We have a French, neutered, rescue dog who is at least 87 varieties of terrier. He obviously had a horrible start in life (was skin & bone, virtually no hair and terrified if one of us raised a stick with a hook on the end to pull down a tree branch). No idea how old he was. Probably 10-ish now, we've had him 8 years. He ran around the room on the back or the furniture and had to learn how to be clean indoors. However, he learned English (is still bi-lingual) and became house-trained, although it impossible to stop him sleeping on the top of the back of the sofa. He's a very affectionate little boy, but getting a bit possessive.
Outside, it's a different story. I've had dogs all my life - done gun-dog training - and can, by voice and a tug (head Halti) - make him heel, but it's hard work. We'd not moved here more than a week when 4 dogs rushed out of a field and attacked him - and that was it. 'Fear aggression' the trainer called it. He will even attack non-threatening bitches, which is rare. Result is that he is never off the lead outside (he also will follow a scent to the exclusion of all else).
Gradually, we have introduced him to gentle bitches and he is now friends with them - will walk with them, be friendly in the house etc.. He's great with people (apart from postmen - he shot out and nipped one once).
So, rocky, I suppose I'm trying to say that yours is never going to be the dog of your dreams - nor is ours, but we've adapted and get along just fine and he is a happy little soul (apart from being on edge on walks in case a strange dog appears - then it's hard to hold him and he only weighs 10k!)
PS I've had many dogs over the years and this is the first one like this. I suppose he's lucky that we have had the patience and experience to stick with him.