Ellicott City, MD

Small Dogs for Adoption in Ellicott City, MD: 8 Little Dogs Looking for a Home

Small Dogs up for adoption near Ellicott City, MD

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Ellicott City have 8 small dogs up for adoption. Here are all 8, 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 Terrier, Beagle and Cairn Terrier.

1. Dallas

Young (1 year) · Male · Beagle / Mixed (short coat) · 18 mi from Ellicott City

Name: Dallas

Sex: Male

Estimated Age: About 1 year old

Best Guess for Breed: Beagle Mix

Weight: About 14 lbs

Lives With: Other dogs (and is great with all people!)

Housebroken? He’s potty trained.

Rescued from: North Carolina

Read more about Dallas

Story: We are so happy to have Dallas safe and sound in a foster home in the DC area now. Dallas is a happy sweet boy who loves people and gets along great with other dogs and puppies. Dallas is just looking for someone to be his new best furend and we know that he will repay them with endless amounts of love and tail wags. Like all dogs, Dallas will need an adopter who is committed to setting him up for success by enrolling in obedience training and exercising him both mentally and physically. He will also need love, patience, and socialization in order to thrive!

The fee to adopt Dallas is $475. That covers the cost of all his vaccines, his neuter, the collar he’s wearing, his transport to DC and his care in his foster home. He’s up to date on all age appropriate vaccines.

If you think that Dallas might be your perfect match, apply today!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Dallas fromPetey and FurendsRockville, MD · listed Nov 1

2. Dobby

Puppy (5 months 28 days) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 18 mi from Ellicott City

DOBBY IS A COURTESY POST - IF INTERESTED, EMAIL INFO@PETEY&FURENDS.ORG

Name: Dobby

Sex: Female

Estimated Age: About 6 months old (as of 10/27/26)

Best Guess for Breed: Terrier Mix

Weight: About 11-12 lbs (as of 10/27/26)

Lives with and loves: All people (including kids!) and other dogs

Housebroken? She’s working on it!

Read more about Dobby

Story: Dobby was found alone in a crate in a D.C. alley on a chilly morning without food, water, or a blanket. She’s being cared for by neighbors and has had her initial vaccines and vet checkup. She has likely spent her entire life confined to the crate and without appropriate nutrition which has resulted in some growth abnormalities in her legs that make walking a little difficult, though she’s getting stronger everyday. She has the sweetest, most affectionate disposition and has demonstrated remarkable resilience and curiosity now that she’s outside of the crate. She lives with two other small dogs and gets along well with them, though she doesn’t have enough strength for more physical play yet. She would thrive in a home with minimal stairs, maximal cuddles, and lots of love.

If you think that Dobby might be your perfect match, please email info@peteyandfurends.org.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Dobby fromPetey and FurendsRockville, MD · listed Oct 27

3. Hair Gel

Young · Male · Cairn Terrier / Mixed (medium coat) · 11 mi from Ellicott City

MEET HAIR GEL!
Hang on, folks, because this little scruff is going to wow you. He’s small, he’s cute, he’s polite, he’s outgoing and funny, he’s good with dogs and cats alike, and he’s says there’s no place like home - he just needs one.
Hair Gel is thought to be about a year and a half old, having been found as a disheveled stray. He got a bath, a bangs trim, and has bounced back nicely in his foster home. He’s quickly learned the ropes thanks to big foster brother Teddy (also a Tara’s House alum) and hasn’t had an accident in the house since the first week. Thanks to foster Mom and Dad he has learned Sit, Come and High Five!
He did exceptionally well at an adoption event where he met people of all ages; rolling over and asking for belly rubs as his signature move. If there are kids in his future home they must be over the age of 10, due to his small size.
He is active but once you get on the couch he is ready to cuddle. He sees you at the sofa and he wants to snuggle with you and the blankets. He is very chill. He sleeps in a crate with little to no protest, but would love to be invited up into bed if that’s your jam.
Hair Gel doesn’t have any vices (no food aggression, separation anxiety, or resource guarding) and he walks well on a leash. If you are looking for a little buddy to share your home with and love snuggles, sweet kisses and funny antics, look no further. He’s your guy.
Hair Gel’s adoption donation fee is $500, which includes spay/neuter, routine vetting and a microchip. You can apply for him by filling out our online application, which is found on our website www.tarashouse.org. Please email us at info@tarashouse.net with any questions.
More about Hair Gel

Read more about Hair Gel

Up-to-date with vaccinations
Good with dogs
House trained
Crate Trained
Neutered
Color: Brown and Black

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Hair Gel fromTara's House Animal Rescue, Inc.Sykesville, MD · listed Oct 19

4. Georgia

Adult · Female · Cocker Spaniel / Mixed (long coat) · 11 mi from Ellicott City

MEET GEORGIA!
Little Georgia, as her foster pawrents call her, is just blooming in foster care after being found running in traffic as a stray. Estimated to be about 4 years old and weighing 17 lbs, this little beauty got a bath and a spiffy new hair cut after getting her booster shots earlier so she is a healthy, gorgeous and very happy little girl.
Here’s what her foster mom has to say about her…
“This dog is a really, really good girl. She’s a great size. She loves to cuddle. She’s got a lot of spunk. She eats well. She loves treats. She sits, she shakes. She sits in the backseat of the car and doesn’t cry. She sleeps on the floor or in a bed although she would probably be happy if you invited her up, lol. She’s really friendly and gets along with other dogs. She’ll come up to you and rub all over your feet looking for a belly rub. She’s a beautiful brown color and very soft. She has the cutest little eyebrows.”
Although Georgia is the happy little pack leader of 3 other adorable dogs in her foster home, she is ready to find her own castle. She is a petite little thing so kids must be over the age of 10 please.
Georgia's adoption donation fee is $500, which includes spay/neuter, routine vetting and a microchip. You can apply for her by filling out our online application, which is found on our website www.tarashouse.org. Please email us at info@tarashouse.net with any questions.
More about Georgia

Read more about Georgia

Up-to-date with vaccinations
Good with dogs
House trained
Crate trained
Spayed
Color: Chocolate

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Georgia fromTara's House Animal Rescue, Inc.Sykesville, MD · listed Oct 19

5. Buddy

Puppy · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed · 12 mi from Ellicott City

Buddy’s name isn’t just a noun—it’s an adjective! This sweet boy truly is everyone’s buddy.

As of 10/3/2026, Buddy is 10 weeks old and already proving what a love bug he is! He’s just beginning his journey and can’t wait to find his forever home. Buddy loves people and is settling in beautifully with his foster family. He has been introduced to the other dogs and cats in his foster home, and those introductions are going very well. He’s taking everything in stride as he gets comfortable in his new surroundings.

Read more about Buddy

Buddy is doing awesome with his housebreaking and loves to snuggle and play. He’s also learning to walk nicely on a leash and responds wonderfully to basic training using positive rewards.

He’s doing very well with crate training, too, and his crate has become his own safe and comfortable place to relax when no one is home.

Buddy has been an easy pup so far and, with continued love, patience, and positive guidance, will reward you with all the love, companionship, and puppy kisses you could possibly want! Like any young pup, he’ll need a family willing to continue showing him the ropes as he grows, but he’s off to a wonderful start and has so much potential to become an amazing lifelong companion.

Don’t miss your chance to make this adorable little guy your very own Buddy!

Adopt Buddy fromAdopt A Homeless Animal RescueBaltimore, MD · listed Sep 20

6. Jiggy and Joe

Adult · Male · Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie / Mixed (medium coat) · 11 mi from Ellicott City

MEET JIGGY & JOE!
What’s better than a friendly little Yorkie? TWO friendly little Yorkies, of course! These fellas have been with each other through thick and thin. They’re 6 years old and are grateful to have been kept together in the second part of their story after their owner passed away, closing the first chapter. Having come to Tara’s House a little disheveled, they've had a spa day (hair, nails, teeth and ear clean-up), have seen the vet (sneezing and ear infection care) and are making a rapid come-back!
Jiggy is the smaller of the two (although both dogs also need to lose weight and are working on it in their glow-up foster phase!) and is the more outgoing of the two.

Read more about Jiggy and Joe

Joe is a little, we’ll say “rounder”, and is gentle and curious. But both boys love to love, and are friendly with everyone they meet, including other dogs. Their happy little nubbin tail wags are just about the cutest thing ever. They were incredibly tolerant of every poke and prod they got, both at the grooming salon and the veterinarian’s office, showing their gentle temperaments and sweet personalities.
They are happy little dudes that must be adopted together. They will love and be the best little companions who love to go for walkies and then cuddle by your side.
Jiggy and Joe’s adoption donation fee is $800, which includes spay/neuter, routine vetting and a microchip. You can apply for them by filling out our online application, which is found on our website www.tarashouse.org. Please email us at info@tarashouse.net with any questions.

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Adopt together
Adopt Jiggy and Joe fromTara's House Animal Rescue, Inc.Sykesville, MD · listed Sep 7

7. Teddy

Young (1 year 4 months) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 18 mi from Ellicott City

TEDDY IS A COURTESY POST - IF INTERESTED, EMAIL INFO@PETEY&FURENDS.ORG

Name: Teddy

Sex: Female

Estimated Age: About 1.5 years old

Best Guess for Breed: Vietnamese mixed breed

Weight: About 16 lbs

Lives With: Teddy prefers to be the only pet.

Housebroken? Teddy is potty trained and crate trained.

Rescued from: Vietnam

Read more about Teddy

Story: Teddy was rescued at just 4 weeks old - she was thrown away in a box next to a river in Vietnam and left to die. Since then, Teddy has grown up to be a smart, curious, and energetic girl who loves to go on walks and stretch out on the bed. Teddy knows basic commands, is leash and muzzle trained, rides well in a car and on a motorbike, and is very well-behaved inside the home - you don't need to worry about her destroying any furniture or shoes! Teddy is a bit of an "introvert" and does prefer a quiet and peaceful home, without young children or lots of noise. When meeting new people, she can be shy and introductions should be slow and respectful of her space. Once you have her trust, her sweet and funny personality really does shine through. Teddy suffers from EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), and needs a special diet and medication to keep her healthy. Currently in Vietnam, this is very difficult and expensive to import, so we would love to move her to a country where these items are easily accessible, so that Teddy's health is not put at risk any longer.

If you think that Teddy might be your perfect match, please email info@peteyandfurends.org.

  • House-trained
Adopt Teddy fromPetey and FurendsRockville, MD · listed Jun 25

8. Pollywog

Adult · Female · Jack Russell Terrier / Mixed · 19 mi from Ellicott City

Pollywog is a young, 20-pound 4yo sweetheart with a happy, energetic, playful spirit and an even bigger heart. Per her foster, "she has a disarming sweetness that invites protection and love"! At just 20 pounds, she's the perfect size for almost any home—and whether she's romping with another dog or curled up beside her favorite person, Pollywog is anxious to please and is happiest when she's sharing life's adventures with her person.Pollywog enjoys playing with other dogs and would likely love a canine companion to help show her the ropes. She is on low-doses of anxiety medication as she had separation anxiety when she first arrived from the shelter.

Read more about Pollywog

For the past 2 1/2 months, however, she has been blossoming in her foster home, gaining confidence and learning good manners thanks to her foster's efforts and the lead of her foster brother. She's treat-motivated, learning commands like "sit" and "down" and making great progress with gentle reminders that playtime shouldn't include puppy teeth. She has become potty-trained. She goes into a crate with the encouragement of throwing in a couple of treats, and she sleeps through the night (currently in bed with her foster human and foster brother).She loves chew toys, ear rubs, brushing sessions, and just about any attention you're willing to give. She'll happily follow you from room to room like your own little shadow. When visitors come to her foster's house, she settles down quickly and just wants to cuddle and be petted.Pollywog is looking for a family who will continue building her confidence with consistency, patience, and lots of love. In return, you'll get an affectionate, playful companion who's always ready for the next adventure—or the next cuddle.PAW adopts in the MD, northern VA, DC, and southern PA region.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Pollywog fromPartnership for Animal WelfareGreenbelt, MD · listed May 27

Adopting a small dog in Ellicott City

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 Ellicott City

Questions about adopting small dogs in Ellicott City

How many small dogs are up for adoption in Ellicott City?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Ellicott City, Maryland, have 8 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a small dog in Ellicott City?

The rescues with the most small dogs near Ellicott City right now are Petey and Furends (Rockville, MD), Tara's House Animal Rescue, Inc. (Sykesville, MD) and Adopt A Homeless Animal Rescue (Baltimore, MD). 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.