Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped. * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.Adoption fee: $800 Meet Brio! Brio is a 12–14 week old Havanese mix puppy who came to us from the shelter after being dumped as a stray. Brio has blossomed into a confident, curious, and incredibly charming little puppy with a whole lot of personality packed into a small body. A Day in Brio’s Life Brio starts his mornings bright and early around 6:30 am with a trip outside to take care of business, followed by a little playtime. After that, he relaxes in his playpen while the household gets ready for the day. He enjoys interacting with the resident dogs before settling into his playpen again for breakfast around 8:30 am. Because he’s still a young puppy and learning the ropes of potty training, Brio goes outside every 30–45 minutes when possible and is doing very well with this routine. Throughout the day, he alternates between playtime, naps in his playpen, enrichment activities, and short training sessions to keep his growing mind engaged. At lunchtime, he gets more playtime with the resident dogs both in the backyard and around the house, followed by lunch around 1 pm. In the evenings, Brio enjoys more playtime while dinner is being prepared, then winds down with the family. His last potty break is around 10 pm, after which he settles in for the night. Personality & Temperament Brio is a sweet, loving little guy who took just a day or two to adjust before his true personality came shining through. He is curious and eager to explore, but also responsive to redirection and already learning basic skills like coming when called. He’s intelligent, brave, and impressively confident for such a young puppy. He loves to be in the middle of whatever is happening and enjoys observing everything around him. While he isn’t a Velcro dog, he is very much a companion and likes being part of the action. Brio has been learning how to settle and relax with the help of his crate and playpen, and he’s making great progress. Dog Social Skills Brio lives with two resident dogs: a 4-year-old Shih Tzu and a 1-year-old Frenchie Poo, both with very different personalities. He has done wonderfully with both and learned quickly how to interact appropriately. Despite being smaller, Brio is fearless and absolutely loves to wrestle and play chase with dogs bigger than him. He would happily play all day if given the chance. Energy Level Brio is playful and energetic, as expected for a puppy his age, but he also enjoys cuddling on the couch with the family once he’s had his fun. He balances active play with sweet downtime very nicely. Leash & Outings Brio has not gone on formal walks yet since he hasn’t completed his puppy vaccinations, but he has gone out in a sling and is very alert and observant. He’s been introduced to a leash in the backyard and is still getting used to it. House Training & Crate Training Brio is not fully housetrained yet, but he’s doing very well for his age. He usually goes potty as soon as he gets outside and has only had a couple of accidents. He does not mark indoors. He’s very comfortable in his playpen and is in the early stages of crate training. All meals are fed in his crate to create positive associations, and he spends short periods in it while his foster family is home. Puppy Behaviors As a teething puppy, Brio loves to chew and does best when given plenty of appropriate toys. He responds well to redirection and has been great about chewing on toys rather than household items. He enjoys lambie and rope toys in particular. He occasionally barks, especially when his people come home and he’s in his playpen, but this has already improved with consistent training and structure. Why Brio? Brio may be small, but he has a huge personality. He’s playful, affectionate, smart, and eager to learn. He plays hard, cuddles hard, and brings endless joy to everyone around him. A Favorite Brio Moment One of Brio’s favorite games is playing tug with the resident dog Dino. Dino will grab one end of a toy and drag Brio all around the house, but Brio never lets go. He’s determined, persistent, and always ready for a good challenge, proving that size truly doesn’t matter. Brio is a wonderful puppy who is going to make his future family very happy.January 19, 2026, 11:52 am
