Meet Murphy

Murphy is a 2-year-old, 90 lb gentle giant with a heart every bit as big as he is. Although he may look like a Golden Retriever, his DNA revealed that he is actually a wonderful mix of Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, American Pit Bull Terrier, Australian Shepherd, and American Bulldog.

Murphy spent the first part of his life chained outside in a trailer park, living on a short chain in his own waste with very little kindness. Despite everything he endured, he remains incredibly loving, affectionate, and eager to connect with people.

Murphy’s breed mix explains so much about his personality. Like a Great Pyrenees, he can be a little wary and standoffish when meeting someone new. He likes to take a moment to check you out and understand your intentions, especially around the people he loves. Once he realizes you’re a friend, he warms up beautifully and wants to be your very best friend.

His Rottweiler and guardian-breed traits also come through in his loyalty and devotion to the people he loves. Murphy is simply thoughtful about new people and deeply connected to those he trusts. Beneath his initially reserved exterior is a giant, goofy cuddle bug who loves offering his paw, rolling over for belly rubs, carrying around his favorite toys, and curling up beside his people on the couch.

Murphy is great with other dogs and truly enjoys having canine companions. Because he is a big, strong boy who can play rough when he gets excited, he would do best with confident dogs who enjoy his playful style. Smaller, elderly, or fragile dogs may find him a little overwhelming.

He is potty trained and generally calm and mellow in the home, but he still enjoys daily walks, playtime, and opportunities to use his intelligent Australian Shepherd brain.

Murphy needs a confident, committed owner who understands that a dog of his size and breed mix thrives with consistency, structure, clear boundaries, and continued training. He is not a difficult dog—he is a big, intelligent young dog with tremendous potential, and we want to place him with a family who will help him become the happiest, most confident, and well-rounded version of himself. Experience with large or guardian breeds would be wonderful, but what matters most is a family willing to invest the time, leadership, and commitment he deserves.

Murphy’s ideal family will appreciate both sides of him: the slightly cautious protector who takes a moment to get to know you and the incredibly loving, loyal best friend who emerges once he does. After everything Murphy has survived, he deserves a soft bed, plenty of toys and belly rubs, and a family who will love him as deeply as he will love them.

Murphy’s Highlights

• 2 years old
• Approximately 90 lbs
• Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, American Pit Bull Terrier, Australian Shepherd, and American Bulldog mix
• Loving, loyal, playful, and affectionate
• Initially reserved with new people but warms up beautifully
• Great with other dogs but can play rough
• Needs a confident, committed owner who will provide structure and continued training
• Potty trained
• Neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and fecal negative