Although he is only one year old, Kirin is a calm, gentle, easy-going rat terrier mix who wants nothing more than to be your constant companion. This cuddly 24 lb. lover boy will follow you around like a loyal shadow and eagerly accept your caresses and hugs. Kirin takes treats courteously and delicately, and he is quiet in the house, even when the doorbell rings or the FedEx guy makes a delivery. He meets strangers a little tentatively but completely amiably and will be asking them for pats within a minute. Some other dogs can initially make him anxious, but if they aren't too pushy he will share cautious sniffs and then accept them as a new friend. Like a perfect gentleman, Kirin has reliable house-training and nice house manners, although his dislike of being left alone could tempt him to try to sneakily follow you out the door or to cry/bark initially when left behind. Being very laid-back, he isn't particularly interested in playing with toys or engaging in romp/wrestle/chase games, but he'll sometimes get frisky for a while before settling down to his normal serenity. He do es very much enjoy going on walks and is a nice, loose leash walker. Kirin has recently learned the "sit" and "come" commands and quickly figured out the doggie door, and he is just starting to add "stay" to his repertoire.  His focus and desire to please will undoubtedly help him as he learns new verbal cues.  So far h e is adamantly resisting crate training. He refuses to go into a crate on his own, and must be firmly "nudged" inside, but once in he doesn't get overly worked up . If a gentle, super-friendly, and adorably affectionate young buddy is what you're looking for, you'll definitely want to consider Kirin! Please check out more photos of him and some videos in his online album at  www.ImageEvent.com/beales/fosters/kirin.