Rosco – 2-3 month old male Spaniel cross Hound

Rosco is a 2-3 month old male Spaniel cross Hound. When we were advised there was a litter of seven puppies who had been dumped, we knew that we had to find somewhere for them to go. At just 2.5 months old they were so vulnerable, but with the shelter already heaving with over 100 dogs, we just didn’t have space for them. Thankfully, one of the shelter workers offered to take them into foster while we prepared them to travel and made sure they had all their vaccines.

We’re now looking ahead to October when they will be ready to travel, and hoping to find homes for all of them! There’s a clear divide between these puppies. Rosco, Izzy and Mickey look like hounds, whilst Tom, Zoe, Marios and Polo look like spaniels. We think this means that the pups could actually have different fathers – this is known as superfecundation. Their colouring is consistent, so we believe they are all related and not two completely separate litters.

Since being rescued the confidence of the pups has improved so much. When they first arrived they were all very shy and withdrawn, but they’re much more friendly and playful now. They are still a bit reserved in unfamiliar situations, but as they are more trusting with humans now they are making good progress. Rosco is a super handsome little guy. He’s the tallest of the hound pups and probably the most active. He’s curious, brave, and keen to explore, but loves to cuddle up with his siblings once he’s back in the kennel.

The puppies are very comfortable in the presence of one another, and we think that many of them would benefit from homes with other dogs to improve their confidence in new settings. They have never experienced a conventional companion lifestyle, and it’s worth noting that although they are in foster, this doesn’t mimic a proper forever home or provide the same routine or socialisation as a new adopter can.

They are currently living in a rural location, and don’t have much experience with things like traffic, busy areas or walking on the lead. We think they would be best suited to homes outside of the city where they won’t feel too overwhelmed, and they would also all benefit from homes with direct access to a garden.

Hounds and spaniels are both intelligent and active breed types, and will therefore need the training to keep them mentally stimulated as well as to instil good manners and behaviour. With time and focus, these pups are going to make great companions.

Rosco is currently based in Cyprus and has a clean bill of health. He is ready to travel in October, once he finds his forever home.