05-03-2025
Shelter is brutally honest about a puppy in need of a home. ‘We know this seems crazy'
A dog in Pennsylvania that's a unique combination — very stubborn and fiercely loyal — is having trouble finding a forever home. And he's still a puppy.
Brutus, a 6-month-old beauty of a pup with distinguishing features like two different colored eyes, a black mask and white and black body, is struggling with his temperament around people and other dogs, the Central PA Humane Society in Altoona said in a March 4 Facebook post.
'Brutus was an owner surrender. He is said to be an Akita and Husky mix. At this point, he is 6 months old,' the shelter said. 'He is not in the shelter and has been with a trainer. He has been through two potential foster homes at this point. He is not going to be an easy dog to home and we are being honest about it for Brutus' sake.'
An Akita is a large, working breed dog of 'ancient Japanese linage.' While they're considered extremely loyal and protective of their owners, they can be highly aggressive with animals and people they don't know, the American Kennel Club (AKC) warns.
'Wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals, Akitas will gladly share their silly, affectionate side with family and friends,' the AKC says. 'They thrive on human companionship. The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love. They must be well socialized from birth with people and other dogs.'
While the breed is tolerant of children, Brutus is not.
'Brutus absolutely can't live with dogs or kids. It will not work out. We have tried and both times it was a fail. We know this seems crazy due to his age; but it is what it is. He is not bothered by cats,' the shelter said in its Facebook post.
The puppy has the signature mark of the beautiful Siberian Huskies breed, which is two different colored eyes, the AKC says. Huskies are extremely friendly and make excellent guard dogs, which is why Brutus is in training. But be warned — it's going to take a lot of patience, according to the shelter.
'He will need continued training and socialization. He needs someone who will not allow him to become the boss, meaning he needs an owner in which he respects. When Brutus is done with what is going on; he's done,' the shelter says. 'If he's sleeping, he doesn't want you to wake him up by touching him. He's very stubborn.'
Despite his quirks, Brutus is a good boy who just wants to be loved, per the shelter.
'When he respects you; he is a good dog. He doesn't have food or toy aggression. He loves walks, hikes, and keeping himself busy,' the shelter says.
'He is going to need a very special person to take him on and to be the best dog he can be.'
For more information about Brutus, visit the shelter's website.
Altoona is about a 95-mile drive east from Pittsburgh.
