my first thought was kelpie, and I see someone else thought kelpie as well!..and with the additional info of the flat,heeler-type head, I would have an even stronger inclination towards kelpie…no idea about the double-dews,though
[QUOTE=GraceLikeRain;7139288]
I think the double declaw is an anomaly and not a sign he has a specific breed known for throwing double dews.[/QUOTE]
That would be my guess. My mutt Tessa has double dewclaws as well. We were told that she was a Lab x Schnauzer cross, which is certainly plausible, but no idea if that’s accurate. She’s about 35#, but doesn’t look all that much like Joe. You should be able to see her picture here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=567275293329267&set=o.201362623086&type=1&theater
Another vote for Chi/Corgi----Whatever he is, he’s 100% cute! I hope Joe and your dad have a long time together.
[QUOTE=Wayside;7140670]
That would be my guess. My mutt Tessa has double dewclaws as well. We were told that she was a Lab x Schnauzer cross, which is certainly plausible, but no idea if that’s accurate. She’s about 35#, but doesn’t look all that much like Joe. You should be able to see her picture here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=567275293329267&set=o.201362623086&type=1&theater[/QUOTE]
Tessa is adorable! I’m a sucker for a beard and eyebrows!
[QUOTE=Houndhill;7140889]
Tessa is adorable! I’m a sucker for a beard and eyebrows![/QUOTE]
Awww, thank you! We’re very fond of our “bearded lady” :lol:
I hadn’t thought about kelpie, but having looked at some photos I believe y’all might have something there. Short, double coat, flat alligator head. Markings are almost exactly the same. The eye shape is very similar also. I guess that explains the longer-legged version of Joe whom Daddy sees around the neighborhood. 
I would not be surprised if Joe’s a kelpie/corgi cross.
I still don’t think there’s any Chihuahua in there. Too much bone, really different personality. And the head’s too flat and broad even for a deer-headed type (had to look that one up, but then realized I used to have one. 
)
I hope Joe and your dad have a long time together.
Thanks, incentive. Me, too! My great-grandfather lived to be 99, despite chewing tobacco and living most of his life without ever going to the doctor. But if anything were to happen, I’d take Joe home with me in a heartbeat. He has very nice dog-manners - he even got my grumpy old lady border collie to sort of play with him (she wags her tail and leans towards him and he runs around her in a circle:lol: ) and would fit right into my pack.
Another vote for Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Kelpie cross. Not based on the double dewclaws, just the overall phenotype and coloring.
PS: Dog is purely cute, to be sure.
