Adopt

Maltese puppies and dogs in California

Looking for a Maltese puppy or dog in California? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Maltese near you.

Picture of Maltese

Adopt a Maltese near you in California

Below are our newest added Maltese available for adoption in California. To see more adoptable Maltese in California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
We'll also keep you updated on Max & Pookie * Bonded Pair*'s adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Max & Pookie * Bonded Pair*

Max & Pookie * Bonded Pair*

Maltese/Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier

Male, Senior
Mission Viejo, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Max (Silver) and his brother Pookie (Red) share an unbreakable bond and are looking for a forever home together. At around 10 years old and 12 pounds, Max is the easygoing half of the duo, often keeping a watchful, caring eye on his beloved brother. Both Max and Pookie are incredibly sweet, affectionate souls who thrive on love, cuddles, and simply being close to their people. They would be happiest in a calm, cozy home where someone is around most of the time—perhaps someone who works remotely or is retired—so they can enjoy the companionship they cherish so much. If you’re looking to open your heart to not just one, but two devoted little companions, Max and Pookie are ready to fill your days with warmth and love. To meet Max & Pookie, please complete the adoption application at www.greatpets.org. Their adoption donation is $400 and includes their vet exam, vaccinations, flea control, microchip, bloodwork and fecal exam.  April 13, 2026, 7:41 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Ernie #546's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Ernie #546

Ernie #546

Maltese

Male, Adult
Placentia, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
-
We'll also keep you updated on Cheesecake's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Cheesecake

Cheesecake

Maltese/Poodle (Miniature)

Female, Young
Palo Alto, CA
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.This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, April 18th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, please submit an application in advance at https://www.dpsrescue.com/adopt/dog-application/. Adoption fee: $800 Meet Cheesecake — The Sweetest Little Slice of Easygoing Love   Cheesecake is a 1–2 year old, 11 lb Maltipoo with a soft, non-shedding coat and a heart just as fluffy as her curls. She came to rescue from a hoarding situation alongside five of her friends, but you would never guess the hardships she has faced by the way she greets each day — with gentle sweetness, quiet confidence, and an eagerness to soak up all the love life has to offer. Simply put, Cheesecake is one of those rare little dogs who makes everything feel easy. She is adaptable, affectionate, and content to roll with whatever the day brings, as long as she gets to be near her people and her dog friends.   The Daily Routine   A typical morning for Cheesecake begins with a soft shuffle as she wakes up from a cozy night of snuggles in bed with her foster mom. Once her paws hit the floor, she heads straight outside to take care of business like the goodest girl she is. She knows exactly what to do and where to do it, and she has been wonderfully reliable about pottying outside.   Afterward, she’ll nibble a few kibbles — Cheesecake is a free feeder and tends to have her biggest appetite in the morning, though she never eats much — and then it’s usually time to hop back onto the bed for another round of snuggles. Some mornings she feels especially playful and will burst into a quick round of zoomies with her foster friend Mooney, discovering the joy of toys and wrestling with a tiny stuffy in the cutest way imaginable.   When foster mom gets ready to leave for work, Cheesecake and her foster companion happily trot into their kennel on their own, knowing a treat is coming for their excellent manners. They curl up together quietly and settle in without fuss. Cheesecake has been crated for up to eight hours with no messes, no noise, and no stress. Foster mom leaves the television on low for background noise, and Cheesecake rests peacefully until everyone returns home.   Crate Skills & Home Manners   Cheesecake truly finds comfort in her crate. Even though she now sleeps in bed at night, the crate remains her cozy little retreat during the day. You’ll often find her voluntarily tucked inside with a toy, nesting in blankets, or simply relaxing and watching the household activity. She walks into her crate happily when asked and settles quickly.   She has not shown any destructive behaviors — no chewing, digging, or mischief — and she handles gentle correction beautifully. She is a quiet, respectful houseguest who seems to understand the rhythm of a home.   At bedtime, however, her favorite place is wherever her person is — ideally sharing a pillow, using a shoulder as a headrest, or curled into the tiniest donut right beside them. Cheesecake is truly a queen-level snuggler.   Personality — Sweet, Friendly, and Wonderfully Easygoing   Personality-wise, Cheesecake is about as friendly and easygoing as they come. She is happy to be held, happy to romp outside, happy to nap, happy to ride in the car, and happy to be around other friendly dogs. She isn’t a velcro dog who needs constant attention — she is perfectly content to entertain herself by observing the world around her — but when it’s time to settle down, she is all about the cuddles.   If the bathroom door is closed, you might hear her little tippy-taps as she checks in, and if the door is open, she may peek behind the shower curtain just to confirm her person is still there before wandering off to see what the rest of the household is doing. It’s equal parts adorable and reassuring.   And when she gets excited, Cheesecake has been known to break into her signature tiny “bucking bronco” trot — a silly, joyful prance that is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.   Social Life with Other Dogs   Cheesecake is currently being fostered with two large doodles and another small foster dog, and she fit into the pack seamlessly from day one. She greeted everyone calmly, allowed introductions without fear, and has maintained nothing but friendly, respectful energy ever since.   She enjoys romping in the yard off-leash with her dog friends and keeps up just fine, though her bursts of energy are short-lived due to her petite size. She loves companionship and clearly takes comfort in being part of a friendly canine crew.   Exercise & Training   Cheesecake knows exactly what to do on leash and has been on walks without showing any reactivity. She listens well, responds to gentle correction, and is easily redirected with simple distractions.   She does get the occasional case of zoomies, but given her size, they are brief and end with a cozy nap — preferably on a soft blanket, ideally next to a furry friend, and as an extra bonus if her person is nearby.   The Bottom Line   Cheesecake had a rough start to life, but she has blossomed into a bundle of gentle, joyful love. From her unique eyes to her soft curls to her easygoing personality, everything about her makes people smile. She is the kind of dog who quietly steals your heart and makes your home feel warmer just by being in it.   Foster mom says she loves everything about Cheesecake — and once you meet her, you will too.April 14, 2026, 1:33 am
We'll also keep you updated on Tali's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Tali

Tali

Maltese/Poodle (Miniature)

Female, 4 yrs
Santa Monica, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained,
Story
Fun, Friendly, And Such A Happy Girl....Meet Tali! This lovely little girl is Tali and she is a 3 year old, 17lb, Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle mix) with maybe a touch of Schnauzer. Whatever she is...she is such a cutie! Tali came to us when she was found abandoned on the scary streets of Tijuana. Thankfully, an amazing rescuer we work with out there found her and got her to safety. She reacheded out to our foundation and asked if we could take her in and we said yes! She is happy, playful, fun, energetic, and full of love! Tali is always the dog that can open up any dog and get them to play! She is very bonded to her good buddy Freddie a 9 month old Spaniel/Maltese mix that has Cerebeller Hypoplasia, so we are looking to place them together. A home with a safe and secure yard is a must as she loves to run around and do the zoomies! Owners that are not gone long hours during the day would be ideal. Tali had a rough beginning to her life so we promised her that we would find her the best forever home out there! Tali is spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. We only adopt in the Greater LA areas as an in person meet/greet, home check, and trial period are required. Please contact us at gina@theforgottendog.org or 310-990-2020
We'll also keep you updated on Walter's adoption status with email updates.
new badge
Photo of Walter

Walter

Maltese

Male, Adult
Coachella, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs,
Story
My name is Walter, and my story started out in the desert of Thermal. I was found roaming with another dog on a really hot day. My fur was so matted, and I had been out there for a while just trying to survive. But even through everything, I never stopped loving people. Im a sweet boy who loves kids, Im potty trained, and I do really well in a crate. I just want to be close to people and feel safe. Ive been through a lot, but I know my forever family is out there. Im ready for a second chance and a place to finally call home. Please visit our website desertpawssanctuary.org to learn more about this amazing pet and to see other available dogs and cats.
We'll also keep you updated on COCO's adoption status with email updates.
Needs Home Fast
new badge
Photo of COCO

COCO

Maltese

Female, 1 yr
Van Nuys, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
-

Search for a Maltese puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Maltese puppies and adults Maltese in California.

Maltese puppies and dogs in California cities

Maltese Puppies near me Maltese in Adelanto Maltese in Agoura Hills Maltese in Alameda Maltese in Albany Maltese in Alhambra Maltese in Aliso Viejo Maltese in American Canyon Maltese in Anaheim Maltese in Anderson Maltese in Antioch Maltese in Apple Valley Maltese in Arcadia Maltese in Arcata Maltese in Arroyo Grande Maltese in Artesia Maltese in Arvin Maltese in Atascadero Maltese in Atherton Maltese in Atwater Maltese in Auburn Maltese in Avenal Maltese in Azusa Maltese in Bakersfield Maltese in Baldwin Park Maltese in Banning Maltese in Barstow Maltese in Beaumont Maltese in Bell Maltese in Bellflower Maltese in Bell Gardens Maltese in Belmont Maltese in Benicia Maltese in Berkeley Maltese in Beverly Hills Maltese in Big Bear Lake Maltese in Blythe Maltese in Brawley Maltese in Brea Maltese in Brentwood Maltese in Buena Park Maltese in Burbank Maltese in Burlingame Maltese in Calabasas Maltese in Calexico Maltese in California City Maltese in Calimesa Maltese in Calipatria Maltese in Calistoga Maltese in Camarillo Maltese in Campbell Maltese in Canyon Lake Maltese in Capitola Maltese in Carlsbad Maltese in Carpinteria Maltese in Carson Maltese in Cathedral City Maltese in Ceres Maltese in Cerritos Maltese in Chico Maltese in Chino Maltese in Chino Hills Maltese in Chowchilla Maltese in Chula Vista Maltese in Citrus Heights Maltese in Claremont Maltese in Clayton Maltese in Clearlake Maltese in Cloverdale Maltese in Clovis Maltese in Coachella Maltese in Coalinga Maltese in Colton Maltese in Colusa Maltese in Commerce Maltese in Compton Maltese in Concord Maltese in Corcoran Maltese in Corning Maltese in Corona Maltese in Coronado Maltese in Corte Madera Maltese in Costa Mesa Maltese in Cotati Maltese in Covina Maltese in Crescent City Maltese in Cudahy Maltese in Culver City Maltese in Cupertino Maltese in Cypress Maltese in Daly City Maltese in Dana Point Maltese in Danville Maltese in Davis Maltese in Delano Maltese in Del Mar Maltese in Desert Hot Springs Maltese in Diamond Bar Maltese in Dinuba Maltese in Dixon Maltese in Dos Palos Maltese in Downey Maltese in Duarte Maltese in Dublin Maltese in East Palo Alto Maltese in El Cajon Maltese in El Centro Maltese in El Cerrito Maltese in Elk Grove Maltese in El Monte Maltese in El Segundo Maltese in Emeryville Maltese in Encinitas Maltese in Escalon Maltese in Escondido Maltese in Eureka Maltese in Exeter Maltese in Fairfax Maltese in Fairfield Maltese in Farmersville Maltese in Fillmore Maltese in Firebaugh Maltese in Folsom Maltese in Fontana Maltese in Fort Bragg Maltese in Fortuna Maltese in Foster City Maltese in Fountain Valley Maltese in Fowler Maltese in Fremont Maltese in Fresno Maltese in Fullerton Maltese in Galt Maltese in Gardena Maltese in Garden Grove Maltese in Gilroy Maltese in Glendale Maltese in Glendora Maltese in Goleta Maltese in Gonzales Maltese in Grand Terrace Maltese in Grass Valley Maltese in Greenfield Maltese in Gridley Maltese in Grover Beach Maltese in Guadalupe Maltese in Gustine Maltese in Half Moon Bay Maltese in Hanford Maltese in Hawaiian Gardens Maltese in Hawthorne Maltese in Hayward Maltese in Healdsburg Maltese in Hemet Maltese in Hercules Maltese in Hermosa Beach Maltese in Hesperia Maltese in Highland Maltese in Hillsborough Maltese in Hollister Maltese in Holtville Maltese in Hughson Maltese in Huntington Beach Maltese in Huntington Park Maltese in Huron Maltese in Imperial Maltese in Imperial Beach Maltese in Indian Wells Maltese in Indio Maltese in Inglewood Maltese in Ione Maltese in Irvine Maltese in Jackson Maltese in Kerman Maltese in King City Maltese in Kingsburg Maltese in La Canada Flintridge Maltese in Lafayette Maltese in Laguna Beach Maltese in Laguna Hills Maltese in Laguna Niguel Maltese in Laguna Woods Maltese in La Habra Maltese in La Habra Heights Maltese in Lake Elsinore Maltese in Lake Forest Maltese in Lakeport Maltese in Lakewood Maltese in La Mesa Maltese in La Mirada Maltese in Lancaster Maltese in La Palma Maltese in La Puente Maltese in La Quinta Maltese in Larkspur Maltese in Lathrop Maltese in La Verne Maltese in Lawndale Maltese in Lemon Grove Maltese in Lemoore Maltese in Lincoln Maltese in Lindsay Maltese in Live Oak Maltese in Livermore Maltese in Livingston Maltese in Lodi Maltese in Loma Linda Maltese in Lomita Maltese in Lompoc Maltese in Long Beach Maltese in Loomis Maltese in Los Alamitos Maltese in Los Altos Maltese in Los Altos Hills Maltese in Los Angeles Maltese in Los Banos Maltese in Los Gatos Maltese in Lynwood Maltese in Madera Maltese in Malibu Maltese in Mammoth Lakes Maltese in Manhattan Beach Maltese in Manteca Maltese in Marina Maltese in Martinez Maltese in Marysville Maltese in Maywood Maltese in Mendota Maltese in Menlo Park Maltese in Merced Maltese in Millbrae Maltese in Mill Valley Maltese in Milpitas Maltese in Mission Viejo Maltese in Modesto Maltese in Monrovia Maltese in Montclair Maltese in Montebello Maltese in Monterey Maltese in Monterey Park Maltese in Moorpark Maltese in Moraga Maltese in Moreno Valley Maltese in Morgan Hill Maltese in Morro Bay Maltese in Mountain View Maltese in Murrieta Maltese in Napa Maltese in National City Maltese in Needles Maltese in Newark Maltese in Newman Maltese in Newport Beach Maltese in Norco Maltese in Norwalk Maltese in Novato Maltese in Oakdale Maltese in Oakland Maltese in Oakley Maltese in Oceanside Maltese in Ojai Maltese in Ontario Maltese in Orange Maltese in Orange Cove Maltese in Orinda Maltese in Orland Maltese in Oroville Maltese in Oxnard Maltese in Pacifica Maltese in Pacific Grove Maltese in Palmdale Maltese in Palm Desert Maltese in Palm Springs Maltese in Palo Alto Maltese in Palos Verdes Estates Maltese in Paradise Maltese in Paramount Maltese in Parlier Maltese in Pasadena Maltese in Paso Robles Maltese in Patterson Maltese in Perris Maltese in Petaluma Maltese in Pico Rivera Maltese in Piedmont Maltese in Pinole Maltese in Pismo Beach Maltese in Pittsburg Maltese in Placentia Maltese in Placerville Maltese in Pleasant Hill Maltese in Pleasanton Maltese in Pomona Maltese in Porterville Maltese in Port Hueneme Maltese in Portola Valley Maltese in Poway Maltese in Rancho Cordova Maltese in Rancho Cucamonga Maltese in Rancho Mirage Maltese in Rancho Palos Verdes Maltese in Rancho Santa Margarita Maltese in Red Bluff Maltese in Redding Maltese in Redlands Maltese in Redondo Beach Maltese in Redwood City Maltese in Reedley Maltese in Rialto Maltese in Richmond Maltese in Ridgecrest Maltese in Rio Vista Maltese in Ripon Maltese in Riverbank Maltese in Riverside Maltese in Rocklin Maltese in Rohnert Park Maltese in Rolling Hills Estates Maltese in Rosemead Maltese in Roseville Maltese in Sacramento Maltese in Saint Helena Maltese in Salinas Maltese in San Anselmo Maltese in San Bernardino Maltese in San Bruno Maltese in San Carlos Maltese in San Clemente Maltese in San Diego Maltese in San Dimas Maltese in San Fernando Maltese in San Francisco Maltese in San Gabriel Maltese in Sanger Maltese in San Jacinto Maltese in San Jose Maltese in San Juan Capistrano Maltese in San Leandro Maltese in San Luis Obispo Maltese in San Marcos Maltese in San Marino Maltese in San Mateo Maltese in San Pablo Maltese in San Rafael Maltese in San Ramon Maltese in Santa Ana Maltese in Santa Barbara Maltese in Santa Clara Maltese in Santa Clarita Maltese in Santa Cruz Maltese in Santa Fe Springs Maltese in Santa Maria Maltese in Santa Monica Maltese in Santa Paula Maltese in Santa Rosa Maltese in Santee Maltese in Saratoga Maltese in Sausalito Maltese in Scotts Valley Maltese in Seal Beach Maltese in Seaside Maltese in Sebastopol Maltese in Selma Maltese in Shafter Maltese in Shasta Lake Maltese in Sierra Madre Maltese in Signal Hill Maltese in Simi Valley Maltese in Solana Beach Maltese in Soledad Maltese in Solvang Maltese in Sonoma Maltese in Sonora Maltese in South El Monte Maltese in South Gate Maltese in South Lake Tahoe Maltese in South Pasadena Maltese in South San Francisco Maltese in Stanton Maltese in Stockton Maltese in Suisun City Maltese in Sunnyvale Maltese in Susanville Maltese in Taft Maltese in Tehachapi Maltese in Temecula Maltese in Temple City Maltese in Thousand Oaks Maltese in Tiburon Maltese in Torrance Maltese in Tracy Maltese in Truckee Maltese in Tulare Maltese in Turlock Maltese in Tustin Maltese in Twentynine Palms Maltese in Ukiah Maltese in Union City Maltese in Upland Maltese in Vacaville Maltese in Vallejo Maltese in Ventura Maltese in Victorville Maltese in Villa Park Maltese in Visalia Maltese in Vista Maltese in Walnut Maltese in Walnut Creek Maltese in Wasco Maltese in Waterford Maltese in Watsonville Maltese in West Covina Maltese in West Hollywood Maltese in Westlake Village Maltese in Westminster Maltese in West Sacramento Maltese in Whittier Maltese in Williams Maltese in Willits Maltese in Willows Maltese in Windsor Maltese in Winters Maltese in Woodlake Maltese in Woodland Maltese in Woodside Maltese in Yorba Linda Maltese in Yreka Maltese in Yuba City Maltese in Yucaipa Maltese in Yucca Valley

Maltese shelters & rescues in California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Maltese puppies in California. Browse these Maltese rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations

Rescue

Second Chances Red Listers

Roseville , CA 95678

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Hearts For Paws Rescue

Davis , CA 95616

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, horses

More an arrow icon

Rescue

4ever Yours Rescue Inc

Georgetown , CA 95634

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Rescue For Pet Sake

120 Bank St., Grass Valley , CA 95945

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Animal Friends Connection Humane Society

933 S. Cherokee Lane, Lodi , CA 95240

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Paws For Julia

7290 gwin st, Valley Springs , CA 95252

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Umbrella of Hope

4080 Railroad Ave Suite C, (Office Space Only), Pittsburg , CA 94565

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Shelter

Pets & Pals Animal Shelter

12488 S. Harlan Road, Lathrop , CA 95330

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Family Dog Rescue

Sonoma , CA 95476

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Milo Foundation

220 S Garrard Blvd, Pt. Richmond , CA 94801

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

If you're not seeing what you're looking for, try our shelter and rescue search. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

magnifying glass with cat and dog

Want to learn more about adopting a Maltese puppy or dog ?

We've got all the info you need on adopting and caring for a Maltese puppy . Check out the links below for everything you ever wanted to know about Maltese puppies and adults .

Maltese information

clipboard with list

Where do Malteses come from? How many types of Malteses are there? From the history of the breed to question about average height, weight and size, brush up on these basic facts about the Maltese.

Learn More an arrow icon