Texas and will be safely transported to their adopters once adoption is finalized. Transport is included in the adoption fee. Breed labels are educated guesses — we encourage adopters to focus on personality, lifestyle compatibility, and long-term commitment rather than breed alone.
MA License #479
KOTARA
Anatolian Shepherd
🇺🇸
Elgin, Texas
female, large, baby
Anatolian Shepherd
Elgin, Texas
