Alfred the bilingual dog

After living in a household that uses two languages, Alfred has become somewhat bilingual and responds to both Spanish and English.

Alfred, a mix-breed of cavalier and miniature poodle, was purchased by his owners almost three years ago from a breeder.   His owner, who preferred not to be named, says he is not a typical dog and is able to understand both English and Spanish. “My step-mum is Colombian and she speaks Spanish to him. He probably speaks more Spanish than me! She’ll say things like ‘let’s go for a walk’ in Spanish and he understands what she’s saying,” his companion said.

As his family lives at Prima Pearl and his owner works nearby at 101 Collins St, it is extremely convenient to take Alfred on frequent walks.

“We moved here a year ago almost. So he’s been here and adjusted to the lifestyle and everything. He’s very relaxed and he loves doing thing on his own terms. He’s very chilled and fits in well with our lifestyle.” Despite being a miniature poodle, his owner remarks that Alfred is “super cavalier dominant” explaining her dog’s appearance. She says that Alfred’s personality also includes traits that are associated with the cavalier breed. “He’s really sociable especially with other dogs.

With people, he loves a pat, but it’s more with other dogs.

He gets really excited! But he’s super submissive. If another dog comes up to him he’ll never bark,” she said.

She described him as a very low maintenance dog, who’s favourite past time is sleeping and states that he is well behaved – at least most of the time! “He’s super well behaved unless chicken is involved.

He just freaks out when we are cooking chicken and he’ll want all the chicken.

But I have to admit he is super spoilt, he even sleeps with us in our beds, right on our chests,” she said.