Maltese puppies and dogs in Circle Pines, Minnesota

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Thank you for stopping by to see me!  Please fill out an application to set up  a private meeting.  Albany is a tiny Morkie with a big journey ahead of her and an even bigger heart tucked beneath her shyness. At just about 9 pounds, she’s a delicate little soul who has survived more than she lets on. Missing most of her teeth, she sports a permanently peeking tongue and needs her kibble softened, but she doesn’t let that stop her from enjoying life in her own quiet way. Albany is very fearful of human contact and still prefers to keep her distance, often scampering away when approached. She’s cautious with men, women, children, loud noises, and new environments—pretty much anything unfamiliar. But she’s slowly learning that safety exists, and she’s beginning to show tiny glimmers of trust: a tail wag, a quick dash toward her foster to sniff a hand, then a speedy retreat. These small moments are her version of bravery, and her personality is just beginning to come out.  When she goes outside, she likes to do the back scratch boogie, but only if no one is watching because well, she is still working on that confidence.   What truly brings Elfie comfort is the company of other dogs. She blossoms around confident, friendly pups—playing, following their lead, and learning how to be a loved pet by watching them. A companion dog is essential for her continued progress. She would also do well with calm, patient adults who understand that trust for her will come slowly, in tiny steps, over time. This sweet girl is crate trained at night and sleeps quietly in her foster’s bedroom. During the day, she may bark a bit when crated but settles. Potty training is still a work in progress; she knows what she’s supposed to do outside but still has accidents, so diapers are helpful when she can’t be closely supervised. A fenced yard is required, as she is a flight risk and not yet comfortable on a leash.  Although she has started getting a bit better at it, she will still freeze when a car goes by so until she can master the leash, a yard will help keep her safe.   Despite her fears, Albany has shown moments of joy—playing with toys, interacting with other dogs, exploring the yard, and even showing a little goofy side. She has great potential with the right family: one that is patient, gentle, quiet, and willing to let her set the pace. With time, love, and a confident canine friend, Albany will continue to grow into the sweet, quirky little companion she’s meant to be. Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders. Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption. This will be at the adopter’s expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses. Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non-shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue. Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit. Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home.   ***Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there*** Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.If you have other questions about me you can email Underdog Rescue at <inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com> ADOPTION EVENTS:      Adoption events are updated at the top of each dogs animals' as their foster home signs up. Check back for updates on which events they will be attending. If an event is not listed within their bio above, the animal is not planning to attend.  Please understand that all of our pets are in volunteer foster homes and sometimes "life" happens and the foster family cannot make it to their scheduled adoption event. If you are traveling from a far distance to meet a specific animal, please understand we cannot guarantee event attendance. We recommend filling out an application and we will set up a private appointment. Private appointments are only scheduled after an application is submitted and approved. ADOPTION PROCEDURE: The first step in our process is to complete an online adoption application on our website: http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/adoptionprocess/   Note: In most circumstances Underdog Rescue will only adopt within 60 miles of Minneapolis, MN.  All of our foster animals can be seen by appointment with an approved adoption application. Contact us at http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/contact-us/ if you have further questions. FOSTER CARE: All of our animals are fostered in individual homes or doggie daycare facilities. While they are in our care, they are part of our families and given lots of love. We work on training, crate-training and socialization prior to adoption, but each bio is written by the foster as they see them, in their home. Each animal's behavior is evaluated and we have a sense of its temperament and personality, but it cannot be guaranteed. We look for adopters who will give each animal the wonderful life and permanent home that he or she deserves in time and with patience.  If you have an interest and ability to be a foster home, please visit our website  www.underdogrescuemn.com/foster-applications  and fill out a foster application. NUTRITION: Nutrition is vital to the rehabilitation and life-long health of our pets.  All of our foster animals are fed a premium diet such as NutriSource, Canidae, Orijen, Nature's Variety, Fromm, Pure Vita, Stella and Chewy's, Primal, or balanced raw diet.  All adopters are required to continue providing premium diets for the life of the animal. YOU CAN HELP: Not able to foster or adopt right now? Please consider sponsoring an Underdog. Your donation will help us buy dog food and pay for medical costs. Visit this link  www.underdogrescuemn.com/donate   to donate.  (Please note: A Paypal account is not necessary to use Paypal. When you get to the Paypal page, just use the link to the left of their login to make your donation via Paypal without an account.) December 21, 2025, 2:14 pm

Popcorn is about 18 lbs., 15 years old and according to Google lens, a West highland terrier. Animal Care Services thought he was a Maltese mix and foster mom thinks he could be a Schnauzer/Maltese mix but knows for sure that he is the cutest scruffy EVER! His journey hasn't been all snuggles and treats as he lived on someone's apartment patio for years, lying in poop, grass and other debris until Animal Care Services came for him and God's Dogs Rescue was able to save the little scamp. While he still loves his humans, other gentle pups his size (cats unknown) and his squishy toys and chewy, understandably he has a few emotional scars especially regarding vet visits and grooming. Slow, patient progress in these areas has helped him be more confident, but will need a patient adopter to help him adapt. Things that make Popcorn super happy are spending time with his humans after he gets to know them, car rides and walks in the park. He loves, loves his squishy toys and generally carries one around with him. His most favorite game is for his person to chase him and pretend to take his squishy away. He also like to run zooms and if there isn't a person to play with he will often throw his toys for himself. Doesn't that just make you want to throw his stuffies so he can play?? He's a healthy guy for his age with just a few old man issues (beginnings of cataracts) that he takes supplements for and should continue taking. His liver enzymes were high when tested but he is on a med to help them normalize. Can you give this boy the right lap to live in?? He needs very patient/knowledgeable adopters, no children- adult only because he will bite if afraid... It is a work in progress but he is becoming the goofy boy he was meant to be while living on the nasty hot and freezing porch for most of his 14 yrs :( GIVE HIM A CHANCE!!! Local adoption only $200 (in TX)

History: Tarek is a super sweet boy who arrived to rescue in desperate need of a second chance. He is such a handsome and striking boy who is ready to meet his forever home soon! A Note from the Foster: We are so pleased to introduce you to Tarek, a vibrant Maltese/Mini-Poodle who is sure to steal your heart! His tail never stops wagging and he is sure to smother you with puppy kisses! In a just a few days since welcoming Tarek to our home. . . He sleeps through the night in his kennel by our bed. He wrestles and plays with his puppy friend, Warner. He loves to run in the snow outside. He enjoys playing in his ex-pen and uses the potty mat/tray. Potty Training: We go outside frequently during the day for potty and play breaks. Tarek is doing great! He is successfully using the potty pad/tray in his ex-pen. He is also being pellet trained so we don’t have to go outside when it’s really cold. He naps and listens to puppy music when I am gone running errands. Tarek is such a joy to have in our home! Tarek can’t wait to meet you and your family!

History: Princess is a beautiful girl who needed a second chance at a good life. She quickly wriggled her way into our hearts with how sweet and loving she is and she would make a great addition to a lucky home of her own soon! A Note from the Foster: Hi, I’m Princess, although my foster family calls me Peanut. My foster mom says I am a 10 pound bundle of sweetness. I’m very shy but I’m starting to understand that this new world is full of snuggles, warm beds and lots of good food. I like to be in the same room with my people and sit near them on the couch. I’d rather not be picked up, though. I sleep quietly in my kennel and keep it clean. As long as I can go outside regularly, I don’t have accidents in the house. I love being outside! I love to chase my foster brother around the yard,even though he’s three times bigger than me. And when we’re done playing, I like to snuggle on the couch with him and my even bigger brother. I’m very quiet. I love food! But I don’t like to eat when anyone is watching me and I don’t like to take treats from anyone’s hands. My foster mom is working with me to get past that so that I can learn things like going up and down stairs and walking on a leash. She says that will really open up my world, but it’s hard for me to trust people right now. I’m working on getting braver and my mom says I’m really making a lot of progress. I’ve come a long way in just a few weeks. She tells me all the time how wonderful I am; I’m starting to believe her. My foster mom and I hope I find a forever family who understands that I’m a timid girl and will give me as much time and patience as I need to get comfortable. We both think I’m a perfect fit for just the right family!

History: Annalise is a beautiful girl who arrived to rescue recently and immediately warmed our hearts. She is officially ready to start her journey in finding her forever home and hopes to find them soon! A Note from the Foster: Annalise’s story is one of quiet resilience and blossoming joy. For the first four years of her life, she knew only the confines of a crate. She missed out on the gentle touch of a loving hand, the freedom to run, and the comfort of a family. But despite that hard start, Annalise has a heart that overflows with hope. Her tail wags endlessly, and her eyes shine with the desire to trust, love, and belong. Personality This little girl radiates happiness. Annalise adores the company of other dogs and finds her greatest joy in play. Big or small, she doesn’t mind—she just wants a buddy who will wrestle and romp with her. Her very best friend right now is a 40-pound Wheaten Terrier, and together they remind us what second chances look like. Though still a bit skittish, Annalise’s determination to connect is inspiring. She leans into her humans, wagging furiously, and when night falls, she longs to be close—curled up by your side, finally feeling safe. Training & Home Life Potty Training: A work in progress, but she’s eager to learn with gentle guidance. Leash Training: She hasn’t yet learned the leash, so a patient family will need to help her discover the outside world at her own pace. Eating Habits: Annalise is a wonderful eater—mealtime is one of her favorite parts of the day! Sleeping Style: At bedtime, she wants nothing more than to snuggle near her people, soaking up the love she missed for so long. Ideal Home Annalise’s perfect home is one filled with kindness, patience, and play. Another playful dog is essential for her happiness—someone who will wrestle, chase, and teach her all the joys of being a dog. Because she isn’t leash trained yet, a secure fenced yard (or safe outdoor space) will give her the freedom she’s never had while keeping her safe. She came from a place of confinement, but her future is bright. With every tail wag, every joyful bounce, and every tentative snuggle, Annalise shows us her bravery and her boundless capacity for love. If you open your heart to her, Annalise will gift you with unwavering devotion, daily joy, and the privilege of witnessing a soul truly set free.

History: Rio is a super sweet boy who arrived to rescue in desperate need of a second chance. He is such a handsome and striking boy who is ready to meet his forever home soon! A Note from the Foster: Rio is a 1 year old male maltese and what a personable and happy little guy he is! Rio just completed three weeks in a board & train program where he was working on building some skills and manners to set him up for success. This training also comes with a lifetime of support for Rio while in rescue and continues once he is adopted as well. Now that he has some basics under his belt, he needs a foster who can continue helping him practice and become his best self. Check out what the trainer has to say about him: "Rio is a very energetic and smart pup who needs to be given ways to burn energy. That, including the lack of structure and socialization is what has contributed to his reactivity toward so many things. I've focused primarily on engagement, socialization, settling, and leash walking. He will need to be supervised and on leash when outside to keep up with training. He shouldn't be allowed to roam freely outside without guidance. He does like other dogs, but he needs a proper example to lead him. He's still learning proper social dog cues, so the wrong housemate could lead him astray. Ideally, he's the only dog in his home, paired with people who are dedicated to fulfilling his needs. He's not the type that will thrive being a "couch dog". If there are kids in the home, I'd recommend older kids (15+). If he is in a chaotic family home, I can predict that'll only feed his overstimulated tendencies which feed that reactivity. To set him up for success going forward, he should be with someone who has time for him and is okay with structuring him (place, crate, etc.)."