Who’s a Good Dog? 4 Small Adoptable Pups in San Diego

If you’ve ever seen the movie Anchorman, you’ll learn at least two things. First, San Diego is classy. Secondly, there’s no greater bond than the one between a pet parent (news anchor Ron Burgundy) and their loyal pup (Baxter, his “miniature Buddha, covered in hair”). Even at his lowest, Burgundy found solace in Baxter. There are several small dog mixes in San Diego — just like Baxter — hoping to find their people. Maybe that’s you.

And as anyone who’s taken the pet-parent plunge can tell you, pups have wonderful effects on your mental health. If you like cuddling with a clever little buddy as you binge-watch a new Netflix series, you’ve found your match.

Thinking about adopting? It can’t hurt to visit your local shelter or rescue to meet a few dogs and see if any of them just feel right. To help you get started, below are merely four of the several precious, pint-sized pups in the San Diego area currently looking for forever homes. And if these pups have already found their match — there are still plenty of small (and equally legendary) dogs waiting to meet you in San Diego.

Flora / Mad Mutts dog rescue/

Flora

All about Flora: Who’s a good girl? Flora is the best girl, who has already nailed the trifecta: She’s crate-trained, potty-trained, and leash-trained. She also comes with her shots and has been spayed.

Did we mention how trainable she is? Flora is a smart people-pleaser: Since she was rescued in Mexico at eight weeks of age, she has learned the “sit,” “down,” “paw,” and “spin” commands. It doesn’t require a stretch of the imagination to see how well this perfectly sized, well-behaved pup would fit into houses and apartments alike. 

Friendly and athletic, Flora is a playful pup who loves kids and dogs — and would flourish in a home with another pup to play with. Active families will love that she’s great in cars, adores the beach, and just really loves life.

Traits: Flora is a very sociable female Chihuahua terrier mix who’s just a little over a year old. She comes with a healthy coat that’s black (with a little bit of tan, yellow, and fawn). This cutie currently weighs in at 30 pounds but still has a little bit more growing to do. 

How to meet Flora: Visit her adoption page. If Flora has been adopted, don’t be discouraged: There are plenty of other charming small dogs for you to meet at the Mad Mutts dog rescue.

Minnie Pearl / Rescue Fenix/

Minnie Pearl

All about Minnie Pearl: If the eyes are the windows to the soul, you can easily get lost in Minnie Pearl’s expressive peepers. Those looks don’t fool: Her current foster family can attest to how smart and sweet she is. She’s a shy girl who’ll take a little time to warm up to any animal or human who’s new to her. But you can expect this spayed pup (who also has all her shots) to be good around dogs and kids, and coexist respectfully with cats.

Once she’s comfortable, you’ll see her gentle personality shine. This Chihuahua is a fan of life’s simple pleasures, such as snuggling up to her humans and getting in as much petting as possible. Her hobbies include being cozy (whether that entails being wrapped in a blanket or bathing in the sun), getting treats, and tackling food puzzles.

Because she’s so peaceful, Minnie Pearl would thrive most in a calm household free of loud noises and frenetic activity. This pup craves a patient, loving pet parent who will devote the time it takes to work through her fear of being alone and challenges being on a leash (which also makes having a fenced-in yard a great asset for her). You’ll find that all your efforts will be quickly rewarded with an affectionate, appreciative dog.

Traits: Minnie Pearl is a female Chihuahua who, at three years old, has reached her target weight of an adorable 25 pounds, give or take. She’s a warm, subtle mix of three colors — tan, brown (with hints of black), and white — and has the perfect nose for booping.

How to meet Minnie Pearl: Visit her adoption page. Don’t see Minnie Pearl there anymore? Not to worry: Check out the several other small dogs waiting for you at Rescue Fenix, too.

Meeko / Amazing Strays Rescue/

Meeko

All About Meeko: This sweet pup has a laid-back vibe and loves to take in the action before deciding to join the fun. Meeko has really settled into the routine at his foster home and has grown more confident every day. Bonus: No jumping here — just a polite request for head scratches, which he will happily accept.

Relaxation is paramount to Meeko, who craves security and would live his best life in a home where he can simply chill out with his humans and other dog pals. Although he could still use some work on his leash skills, pet parents should consider that training another excuse to bond meaningfully with this remarkable little guy.

Meeko is a calm, child-friendly dog who is house-trained and enjoys playing with other dogs. This pup also comes with all the standard vaccines, is neutered and microchipped, and even has a dose of flea and tick preventives.

Traits: Meeko, a male Chihuahua mix, is fully grown and weighs just 10 pounds. Just three years old, he boasts a dreamy, shiny black coat with tan markings that befits his star-quality vibe.

How to meet Meeko: Visit his adoption page. If you can’t find him there, that’s a good thing — it means he found his forever home. But the good news is that there are plenty of other small dogs at Amazing Strays Rescue hoping to meet you.

Gnocchi / Amazing Strays Rescue/

Gnocchi

All about Gnocchi: If you’ve ever yearned for an unconditionally loving companion, look no further than this pup who loves to shadow her favorite people. Saved from an open-admission shelter, Gnocchi seems to appreciate everything around her, from people and pets to snuggles and strolls (just not long walks due to a previous foot injury) and even riding sidecar in your purse.

Gnochi sounds like a breeze, because that’s exactly who she is: A solid sleeper who’s house-trained and a fan of tranquil homes (that includes apartments) to simply relax and dote on her pet parents in her own endearing way. She also comes vaccinated,  microchipped, and spayed. This petite girl may look like a puppy, but she comes with all the ease that makes adult dogs appealing to adopters — especially first-timers.

Traits: This female Chihuahua is eight years old, which is actually younger than you’d think, given this breed’s formidable lifespan. Gnocchi gives off a gingery glow — that’s technically a mix of tan, yellow, and fawn — and comes in at a lightweight 25 pounds (or less). But don’t be mistaken: That little stature comes with big-time affection.

How to meet Gnocchi: Visit her adoption page. On the off chance that Gnocchi has been adopted, be sure to peruse Amazing Strays Rescue’s page for several other adoptable (and equally exceptional) small dogs.

Still looking for your dream dog?

If you’d still like to search for a dog who feels like your dog, there are countless pups out there looking for a special pet parent like you. Sign up for Adopt a Pet’s New Pet Alerts to get a first peek at dogs in your area who are looking for their new pet parent.