Small Dogs for Adoption in Manteca, CA: 11 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Manteca have 11 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 11, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Every dog on this page is listed by their rescue as small, with breeds like Chihuahua, Maltese and Poodle.
Not in Manteca? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Ricky
Meet Ricky
Ricky is a 5-year-old, 8-pound Maltese with a big heart packed into a tiny body! This sweet little guy loves his people and is happiest when he can be close to his human. If you’re looking for a loyal little companion who wants to be by your side, Ricky may be your perfect match.
Ricky is an affectionate, lovable boy who is a pleasure to care for. Like many small dogs, he can get a little excited at times, but he is easy to calm down and responds well to gentle reassurance. He is also learning how to stay calm and comfortable around other dogs and will benefit from continued patience and positive guidance as he builds confidence.
Read more about Ricky
Ricky can occasionally be a little protective of his things, so his adopter should be mindful of his tendency to resource guard and continue working with him using positive, reward-based training. He also has occasional accidents in the house, although he seems to understand that the yard is the place to do his business and is making progress with his house manners.
Most of all, Ricky is simply a very sweet, loving little guy who wants what most dogs want: to be loved, cared for, and close to his person. He has so much affection to give and would love to find someone who will appreciate his gentle, endearing personality while helping him continue to learn and grow.
If you’re looking for a tiny companion with a huge capacity for love, Ricky would be thrilled to meet you! ❤️
2. Wendy
Wendy is the cuddliest little love bug!
She’s super sweet, smart, playful, and happiest when she can curl up in someone’s lap. She loves playing with other playful dogs, but when playtime is over, she’s more than ready for cuddle time.
Energy Level? Medium - High
House trained? Working on it. Wendy is still having some accidents in the house, particularly after playing. Seems potty pad trained
Describe how they are on leash? Very good.
Describe how they are with other dogs? Wendy loves to play with other playful dogs.
Have they been around cats or other animals? How were they? She was fine meeting Dusty the cat.
Read more about Wendy
Commands they know? She’s learning “sit.”
What are their favorite things? Being on someone’s lap!
What do they need to work on? Continuing to work on house training.
How are they when left alone? How long have they been left alone? Wendy does well when left alone, either in her crate or out. She may cry a little at first but settles down.
Where do they sleep? In her crate.
What is their ideal home? Wendy would be happy anywhere she has a lap to cuddle up on! She loves playing with the resident dog, so a playful canine friend could be fun for her, but what she really wants is a person to be close to. She’s perfectly happy snoozing on a lap while you work at the computer or relax on the couch.
What is their meal schedule and what are they eating? She eats 1/3 cup of dry food including a wet food topper, twice a day.
The Adoption fee is $325.
For adoption consideration or to meet our dogs
, please complete our online adoption application at
www.everypetsdream.org/adopt
. W
e will have everything we need to know to call you back and set up an appointment. Follow us: Facebook and Instagram
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
3. Buddy Boy
Buddy is a happy, spunky little guy with lots of personality! He tends to ignore other dogs and isn’t a big fan of cats, so he would be happy as an only pet or could potentially live with other calm dogs. Once Buddy warms up, he bonds strongly with his people and loves following them everywhere. He’s a great little car companion, loves being held, and is always up for some cuddles. With new people, Buddy likes to make his own decisions. Sometimes he needs a little time to warm up, while other times he decides he likes someone right away!
Read more about Buddy Boy
Energy Level? Medium
House trained? Yes
Describe how they are on leash? Good
Describe how they are with other dogs? Good
Have they been around cats or other animals? How were they? Buddy doesn’t care for cats but has not been aggressive with them. He has chased them, though, so a cat-free home would likely be best.
Commands they know? Sit, stay, no, go potty
What are their favorite things? Food and cuddles!
What do they need to work on? Nothing really. He’s a good boy!
How are they when left alone? How long have they been left alone? He does just fine when left home alone.
Where do they sleep? In bed, of course!
What is their ideal home? Buddy would love a person or family who is home often, wants a little companion by their side, and is ready to spoil him with lots of love and cuddles.
The Adoption fee is $325.
For adoption consideration or to meet our dogs
, please complete our online adoption application at
www.everypetsdream.org/adopt
. W
e will have everything we need to know to call you back and set up an appointment. Follow us: Facebook and Instagram
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
4. Niffty
Niffty
is a sweet and playful pup. She was hit by a car and survived! What a resilient girl. She has healed nicely and is ready for her forever home!
Energy Level?
Medium
House trained?
Yes
Describe how they are on leash?
She has come a long way. She was initially apprehensive, but now she is enjoying her walks. She is unsure of some surfaces, walkways, and hallways. With a little time and gentle coaxing, she has done much better.
Describe how they are with other dogs?
She is great! Niffty is friendly and comfortable with dogs big and small. She likes to be around dogs and cuddles with the resident dogs in her foster home.
Read more about Niffty
Have they been around cats or other animals? How were they?
No
Commands they know?
We are working on: leave it, stay, sit, and off
What are their favorite things?
Her favorite things are squeaky toys, laying in the sun, and belly rubs.
What do they need to work on?
Commands, walking on the leash, and comfort with new things. She is very shy at first.
How are they when left alone?
How long have they been left alone? She is good when left alone.
Where do they sleep?
In her bed in the family room.
What is their ideal home?
A calm, gentle home where she can get plenty of time and attention. She could do well with a friendly, calm dog, but does not need to live with another dog. She would enjoy one or more short walks each day.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Emerald Green
Meet Emerald Green
Emerald is an approximately 10-year-old, 10-pound Chihuahua who has already survived more than most dogs ever should.
When his owner went to the hospital and never returned, Emerald was left behind inside the home. He survived there on his own for nearly a month before out-of-state family arrived to manage the property and discovered him.
They did not even know she had a dog.
There were no records. No one knew his name. No one knew his history. What they did know was that he was terrified.
The shelters were closed that day, the family was preparing to return home, and they brought Emerald to our veterinarian after being told repeatedly that euthanasia might be the only option.
Our veterinarian said absolutely not.
She called us.
And Emerald became an Umbrella of Hope dog.
At first, Emerald was deeply traumatized by everything around him. New people, sudden movements, unfamiliar places and even normal household activity could send him into panic. He is still cautious, but he is making real progress.
He recently attended an adoption event and did GREAT.
That was a huge milestone for a dog who once believed the entire world was dangerous.
Emerald has also shown us something very important: once he decides someone is safe, he is capable of forming a very strong bond. He seeks comfort from the people he trusts and clearly enjoys having a person nearby. When that person leaves the room, he may even sing a few dramatic little Chihuahua songs in protest.
Despite being around 10 years old, Emerald apparently did not receive the memo that he is a senior.
This little man can RUN.
He is fast, agile and fully capable of turning “come here” into an Olympic-level event if he is feeling playful.
Emerald is in good health for his age and is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and free of parasites.
Because the outside world can still feel intimidating, he may initially have some potty accidents while learning the routine and understanding that a new home is truly his home. He needs a family willing to give him structure without pressure and patience without expectations.
Emerald does not need someone to “fix” him.
He needs someone willing to let him unfold.
Someone who understands that trust may come slowly, but when it comes, it is incredibly meaningful.
His ideal adopter will give him time to observe, decompress and decide for himself that he is safe. He may never be the dog who runs into a stranger’s arms five minutes after meeting them, and that is perfectly okay.
What he can become is deeply devoted to the person who earns his trust.
Emerald lost everything he knew without understanding why. He survived alone. He was almost written off before anyone had the chance to learn who he really was.
Now he just needs someone willing to give him the final piece of his story:
A home where nobody leaves him behind again.
Please don’t overlook an older boy because he needs a little extra time.
Sometimes the most frightened hearts have the most love left to give.
Read more about Emerald Green
GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Unknown
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: No
Good with cats?: Unknown
Good with dogs?: Yes
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: Yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to
- Good with dogs
6. Peridot GREEN
Meet PERIDOT
Peridot is an approximately 7-year-old, 12-pound mixed-breed girl—possibly a Dachshund/Poodle mix—who is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and free of parasites.
She also happens to be one of those dogs who makes it very easy to fall in love.Peridot is sweet, affectionate, easygoing, and happiest when she is close to her person. Her tail seems to have only one setting: wagging. Mornings are her favorite because that means she gets to see her people again, and she greets them with the happiest little wiggles.
She is potty trained, crate trained, and a very fast learner. She sleeps peacefully through the night and has shown no food aggression.
Read more about Peridot GREEN
She gets along well with other small dogs, but given the choice, Peridot would probably rather be curled up next to her human on the couch watching TV.
Peridot does have a medical condition that her future family should understand. She has been diagnosed with low-grade mammary adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer affecting the mammary glands. Her veterinarian estimates that she may have another 1–5 years, although every dog's journey is different. Her mammary glands and any changes in her masses will need continued monitoring so that her comfort and quality of life remain the priority. Umbrella of Hope is committed to Peridot's well-being and will cover the cost of euthanasia when the time comes and it is no longer kind to ask her to stay. She deserves to live out her days surrounded by love, comfort, and all the good things life has to offer.
And Peridot?
She is still her same happy, loving little self.
She wants to go for walks, snuggle up with her favorite people, collect all the treats, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being someone's beloved little dog. Her diagnosis hasn't changed her sunny personality or her desire to be part of a family.
Peridot would be a wonderful match for someone looking for a devoted little companion who enjoys a predictable routine, gets along with other small dogs, has excellent house manners, and thinks the best seat in the house is the one directly beside you.
Adopting Peridot means opening your heart to a dog whose future may be uncertain—but whose capacity to love is not. She doesn't need someone to feel sorry for her. She needs someone who sees the happy, affectionate little girl she is today and wants to make her days as wonderful as possible.
There are walks to take, cuddles to share, treats to enjoy, and so much love still to give.Peridot is waiting for someone to look at her and say, “That's my girl.”
GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Yes
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: No but lower shed
Good with cats?: Unknown
Good with dogs?: Yes, small dogs
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: Yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.
We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
- Special needs
7. Carey Martin
Carey Martin arrived in Valley Humane's care with two tots in tow; she was a loving, dedicated mama and now her pups have been neutered and adopted to their forever homes. Carey is ready to find hers! She's a low-key housedog; she loves being in the backyard and sunbathing. Carey is housetrained and crate-trained but will not go out for a walk on leash. She's a great eater and really just wants a companionable home where she can hang out near her person.
Carey Martin weighs 10.2 pounds and is a young adult (estimated to be aged between 1 and 4 years).
Read more about Carey Martin
Do you have questions about this animal or are you ready to take the next step to adoption? Complete our Adoption Inquiry Form (copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar) or call us 925-426-8656. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
- House-trained
- Special needs
8. Pierre Jacques
🤍 Meet Pierre! 🤍🐶 Pierre Jacques is an adorable 1½-year-old Poodle-ish Schnauzer terrier mix weighing about 13 pounds. He’s the perfect combination of sweet, smart, playful, and affectionate.🐾 Adoption Requirements (Please Read)Pierre is looking for a home that can meet his specific needs. His ideal home includes:* Another friendly, playful dog (preferred)* Children 12 years or older* An experienced adopter comfortable managing fear-based behavior during veterinary and grooming visits* Commitment to continued training, exercise, and mental enrichment* Professional grooming every 4â"6 weeks* A home (not an apartment) where his vocal, talkative personality won’t be an issue🎾 Personality & LifestylePierre is a happy, energetic little guy who loves:* Going for walks* Riding in the car* Playing with toys* Exploring and joining in on adventuresHe is very intelligent and a quick learner.
Read more about Pierre Jacques
In his foster home, he is:* Doing great with potty training (always expect a learning curve when adjusting to new environments)* Fully mastering “Sit”* Progressing nicely with crate trainingPierre enjoys the company of other animals and gets along well with both dogs and cats. If a cat runs, he may try to join the chase, but it’s all in playful fun.Pierre is also a vocal little guy and can be barky and talkative, especially when he’s excited or alerting you to something. Because of this, apartment living or homes with close neighbors probably aren’t the best fit.🧠 Behavior & Training NeedsLike many rescue dogs, Pierre can become fearful in unfamiliar or stressful situations, especially at the veterinarian and during grooming. When scared, he may become defensive and nippy.He will need:* An adopter who understands canine body language and recognizes his fear signals* Continued positive reinforcement training and confidence building* A calm, patient home that can safely manage veterinary and grooming visits* Ongoing structure, exercise, and mental enrichmentDespite these challenges, Pierre is incredibly sweet in his everyday environment and thrives when he feels safe, understood, and included in the family.✂️ Grooming NeedsPierre will require professional grooming every 4â"6 weeks. Regular grooming is essential, as his coat will become painfully matted if neglected.💙 Our CommitmentAt K9 Paw Print Rescue, we require a detailed adoption application because we are committed to finding the right homeâ"not just the next home. Our goal is to ensure our dogs never have to experience the heartbreak of losing their family again.🐶 Ready to Apply?If you think Pierre might be your perfect match, we’d love to hear from you!🐾 Apply to adopt at www.K9PPR.org
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
9. Mooncalf Beast
✨ PLEASE MEET MOONCALF — OUR NEWEST FANTASTIC BEAST ✨
Mooncalf is approximately 12 years old, and this tiny senior girl has already endured far more than she ever should have.
When she came into Umbrella of Hope Rescue, her diabetes was completely uncontrolled. Her blood glucose was so high that it was literally beyond the range the equipment could measure.
She will need insulin injections under the skin twice daily for the rest of her life.
Unfortunately, diabetes is only part of her medical story.
Mooncalf also has KCS (dry eye) affecting both eyes. This is a painful condition that requires specialized prescription eye medication twice daily to keep her comfortable and help protect her vision.
Her skin is also in terrible condition, as you can see in her photos, and we are working to determine the underlying causes and get her comfortable again.
She also has a mammary mass along with several other age-related medical concerns that still need evaluation and treatment.
And yet, somehow, Mooncalf remains incredibly sweet.
She is gentle. She is trusting. She still wants affection.
She has every reason in the world to be angry at what life has handed her, and instead she simply seems grateful that someone is finally taking care of her.
We are committed to giving Mooncalf the medical care she needs and the comfortable senior life she deserves.
But chronic illness is expensive.
Insulin.
Syringes.
Prescription eye medications.
Blood glucose monitoring.
Diagnostics.
Veterinary visits.
Skin treatment.
Evaluation of her mammary mass.
And whatever else we uncover as we continue working through years of neglected medical needs.
This is exactly why rescue takes a village.
If you can help Mooncalf, even a small donation makes a difference.
WAYS TO DONATE:
Check or money order:Umbrella of Hope4040 Railroad AvePittsburg, CA 94565
Venmo:@Umbrellaof-HopeResuce
PayPal:beourpet@gmail.com
Zelle:beourpet@gmail.com
Mooncalf did not get to choose the body she grew old in or the medical problems she developed.
But we can choose what happens next.
We can make sure her golden years are filled with comfort, proper medical care, good food, soft beds, and people who believe an elderly diabetic dog is still absolutely worth saving.
Please help us give Mooncalf the life she deserves. ❤️
Thank you for being part of her journey.
Read more about Mooncalf Beast
GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Yes
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: Most likely
Good with cats?: Unknown but we think so
Good with dogs?: Yes
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.
We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Special needs
10. Maisy
Maisy
is an incredibly sweet, affectionate dog who is a joy to have around. She loves being part of whatever you're doing and quickly wins people over with her fun, social personality.
Energy Level?
Medium. Maisy has bursts of playful "mountain goat" energy and enjoys exploring, but she's equally happy relaxing with a sunny spot for a nap.
House-trained?
Mostly. Maisy does well about going outside to potty but has had some accidents on the rugs
, so her foster has found it easiest to keep those picked up while she continues to build good habits.
Read more about Maisy
Describe how they are on leash?
Maisy walks well on leash and enjoys getting out for walks and adventures.
Describe how they are with other dogs?
When meeting new dogs, Maisy may bark or lunge initially, but once she has a chance to settle in and become comfortable, she does well and enjoys canine companionship.
Have they been around cats or other animals? How were they?
Yes. Maisy has lived with a cat, whom she happily ignores, and she gets along very well with another dog in her foster home.
Commands they know?
Maisy is still learning her basic commands and is currently working on "sit," "off," and "quiet." She's eager to learn with positive reinforcement.
What are their favorite things?
Attention, affection, affection, affection,
food (especially treats!), walks, and spending time with her people. She also enjoys social outings after she's had a little time to check out her surroundings.
What do they need to work on?
Maisy is continuing to learn her basic manners and commands. Like many curious dogs, she'll occasionally help herself to shoes or laundry if they're left within reach, so she'll benefit from continued training, puppy proofing, and management.
How are they when left alone? How long have they been left alone?
Maisy does well when left alone. She is crated for up to four hours at a time, typically no more than a couple of days each week, and handles it well.
Where do they sleep?
Maisy sleeps comfortably in her crate.
What is their ideal home?
Maisy is a wonderfully adaptable dog who would fit into many different types of homes. She has done well with dogs and cats, and while she hasn't been around children yet, her sweet, social nature suggests she could do well with a family willing to give her a proper introduction. Whether it's a single person, a couple, or a family, Maisy will thrive with people who enjoy including her in their daily lives and can provide moderate exercise, continued training, and lots of love. She's an easygoing, affectionate companion who forms strong bonds and will make a wonderful addition to a lucky family.
The Adoption fee is $325.
For adoption consideration or to meet our dogs
, please complete our online adoption application at
www.everypetsdream.org/adopt
. W
e will have everything we need to know to call you back and set up an appointment. Follow us: Facebook and Instagram
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
11. Laika
Laika came to NorSled as a puppy, and now at about a year old, she’s ready to find the forever home she’s been patiently waiting for.
At just 35 pounds, she’s the perfect pint-sized adventure buddy, but don’t let her size fool you. This girl has enough enthusiasm, zoomies, and kisses for two big dogs.
We think Laika is a Shepsky (Siberian Husky + German Shepherd), which means she’s equal parts sass, smarts, and loyalty.
Like any young dog, she’ll thrive with structure, training, and an active family ready to help her be her very best. She’s fully vetted, ready to learn, and even more ready to love.
Could Laika be the missing piece of your family?
- Good with dogs
- No cats
Adopting a small dog in Manteca
Small dogs suit apartments and smaller homes, are easy to take along, and many live well into their teens.
They still need daily walks, play and training. Small dogs can be fragile, so ask the rescue how they are with young children, who can easily drop or step on them.
Rescues with small dogs near Manteca
- Every Pet's DreamSanta Clara, CA · 4 small dogs above
- Umbrella of HopePittsburg, CA · 3 small dogs above
- Silicon Valley Pet ProjectSan Jose, CA · 1 small dog above
- Valley Humane SocietyPleasanton, CA · 1 small dog above
- K9 Paw Print RescueOakley, Ca · 1 small dog above
- Northern California Sled Dog RescueWalnut Creek, CA · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Manteca
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Manteca?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Manteca, California, have 11 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Manteca?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Manteca right now are Every Pet's Dream (Santa Clara, CA), Umbrella of Hope (Pittsburg, CA) and Silicon Valley Pet Project (San Jose, CA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are small dogs good for apartments?
Often, yes. Many small dogs are happy with a smaller space and short walks, but energy matters more than size: ask the rescue how active the dog is and whether they bark when left alone.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.