Maltese puppies and dogs in Belmont, California

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, December 13th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption Fee: $550 **Kitten is available for Foster-to-Adopt!** Breed: Maltese–Shih Tzu mix Age: 5-6 years old Weight: 11.6 lbs Coat: Non-shedding KITTEN - Small Dog, Big Opinions   Let's be real: Kitten isn't for everyone, and she wouldn't have it any other way.  This  Maltese mix knows what she likes (morning fetch, her cozy crate, predictable routines) and what she doesn't (surprise guests, loud neighborhood noise, anyone touching her food bowl). She's making excellent progress in foster care, but she's going to need someone who gets that progress isn't perfection. Kitten's Non-Negotiables:  A quiet house with a yard - apartments and city life? Hard pass. Space during meals - she's protective of her bowl and needs you to respect that boundary Time to warm up - she'll bark when you arrive, then decide if you're cool. Don't rush her. A peaceful neighborhood - she's got opinions about squirrels, birds, and pretty much everything else, and she's LOUD about it (but less so when her leash is on, interestingly) Where Kitten Shines: When her world is calm and predictable, this girl is a gem. She's fantastic on leash walks (no lunging, no drama with other dogs). She loves fetch in the morning. She's totally fine being left alone - no separation anxiety, no destruction. She adores her crate and uses it as her safe space. And with a little CBD to take the edge off her anxiety, she's shown she can really settle in. The Right Human for Kitten:  Experienced with small dogs who come with attitude and anxiety Patient and consistent - she's improved SO much in 10 weeks, but she needs someone who won't give up when she has a bad day Home most of the time to keep her routine solid No young kids - adults or older teens who won't overwhelm her Committed to management - feeding protocols, CBD routine, ongoing structure Willing to work with a dog behaviorist - continued professional support for resource guarding and barking will help her keep progressing Why She's Available: Kitten was adopted to a home in San Francisco and returned after 2 months. City living was all wrong for her - too loud, too chaotic, too much. She needs space, quiet, and someone who understands that challenging dogs aren't broken dogs.  The Bottom Line: If you're looking for an easy dog who's instantly social and goes-with-the-flow, keep scrolling. But if you want a loyal, quirky companion who will reward your patience with fetch sessions and couch snuggles (on her terms), Kitten might just be your perfect match.   She's a work in progress. Are you up for it?        January 19, 2026, 1:44 pm

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, January 24th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $750 Bronze is a 3 year old, 17 lb Maltipoo who came to our rescue after being found as a stray alongside his buddies, Silver and Platinum. When he arrived at the shelter, Bronze was in rough shape— his coat was badly matted and neglected— but thanks to our amazing volunteer groomers, he’s now cleaned up, comfortable, and looking as handsome as he feels.   Bronze starts his day around 7:30am full of energy and enthusiasm, ready to see what the day has in store. He eats breakfast at 7:30am and dinner at 6pm, and in between meals he can usually be found lounging on the couch. That said, he’s always on alert for opportunities to go outside or head out for a walk, and when it’s time, he springs up with surprising pep. At night, Bronze settles down sleeping on the floor in the bedroom, happy just to be near his people.   Over the course of a couple of weeks, his foster family has watched Bronze blossom into a confident, assertive little dog who can never get enough attention. He loves being petted, leaning into his people, or simply lying right next to them. He forms strong bonds and truly hates being left alone, preferring to always be close to his humans.   Bronze had no idea what to do with toys or balls at first, but he’s slowly figuring it out and has even started to play a little fetch. With the resident Lab, he initially kept his distance, but now he actively tries to play, occasionally licking her or cuddling up beside her. He is quite jealous of any attention she receives and definitely wants to be front and center. He’s very curious about cats and will chase them but is not aggressive, and he absolutely adores the two children in the home.   Personality-wise, Bronze is the perfect mix of couch potato and eager adventure buddy. He’s content to relax most of the day, but the moment it’s time to go outside or for a walk, he’s up and ready to go. On leash, he generally does well, though he likes to chew on the leash a bit. He doesn’t bark at other dogs or chase squirrels— he just wants to meet everyone.   Bronze is mostly house trained, with only a couple of accidents when left inside too long. He doesn’t dig or chew inappropriate items, though he will pick up random objects if he’s trying to get attention. He does bark when left alone, which reflects how much he values companionship.   One especially charming quirk: Bronze loves rubbing himself against the cat’s scratching post and makes an adorable purring noise while doing it—just one more reason he’s impossible not to love.   Bronze would thrive in a loving home, ideally with someone who works from home or is around often, as he truly craves companionship. He is an absolute sweetheart with endless love and devotion to give, a very friendly personality, and a deep affection for people. Bronze is ready to be someone’s loyal little shadow and cherished family member.January 21, 2026, 1:55 pm

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, January 24th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $750 Meet Silver – a freshly polished love bug ready for his forever home   Silver is a 3 year old, 17 lb Maltipoo with a soft, non-shedding coat and a heart that truly shines. When he arrived at DPS from the shelter, his coat was so dirty and matted that he could barely move comfortably. We took him straight to one of our amazing volunteer groomers, and the transformation was incredible. Underneath all that neglect was a truly gorgeous little dog— and an even sweeter soul. Silver starts his day around 6:30 a.m., waking when the sun comes up and checking in to see where his person is. If you’re not up yet, he may pace a bit or softly whine, but he’ll eventually settle back into his bed. Once you’re up, it’s straight outside for a quick potty break, followed by breakfast and then a pleasant 20–30 minute walk. Silver is an absolute dream on leash— he stays close, doesn’t pull, and seems happiest walking right by your side.   During the day, Silver is a champion lounger. He enjoys relaxing on the couch or an armchair, quietly hanging out and soaking up the calm. Because he’s still learning that outside is the place to go potty, he does best with frequent potty breaks and gentle, consistent reinforcement. Dinner is around 6 p.m., followed by another nice evening walk. After that, Silver’s favorite activity is curling up on the couch and being close to his person. Bedtime is around 10 p.m., and while it took him a little while to adjust to settling at night, he’s made great progress and now usually just complains briefly before retreating to his bed.   Personality-wise, Silver is a textbook Velcro dog in the very best way. He feels most comfortable when he knows his person is nearby and will happily follow you from room to room just to stay connected. He absolutely adores people—when he met the foster’s neighbor, he leaned his entire body into her lap without hesitation. He loves attention, pets, and affection, and is a total love bug who gives enthusiastic kisses (his adorable overbite makes them even cuter).   Silver is friendly with other dogs but not especially playful. He mostly ignores his foster's dog and doesn’t show much interest in toys, preferring instead to lounge and enjoy human companionship. On walks, he has met both big and small dogs and approaches them cautiously at first, then happily greets them once he realizes they’re friendly.   He is not yet housetrained, so his future home will need to continue working on potty training with patience and consistency. Silver is generally quiet and does not bark at visitors or noises, though he may bark or whine when he’s feeling anxious or separated. When nervous, he may grab harmless items like dish towels or paper napkins (his favorites) and leave them on the floor, but he does not chew furniture or destroy belongings.   Silver would thrive in a home that appreciates a mellow, affectionate companion— one who enjoys closeness, gentle routines, and a dog who truly wants to be near his people. He doesn’t require a lot of exercise and is perfectly suited for someone looking for a calm, loving presence rather than a high-energy dog.   What sets Silver apart is just how deeply people-focused he is. He adores human connection, gives the sweetest kisses, and wants nothing more than to be someone’s loyal little shadow. If you’re looking for a soft, snuggly, low-key companion with a heart full of love, Silver may be your perfect match.January 21, 2026, 2:17 pm

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: $750 Meet the Valentine Puppies — Cupid, Sweetheart, and Lovebug   Straight from the heart, these Valentine-themed pups are ready to steal yours. Cupid, Sweetheart, and Lovebug are 8 week old Maltese mixes who came to DPS with their devoted mama after being rescued from a shelter. They’ve been lovingly raised in a foster home and are growing into confident, well-socialized little puppies with distinct personalities and excellent routines. Mama is 10 lbs and the babies each weigh ~3 lbs right now, so they'll likely all remain petite.   Daily Routine & Care The puppies start their day around 8:00 a.m. with a trip outside, followed by breakfast of Blue Buffalo puppy wet food served outdoors. After eating, they play together in their pen for about an hour before coming inside to relax in their whelping box with toys, where they spend most of the morning.   Around 1:00 p.m., they head back outside for more playtime and enjoy NutriSource puppy kibble. They stay outdoors until about 3:00 p.m., after which they return to their whelping box while their foster is at work. Mama stays in the same room with them, keeping a calm and watchful eye. She does not need to be crated and typically settles in quietly when the house is calm. A camera in the room confirms that everyone is relaxed and comfortable while their foster is away.   The puppies use cloth, washable pee pads in their whelping box area and are already developing good habits. When they are given supervised free time in the house with the other dogs, their foster makes sure they’ve had plenty of outdoor time first to set them up for success.   In the evening around 5:30 p.m., they enjoy another plate of wet food. At about 9:15 p.m., they all go outside again, followed by a final cleanup of the whelping box before bedtime at 11:00 p.m. Impressively, these puppies are quiet through the night.   Socialization & Environment Cupid, Sweetheart, and Lovebug have been exposed to cats, large dogs, and other small dogs, giving them a wonderful foundation for life in a variety of homes. One of their favorite playmates is Mr. Figs, a resident dog and foster fail, especially when mama has decided she’s done entertaining them.   Meet the Pups   Cupid (male): True to his gentle name, Cupid is a sensitive little fellow with a sweet soul. He can be a bit nervous at first and appreciates a slower pace and reassurance - and plenty of love. With patience and encouragement, he continues to gain confidence each day.   Sweetheart (female): Sweetheart is the most outgoing of the group. She happily follows the big dogs and is quick to explore new spaces on her own. She’s curious, brave, and always ready to see what’s happening next.   Lovebug (female): Lovebug is confident and comfortable in her surroundings without being shy. She enjoys exploring and engaging with the world around her, striking a lovely balance between curiosity and calm.   Why You’ll Fall in Love These Valentine puppies have been raised with structure, consistency, and lots of positive exposure. They are accustomed to a household environment, familiar with other animals, and already used to routines that will help them transition smoothly into their forever homes. Whether you’re drawn to Cupid’s sweet sensitivity, Sweetheart’s bold confidence, or Lovebug’s easygoing curiosity, one of these little Valentines is ready to be your perfect match.January 22, 2026, 5:45 pm

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, January 24th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $800 Meet Platinum, a 6 month old Maltipoo with a heart as bright as her name. Platinum was found as a stray and brought into the shelter in very rough shape, severely matted and clearly having had a hard start. Thanks to the patience and skill of one of our volunteer groomers, she received a full glow-up and is now absolutely stunning. Even more impressive than her looks, though, is her resilience, sweetness, and joyful spirit.   Platinum is still settling into a routine, but she has proven to be incredibly adaptable and intuitive about the flow of the day. She wakes up when the household starts moving— sometimes as early as 5 a.m., sometimes closer to 8— and once she’s up, she heads straight to her potty pad and takes care of business. After that, she’s perfectly content to curl up on the couch with a toy and drift back to sleep, or climb back into bed with her person if that’s the plan. She’s a flexible little soul who just wants to be included wherever the cozy option happens to be.   Platinum free feeds and has access to food and water throughout the day. She’s more interested in playing and napping than meals, so a tasty topper helps remind her that eating is important too. Her foster keeps a close eye on her intake, and Platinum has done well with this arrangement so far.   During the day, Platinum has spent time gated in the kitchen, and it’s become clear that she feels lonely quickly when she’s separated from the action. She gets worked up and sad when she doesn’t understand why she’s been left out. While she is not destructive and is respectful of her surroundings, long periods of isolation aren’t her favorite. Her foster has found creative solutions, like playdates with other foster pups, to help her feel connected and engaged. Because of her sensitivity to being alone, she has not been crated for extended periods, as that would likely feel overwhelming for her. At night, Platinum sleeps with her foster mom. Once placed on soft, cozy blankets, she settles immediately and sleeps quietly through the night. She’s able to get off the bed on her own if she needs to use her potty pad, though she rarely needs to during the night and has had no overnight accidents.   Personality-wise, Platinum is an absolute delight. She seeks out anything warm and cozy and will approach her foster mom, gently placing her tiny front paws up as a polite request to be picked up and loved on. She adores couch time, soaking up body heat and gentle pets, and has recently started giving little nose kisses as a sign of trust and affection. She follows her people from room to room to make sure she’s not missing out, but she’s not overly clingy. Once she forms a deep bond, she has all the potential to become a very devoted companion.   Platinum currently lives with two large doodle foster siblings and has impressed everyone with her social awareness. She arrived with enthusiastic puppy energy but quickly learned that her big friends were not jungle gyms. She accepted their gentle corrections beautifully and adjusted her behavior right away. Now she plays thoughtfully, keeps respectful distances, and navigates the couch without disturbing the peace. She’s smart, observant, and incredibly tuned in to the dogs around her. She has also encountered a cat, whom she observed with curiosity but no negative reaction. While she hasn’t directly interacted with children yet, she shows clear interest in their movements in public and seems eager to make new friends.   Platinum’s play style is the perfect balance. She enjoys toys and will happily entertain herself on her bed or chew on a rubber ring next to you on the couch. A few times a day, she erupts into joyful zoomies, using the couch as her personal racetrack. After a few laps, she turns the corner into a full-on comedy routine— rubbing her face on the couch, grumbling, growling, barking at herself, kicking her back feet, sneezing, and hyping herself up for another round. It’s a one-dog party, and she is thrilled if you’re watching. Once the zoomies are out of her system, she crashes hard, often falling asleep instantly, and happily settles in next to her person for a movie or quiet evening.   Platinum has been out in public on a leash and finds the world very exciting. She’s still learning leash manners and doesn’t pull in any specific direction, just taking everything in. At a busy farmers market, a loud noise briefly startled her, but once she was picked up, she recovered quickly and was happy to continue the outing. Surrounded by dogs, children, people, smells, and constant stimulation, Platinum remained friendly, curious, and quiet— no barking, just enthusiasm and happiness to be included.   She has been excellent with potty pads from day one and knows exactly where to go. She will also potty outside in the yard when timing and opportunity line up, and she’s very proud of herself when that happens. With a consistent routine in her forever home, she is expected to continue making great progress with potty training. She is not crate trained and currently does best with alternative safety setups that allow her to feel connected rather than isolated.   Platinum only vocalizes when she feels lonely or during play, when she growls and barks at herself for fun. She is gentle with her mouth, sticks to chewing her toys, and happily trades any forbidden item for an approved toy when redirected. She responds beautifully to praise, lights up when she knows she’s done something right, and has never needed harsh correction. Her intelligence and eagerness to please are obvious.   Platinum is adaptable and would do well in many environments as long as love and attention are part of her day. She’s already proven herself to be an excellent errand buddy, happily riding along in a bag and fully embracing the “copilot” lifestyle.   With her adorable underbite, expressive face, and unmatched zest for life, Platinum leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. She is sweet, resilient, and full of joy, and her future family is going to be incredibly lucky to have her as part of their world.        January 21, 2026, 2:17 pm

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, January 24th from 12-3pm unless adopted prior to the event. To be considered for adoption, pls submit an application in advance.   Adoption fee: $700 Shakespeare is a 5 year old Morkie weighing about 11 pounds, with a non-shedding coat, an expressive little face, and a very funny grin that seems to appear just when you need it most. He is a gentle, thoughtful dog with a big heart who is learning that the world — and the people in it — can be safe and kind.   Shakespeare starts his day around 6:30 a.m. when he comes out of his crate and heads straight out for a quick potty break. After that, he enjoys a short burst of playtime that usually includes belly rubs and a game of catch for about ten minutes. Breakfast follows around 7:00–7:30 a.m., and then he settles into one of his favorite activities: lounging in his bed. His morning walk is usually between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and lasts about 15–30 minutes. Shakespeare prefers exploring and sniffing over long-distance walking, and he’s still learning leash manners, so he does tend to pull a bit (though he doesn't weigh much so it's not an issue). When the weather is nice, he especially enjoys spending time in the backyard. Throughout the day, he’s happy to lounge and relax, with a few short strolls or play sessions mixed in if his people are home. Dinner is around 5:30–6:00 p.m., followed by another short walk at about 7:30 p.m., and bedtime in his crate is between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m.   When Shakespeare first arrived at his foster home, he was understandably unsettled. He cried during transport and was overwhelmed at first, but once he arrived, his friendly nature quickly came through. He eagerly sought out attention, wanted pets, and explored his new surroundings. Early on, he made it clear that he had some sensitivities. He was uncomfortable being picked up and did not like certain areas of his body being touched, especially around his belly and sides, and he communicated this clearly with growling. He also showed resource guarding behaviors around food, toys, and when resting in his bed.   His foster family immediately began working patiently and thoughtfully with him, focusing on trust-building and positive reinforcement. Shakespeare is very food-motivated, which helped him make quick progress. With consistent training, his resource guarding around food and resting has improved dramatically in just a short time. He has learned that people approaching mean good things, not something to fear. He now allows belly rubs, side rubs, and being picked up — big milestones for him — and his comfort level continues to grow. Toy guarding is improving more slowly, but he is learning that calm behavior keeps the game going. His adopters will need to be patient and willing to put in the work to earn his trust.   Today, Shakespeare is a laid-back, easygoing little guy who enjoys both independence and affection. He is content relaxing in his bed on his own but is always happy to cuddle when invited. He is not a velcro dog and does not need to follow his people from room to room, but he enjoys spending time with everyone in the household. He has lived with children ages 9 and 13 and has done very well with them, especially when they respect his boundaries. He does not favor one person over another and happily rotates his affection among family members.   Shakespeare is more of a couch potato than a high-energy dog, though he does enjoy short walks and games of catch. He does not chew, dig, or bark excessively. In fact, he rarely barks at all, except for the occasional squirrel sighting. He loves visitors and greets them happily, welcoming pets and attention without hesitation.   He is mostly housetrained, with only a couple of marking incidents early on. He does not consistently signal when he needs to go out, so a routine schedule works best for him. He is crate-trained and sleeps quietly through the night. Rain is not his favorite, and he prefers potty breaks where he can stay dry.   Shakespeare would thrive in a home that understands that trust is something built over time and is willing to continue gentle, positive training around boundaries and resource guarding. He would do best with children who are old enough to understand dog communication and respect a growl as a warning. He loves being part of a household with multiple people and truly enjoys human company.   What makes Shakespeare special is his willingness to try, even after what appears to have been a difficult past. Despite needing time to fully let his guard down, he is eager to trust and clearly wants to connect. Beneath his cautious moments is a sweet, affectionate, loyal little dog who just wants to feel safe and loved. Shakespeare is proof that patience and kindness can bring out the very best in a dog — and in return, he offers a truly special kind of companionship.January 21, 2026, 2:17 pm