Chico – approx. 10-month-old Miniature Poodle (Parti Poodle)
📍 Fostered in Gloucestershire
🏡 Adult home, living with other dogs
Chico is a beautiful young Miniature Poodle whose striking colouring gives him the rather posh title of Parti Poodle. Behind that elegant look is a gentle, sensitive soul who is only just discovering what life can be.
Chico came into our care with five other dogs, all from a very sheltered background. Aside from living with multiple dogs, he had experienced very little of the outside world. When he arrived, he was underweight, very skittish, and unsure of his surroundings. He was initially fostered alongside one of the dogs he already knew, and over the course of a week both dogs slowly realised that the resident dogs posed no threat. They are now completely relaxed and comfortable around them.
Chico has since had a full vet check, treatment for ear infections, started his vaccinations and has been neutered. His exact age was uncertain as he was not microchipped, but we believe him to be around 10 months old. With good food, care and security, he is now blossoming into the playful young dog he should be.
His puppy side is starting to shine through – he enjoys racing around the house and playing with toys. While his foster companion Ray isn’t much of a playmate, Chico recently met up with one of the younger Spaniels he came into rescue with, and the joy was unmistakable: zoomies, play bows and sheer delight at being reunited.
Chico had no lead training at all, so this has been introduced slowly and gently. He has picked things up quickly and now enjoys short village walks. Like many Poodles, he is not a fan of rain ☔ but still walks nicely. He also loves time in a secure field where he can run freely with the other dogs.
When meeting unfamiliar dogs, Chico can be very cautious. Barky or boisterous dogs frighten him, and he may retreat to a safe space if overwhelmed. When introductions are calm and controlled, particularly with dogs on lead, he copes much better and will quietly keep his distance until he feels safe. Once comfortable, he truly loves other dogs and will happily cuddle up with them. For this reason, his new home must have another gentle, calm dog who will give him space and not rush him.
Bonding with people has taken time, but it has been incredibly rewarding to watch. Initially unsure of human affection, Chico now follows his foster carer everywhere and “calls” for her when he wants to be near. He has gone from ducking away from touch to genuinely enjoying gentle fuss.
Chico sleeps in the utility room at night with Ray. His toilet training is good as long as he is kept to a routine, and he stays clean overnight. He travels well in the car in a crate with his canine friend.
Chico has a truly lovely temperament. His cheeky side is emerging, but he will be wary of new people at first. Luckily, he is very food-motivated and can be easily won over with tasty encouragement!
Chico is now ready to find his forever home. He has gained weight, recovered well from his neutering, and continues to grow in confidence every day. We are looking for a calm, patient, adult home with another gentle dog, ideally with people who have experience of rescue dogs, particularly those from ex-breeding or very sheltered backgrounds. Chico will need time, understanding and slow exposure to the world – but he does change and blossom as his confidence grows, and he will continue to do so in the right home.

🎥 Short video clips of Chico are available, showing his progress from that first day to date, his foster family dogs and people, dog friends, walks, secure field time and his special bond with Ray.
That first scary day 

Over the secure field 

With his best friend Ray 

Reunited with one of his friends 

Out walking

With the resident dogs 

Playing with toys

Being the cutest

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZWg44d5ikXc?si=muB3c9oUgWWK8161

If you feel you could be the home Chico is waiting for, we would love to hear from you
📧 Please email starfishdogrescue@hotmail.co.uk in the first instance for our questionnaire.