Are you ready to meet an exquisite mutt, one crafted with such detail, such precision, that the only appropriate name for him could be Baroque? This cuddly little shih tzu is a picturesque blend of brown, white, and black, blended to perfection in the form of a majestic little mutt. This dapper gentleman is more than just a work of art – although he enjoys being gazed at in admiration, Baroque is the kind of art you can touch, taking him for leisurely walks and cuddling him close to you. While cuddling, Baroque may stay so still that you think he has transformed into an inanimate piece of artwork, but we assure you, this mutt can have some pep in his step when treats are involved.
Here’s some notes from his foster:
The ironically named Baroque is an uncomplicated little dude dog. “Bold”, “flamboyant”, and “extravagant” are not words I would use to describe him. He’s too mellow and undemanding – an extremely chill dog. Minimalist, maybe?
Baroque has never met a dog, big or small, that he wasn’t happy or unafraid to greet. Coming face-to-face or side-to-side or front-to-back with another dog gives him happiness. He’s confidently gentle. It’s fun watching his tail turn into a metronome. Baroque takes his sniff and then goes on his merry way. He doesn’t obsess. He doesn’t hump. You don’t have to worry about him stirring up trouble or starting something he can’t finish. He is very well-behaved.
Baroque likes people and is remarkably polite and gentle in his approach. He doesn’t jump into laps, do hit-and-runs or side swipes, or force pets with head-butts. Baroque maintains a close but respectful distance.
Baroque gets along with my dogs and with his foster sister, Whistle, who butts her way into the front car seat with him. I seem to mind Whistle forcing her way more than Baroque does. He shares the bed with Whistle and my dogs at night. As someone who runs hot, I’m grateful that he prefers his own bit of space. Give him a bit of crumpled blanket to lay on, and he’s content. He sleeps soundly through the night.
Baroque gets along with my cats. I have two older, disabled cats and a punk kitten. They leave him alone, and in return, he leaves them alone. He doesn’t seem to pay them much attention at all.
Baroque isn’t the picky eater that I was expecting him to be. He eats Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome Food. He’ll eat JFFD chicken & rice. He’ll eat Farmer’s Dog pork recipe, which I’ve found that most dogs really enjoy. He does not eat when he’s not hungry and stops eating when he’s full.
Baroque is very compliant. He’s good about wearing his cone. He’s good with me taking his cone (and harness) off and putting it back on. He’s good with me applying ointment to his eyes. You can tell he isn’t crazy about the ointment. Complaining and resisting just aren’t high on his list of priorities.
Baroque is great at going #1 and #2. When taken outside, he isn’t too picky about the spot he makes his own and will go immediately. However, if you wait too long, he will go inside on a pee pad.
Nothing seems to bother Baroque, not even fireworks. Baroque rides well in the car. He rides well in the elevator. He rides well in a doggie stroller. He rides well in my arms. He is capable of going up stairs, but he has some difficulty going down.
I have heard Baroque bark a few times. It’s not too loud and not constant, just enough to say, “Where are you, foster mom?” He doesn’t seem to have issues being left alone. I work in the office sometimes, and he does fine. Of course, he’s not entirely alone. He has my other dogs and my roommate watching over him.
Baroque keeps up the pace while on leash, and he breaks into cute, little jogs at dog parks when the urge takes him. He sometimes goes off and explores, but for the most part, he sticks close to me and follows me.
I think Baroque would do well in any household, whether he’s an only dog or living with other dogs. He’ll love the person(s) who adopts him very much.
