Small Dogs for Adoption in San Francisco, CA: 14 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of San Francisco have 14 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 14, 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, Poodle and Dachshund.
Not in San Francisco? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Scruff
Hi there! My name is Scruff. I am a 2-year-old, neutered male, long-haired Dachshund mix who currently weighs about 13 lbs. While I'm a bit on the shy side at first, give me time and I will show to have a level of sweetness that will sweep you off your feet. I do have a thing for exploring when I'm out and about in the world, but once I'm done enjoying the best snifaris, I will certainly relax for the loveliest of pets to my handsome coat. I'm still working on my doggy social skills and may do best as an only dog with a family with kids 10 years or older. If you're interested in adding me to your home, please bring in the entire household, including any mellow, well-matched resident dogs to meet with me.
Read more about Scruff
Scruff ID# A0997543
2. Max
Hello there! My name is Max! I am a 1-year old, neutered male chihuahua mix that currently weighs about 15lbs. I am known to be quite the friendly little guy, but I do start off a bit shy. Once I warm up, my sweet, affectionate personality comes out. While I get along great with my human friends, I am still working on my doggie social skills, and would prefer to be the only dog in the household. If you're interested in adding a charmer like me to your family, just be sure to have everyone in the household come meet me before you take me home with you!
Max ID#A0997348
- Only dog
3. Angus
This dog is available to meet by appointment only.
Angus is a 14-pound, 1-year-old small mixed-breed dog with a medium-length black coat. He can be fearful and avoidant of handling, and leashing can be difficult. Treats and a patient, unhurried approach help him warm up, but he will need time and space to build trust. He shares a kennel and attends playgroups with other small male dogs. Angus needs a patient adopter who understands fearful dogs and is willing to work at his pace. A home without young children would be best
Please submit an adoption questionnaire to meet him.
- Good with dogs
4. Biscuit
Biscuit is about 3 years old and 8 pounds.
B
Read more about Biscuit
iscuit is such a lover. She takes a little to warm up but once she bonds she bonds quickly and shows it- she loves deeply with wiggles to match. Her potty training is going great' she learned quickly how to use the doggy door. She loves her morning walk but also is very content to do a quick potty and snuggle. She’s gotten along well with the resident dog, sometimes being a bit bossy, but at others wanting to play. She’s easy but prefers avoiding the big dogs and is choosy of small dogs. She’s very easy to handle and allows you to dress her up in cozy sweaters. She’s working on basic commands and just learned sit! When left alone it appears she’s done well- by herself and left with our resident dog. She has also shown a recent interest in toys and loves her lamb chop. She really is such a little love and someone will be very lucky to have her in their forever family.
Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Biscuit is $300.
If you are interested in adopting Biscuit, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/
. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.
See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Cheese
Cheese is a 10-week old, 13 pound lab mix who wants to show everyone her love. She is equal parts love bug and attentive companion, always happy to cuddle with her person and watch them do tasks around the house. Cheese loves to explore and play with her toys by herself or with her person. She’s great at entertaining herself and does well in a pen and a crate. She is a great listener and is super good at coming when called. Cheese is working on basic obedience commands and is already learning how to sit. She is not a big barker and only really whines when her pen is dirty, but otherwise she sleeps through the night and loves to nap throughout the day.
Read more about Cheese
Cheese enjoys meeting new people and is always happy to watch other animals and people outside. She is social and friendly and the most affectionate little puppy with anyone who gives her attention.
Her house training is going wonderfully. Cheese knows how to alert when she needs to go and easily uses potty pads, or will go outside when she’staken out.
Cheese will thrive with someone who wants a lovable companion and who enjoys cuddles, playing, and who is ready to put in work for positive reinforcement training. She is a calm, silly, and social puppy with tons of potential!
Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.
6. Dulce de Leche
Dulce de Leche is the sweetest boy. He loves to be around his humans. He has a healthy appetite and is not picky. Him and 7 other dogs all scruffy and a bit run down likely came from a hoarding situation. All a bit scared and undersocialized this guy is just the most loving little man. Will jump right into your lap and is happy to be cuddled. He came to us with terrible dental disease and will be getting extractions likely most of his teeth will be removed. He came with raging ear infection that will be dealt with at the same time. Right now we are looking for a foster who has lots of love to give during his recovery. All dogs/puppies will be spayed/neutered unless spay/neuter contract is signed with additional deposit.We do NOT adopt puppies in pairs.For more photos and videos please see our website www.hdbnqrescue.org/bitches youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@HDBnQRescue
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
7. Jimothy
Are you looking for an all around good boy? Meet Jimothy. He is about 9.5 pounds and 2 years old. He is a little shy to start, but gets over it in about 5 minutes and then can be your friend for life.
Jim is housetrained, loves his canine foster brother, and his human foster brother too. His short red coat is thick and soft. He loves having a lap to nap in. He is also great on leashed walks. He does OK when left alone with his canine foster brother, but is hoping for a forever home where he doesn't get left alone too much. He loves running errands with his foster mom. He is really a perfect little guy.
Read more about Jimothy
Jimothy seems a little frightened of men and small children. Children in the home should be at least tweens, and men should be patient.
Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Jimothy is $300.
If you are interested in adopting Jimothy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/
. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.
See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Taffy
Who loves a sweet piece of Taffy! Well we have your girl right here. This gentle lady is such an easy going pleasure to keep you company. She came to us carrying way too many extra pounds for her age , she’s probably about 5 years old, but she has been exercising and eating correctly everyday and can now jog a little on her daily romps.
Taffy enjoys her walks and then snuggling in next to you on the couch in the evening.
She is a little shy at first and will just lay on a dog bed and snooze quietly but once she warms up, she seeks affection from you.
Read more about Taffy
Taffy is an easy going companion just looking for a loving home that will help her continue on her health journey. She gets along with dogs, kids, and we would suspect cats also given her kind nature.
Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Taffy is $300.
If you are interested in adopting Taffy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/
. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.
See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/
9. Lucy
Lucy is a 7–8‑year‑old, 12‑lb female dog who was scheduled for euthanasia on September 23, 2026. A last‑minute social media post prompted two Grateful Dogs Rescue volunteers to intervene, allowing her to leave the shelter safely. And what a change! She is now a fun, goofy, food loving dog that will control you with her chocolately eyes!
Read more about Lucy
Lucy is a quiet, gentle dog who enjoys a nice quiet home; she's hanging with two other chihuahuas and does great with them. Lucy did meet some cats and no one seemed to care so yes, we'd say she can live with cats! She enjoys spending long periods in the garden and relaxing in the sun. Indoors, she likes laps, soft sofas, and rearranging throw pillows.
She is potty trained, uses a doggy door, and will use a potty pad at night. Lucy walks well on leash and enjoys slow neighborhood strolls. She may initially appear aloof for a few minutes, but she warms up quickly and accepts gentle affection. She rides well in the car.
Lucy is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and recently had a wellness exam. Based on her condition, her age estimate was revised from 10 years to 7–8 years old. She also had a major dental procedure and is now fully ready for adoption.
A yard not required but sunspots a must :)
Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Lucy is $300.
If you are interested in adopting Lucy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/
. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.
See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Quinn
This dog is available to meet by appointment only.
Quinn is a 10-pound Maltese mix who appears to have had a difficult start in life. He is learning to trust familiar people and now approaches favorite volunteers for attention, puts his paws in their laps, enjoys being petted, and likes being carried. With less familiar people, he may snap when approached or handled, and his responses can be unpredictable.
Because he can be unpredictable, Quinn will need a very experienced adopter who understands canine behavior, can recognize and respect his boundaries, and will give him the time and space he needs to build trust at his own pace.
Read more about Quinn
Quinn deserves someone willing to look beyond his rough beginnings and champion a little dog who needs extra understanding, patience, and care.
Quinn requires regular grooming to maintain his health and comfort and may need sedation for grooming. Adopters should be prepared for the additional time, care, and expense involved.
Quinn is available for adoption by appointment only
Please submit an adoption questionnaire to meet him.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
11. Junior Walker
This dog is available to meet by appointment only.
Junior Walker is a 23-pound poodle-terrier mix with lots of energy and an affectionate side. Junior may be wary of unfamiliar people and may be reactive toward people and other dogs on leash. Children may also be a trigger, so he needs an experienced adopter in a calm, adult-only home. A securely fenced yard would be a plus.
Read more about Junior Walker
Junior walks well on leash in quiet areas and warms up to treats and affection when given time and space. He loves cuddling, playing fetch, and hiding his toys under blankets. He knows “sit” and “down” and is very treat-motivated. He participates in playgroups with select dogs, though his compatibility with other dogs in a home would need careful assessment. Regular grooming is essential for his health and comfort.
Could you offer Junior the calm, structured home he needs
Please submit an
adoption questionnaire
to meet him.
- No young kids
- Only dog
12. Rocky
Rocky is a cute Jack-Chi mix. Full disclosure: He gets his perky look from the chihuahua side, but his behavior is 100% Jack Russell. Rocky is looking for an active home with a family who can give him firm consistent discipline, plenty of play time, and an ability to see the good heart inside a feisty dog. Also no small children and no male dogs in the household please.
In his foster setting, Rocky is sweet, loving, and funny. But sadly he and the resident male dog have irreconcilable differences.
All that said ... when Rocky finds the right home, he will be your best friend forever!
Read more about Rocky
Rocky would be a great farm, ranch, or barn dog (watch). Jack Russells are famous for enjoying livestock. Got a horse? Rocky will help out around the barn or pasture!
He also thrives indoors on ear scritches and neck rubs (watch),
chilling while you work, or going out for walks in your favorite city. He is cheerful, fearless, and well trained on leash.
He is in love with his little green tennis ball & can play fetch (watch) for ... well ... a long time
He will entertain himself with games he makes up himself. Like dropping his ball into a shoe (watch) to see if he can get it back.
He will bark angrily at windshield wipers (watch) and UPS trucks, but nibble his "Mr. Lamb" toy with the tenderness of a new father.
Rocky likes both men and women, as long as they are active and confident.
Rocky
walks beautifully on a leash but does not know basic commands like "sit" or "stay'. That said, he is very treat-motivated and young enough to still learn new tricks.
Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Rocky is $300.
If you are interested in adopting Rocky, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/
. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.
See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Pearl
Adventurous, always the first on the scene. Pearl is the biggest girl of the litter, and the only one with long, coarse hair — which seems to allude to some terrier heritage. Pearl is brave and always excited to meet new people, dogs, and cats — while also being polite enough not to overwhelm new animal friends with too much aggressive friendliness.
Born 7/30/26 predicted adult weight 10-16 lbs Mother is an exceptionally friendly and cuddly 9lb chiweenie mix, dad is unknown
"An only pup is a lonely pup!" Pearl MUST go to a home with another friendly dog (
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
14. Sugar
Sugar is simply adorable. She has lots of Chihuahua
attitude and likes to bark at dogs on walks, but just to make sure they know she is coming and they should wait to meet her. She loves car rides, snuggles, playing with her canine foster sister, meal times, exploring the back yard, and giving kisses. She is slow to meet new people, but will give them a sniff. She likes meeting new dogs of all sizes.
Sugar is about 3 years old and 6 pounds. She is a fun, loving girl that wants a home where she can spend most of the time with her person(s). Another dog would be nice, but not a requirement.
Read more about Sugar
She is active, and playful, and goes on 2 mile walks every day with her larger canine foster siblings.
Sugar has GERD, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, and takes a daily antacid to keep it under control. Luckily she really enjoys pill pockets. She also take cough meds as needed. She needs 3-4 small low fat meals per day to keep food in her tummy but not to let it be full. This sweet girl is worth it!
Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Sugar is $300.
If you are interested in adopting Sugar, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/
. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.
See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
- Special needs
Adopting a small dog in San Francisco
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 San Francisco
- Grateful Dogs RescueSan Francisco, CA · 7 small dogs above
- Oakland Animal ServicesOakland, ca · 4 small dogs above
- Peninsula Humane Society & SPCABurlingame, CA · 2 small dogs above
- HELLA DAM BITCHES N QUEENS RESCUE INCPacifica, CA · 1 small dog above
Questions about adopting small dogs in San Francisco
How many small dogs are up for adoption in San Francisco?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of San Francisco, California, have 14 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in San Francisco?
The rescues with the most small dogs near San Francisco right now are Grateful Dogs Rescue (San Francisco, CA), Oakland Animal Services (Oakland, ca) and Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (Burlingame, 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.