Small Dogs for Adoption in Rockford, IL: 19 Little Dogs Looking for a Home

Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Rockford have 19 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 19, 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 Shih Tzu, Pug and Rat Terrier.

Not in Rockford? Find dogs near your zip code.

1. Milly

Young (2 years) · Female · Cocker Spaniel / Poodle (unknown type) / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Milly, a young female Cocker Spaniel dog up for adoption

I weigh 18 lbs, and I am seeking my forever home!

Adoption Donation $550

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

2. Nacho

Young (5 years) · Male · Pomeranian (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Nacho, a young male Pomeranian dog up for adoption

I am bonded with my best friend Bella; we have to be adopted together

I am seeking my forever home!

Adoption Donation $500

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

3. Paulo

Young (2 years 1 month) · Male · Shih Tzu / Corgi / Mixed (medium coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Paulo, a young male Shih Tzu dog up for adoption

I weigh 16 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $550

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

4. Kaffee

Young (2 years 1 month) · Male · Poodle (unknown type) / Schnauzer / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Kaffee, a young male Poodle dog up for adoption

I weigh 17 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $550

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

5. Lupo

Young (2 years 1 month) · Male · Pug / Corgi / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Lupo, a young male Pug dog up for adoption

I weigh 16 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $550

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

6. Dojo

Young (2 years 1 month) · Male · Shih Tzu / Corgi / Mixed (medium coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Dojo, a young male Shih Tzu dog up for adoption

AVAILABLE SOON!

I haven’t arrived at the adoption center just yet - I’m getting ready for adoption! Please fill out an adoption application if you’d like to meet me once I’m available.

I weigh 18 lbs, and am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $550

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

7. Scooter

Senior (10 years) · Male · Terrier / Chihuahua / Mixed · 37 mi from Rockford

Scooter, a senior male Terrier dog up for adoption

MEET SCOOTER!

At 10 years young, this sweet Chihuahua/Terrier mix is pint-sized, adorable, and looking for a soft place to land.

Scooter has spent a decade being a good boy, and now he’s looking for a cozy, loving home where he can spend his golden years living in complete comfort. Whether it's curling up on a warm lap, taking gentle sunbaths, or being your faithful little companion, Scooter is ready to give you all his love.

Profile:

Age: 10 years old (Senior Sweetheart!)

Breed: Chihuahua / Terrier mix

Size: Pint-sized perfection

8. Reed

Puppy (1 year 5 months) · Male · Italian Greyhound / Shih Tzu / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Reed, a male Italian Greyhound puppy up for adoption

Born: May 09, 2026

I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $650

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

9. Scampi

Puppy (7 months) · Male · Wirehaired Fox Terrier / Dachshund / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Scampi, a male Wirehaired Fox Terrier puppy up for adoption

Born: April 01, 2026

I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $600

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

10. Muffin

Young (4 years 10 months) · Female · Wheaten Terrier / Poodle (unknown type) / Mixed (medium coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Muffin, a young female Wheaten Terrier dog up for adoption

I AM FROM A PUPPY MILL SITUATION AND WILL NEED TIME AND PATIENCE FOR ME TO ACCLIMATE TO MY NEW HOME.

I weigh 19 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $550

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

11. Layla

Young (5 years 8 months) · Female · Wheaten Terrier / Poodle (unknown type) / Mixed (medium coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Layla, a young female Wheaten Terrier dog up for adoption

I AM FROM A PUPPY MILL SITUATION AND WILL NEED TIME AND PATIENCE FOR ME TO ACCLIMATE TO MY NEW HOME.

I weigh 22 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $550

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

12. George

Young (3 years 2 months) · Male · Australian Kelpie / Corgi / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

George, a young male Australian Kelpie dog up for adoption

I weigh 21 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $500

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

13. Pompis

Adult (5 years 1 month) · Male · Shih Tzu (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Pompis, an adult male Shih Tzu dog up for adoption

I weigh 18 lbs, and I'm looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $650

Meet Pompis!

Curly white fur, an adorable face, and a personality that's all his own! Pompis is a fluffy little character with plenty of charm and a few quirks that make him extra special!

Pompis can be skittish around new people, but once you've earned his trust, you'll discover an affectionate, playful, and incredibly loyal companion. He enjoys car rides, loves going for walks, and is quite the gentleman on a leash! He also gets along well with other dogs.

14. Vanity

Puppy (2 months 5 days) · Female · Hound / Chihuahua / Mixed · 37 mi from Rockford

Vanity, a female Hound puppy up for adoption

Meet Vanity! She is a cute and sweet Chihuhua/hound mix puppy. She loves cuddles!

Please Note: We do not run DNA tests on our rescue pups! Breed mixes are our best guess based on their physical features, size, and any available info on their parents.

Vanity won't be ready to go home until October 24th!

If you are interested in adopting Vanity, please apply at projecthopearf.org today!

Good with kids
Good with dogs

Adopt Vanity fromProject Hope AnimalGilberts, IL · listed Sep 23

Call (224) 484-9107 Website Facebook

15. Tucker

Adult (6 years 6 months) · Male · Pug / Dachshund / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Tucker, an adult male Pug dog up for adoption

I'm 15 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $400

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

16. Marky

Adult (6 years 6 months) · Male · Pug / Dachshund / Mixed (short coat) · 33 mi from Rockford

Marky, an adult male Pug dog up for adoption

I'm 13 lbs, and I am looking for my forever home.

Adoption Donation: $500

All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested (if age appropriate), and up-to-date on preventatives at the time of adoption.

All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present to be able to adopt. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption.

17. Jamaica

Puppy (4 months 18 days) · Male · Rat Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 42 mi from Rockford

Jamaica, a male Rat Terrier puppy up for adoption

If you are interested in being considered for this dog, please be sure to complete an application directly on our website - not through a 3rd party service.

Welcome our little Tropical island litter born 6/7/26. We believe they are Rat terrier mixes ( We do not DNA test ) Mom is 16 lbs and a lovebug. The pups are starting to work on all things puppy and will also begin their journey with socialization. These pups are the perfect size for many adventures such as walking, camping, hiking, restaurant patio visits and of course lots of family love, enrichment tools and many snuggles. Could one of these pups be your new best friend for life?

18. Kona

Puppy (4 months 18 days) · Male · Rat Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 42 mi from Rockford

Kona, a male Rat Terrier puppy up for adoption

If you are interested in being considered for this dog, please be sure to complete an application directly on our website - not through a 3rd party service.

19. Cayman

Puppy (4 months 18 days) · Male · Rat Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 42 mi from Rockford

Cayman, a male Rat Terrier puppy up for adoption

If you are interested in being considered for this dog, please be sure to complete an application directly on our website - not through a 3rd party service.

Adopting a small dog in Rockford

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 Rockford

Animal House Shelter, Inc.Huntley, IL · 14 small dogs above
Hoof Woof Meow Animal RescueElgin, IL · 3 small dogs above
Project Hope AnimalGilberts, IL · 2 small dogs above

Questions about adopting small dogs in Rockford

How many small dogs are up for adoption in Rockford?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Rockford, Illinois, have 19 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a small dog in Rockford?

The rescues with the most small dogs near Rockford right now are Animal House Shelter, Inc. (Huntley, IL), Hoof Woof Meow Animal Rescue (Elgin, IL) and Project Hope Animal (Gilberts, IL). 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.

1. Milly

2. Nacho

3. Paulo

4. Kaffee

5. Lupo

6. Dojo

7. Scooter

8. Reed

9. Scampi

10. Muffin

11. Layla

12. George

13. Pompis

14. Vanity

15. Tucker

16. Marky

17. Jamaica

18. Kona

19. Cayman

Adopting a small dog in Rockford

Rescues with small dogs near Rockford

Questions about adopting small dogs in Rockford

Small Dogs for adoption near Rockford