Small Dogs for Adoption in Pittsburgh, PA: 11 Little Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Pittsburgh 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, Boston Terrier and Terrier.
Not in Pittsburgh? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Grumpy
Meet Grumpy!Grumpy is an approximately 2-year-old, 15-pound, neutered male Dachshund/Boston Terrier mix with dapple and brindle markings, adorable tiny legs, a stubby tail, and a darned impressive underbite! He's kind of like a patchwork dog made of many different parts, and if you're looking for a unique and transportable best friend, you're in luck! Despite his name, Grumpy is a super affectionate little guy who truly enjoys being with people. He loves a warm lap, lounging in the sunshine (his favorite!), running around the yard, and taking his time sniffing everything along the way.He's also a smart little dog who enjoys learning new things! We're currently working on riding a skateboard, spinning, and "say please." He's been a pretty enthusiastic learner in our little training sessions! Grumpy is starting to show some interest in toys and is just beginning to figure out what play is all about.He currently lives in a foster home with other dogs and is dog tolerant, although he definitely has his preferences.
Read more about Grumpy
He's shown some mild interest in playing with his housemates, but people are much more his thing. He's also curious about the resident cat but hasn't been overly focused on her or attempted to chase her. Housebreaking and crate training are both relatively new to Grumpy, and we're making progress! Being alone is still a challenge for him, so he'll need someone who understands that these things take time and is willing to continue helping him learn.Grumpy would really appreciate a home where he can spend plenty of time with his people, enjoy some outdoor adventures, learn a few more tricks, and have a comfortable place to curl up at the end of the day. He's a funny, affectionate little dog with a ton of personality and is looking for his next adventure!Grumpy will be available for adoption beginning November 1st through Paws Across Pittsburgh (Springdale, PA 15144, KL#16182). Applications are being accepted now!
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
2. Ace
(Re)introducing Ace Ace is a ~2 year old, 17lb Boston Terrier/Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua mix who finds himself back on the market in search of a forever home. Ace was adopted this summer, but everyone realized it just wasn't the best fit for our guy. His adopters wanted the best for him and brought him back to us so that we can find him his match.Between fostering him and his adoption experience, we have a stronger understanding about what Ace needs to succeed.Ace can be described using a few "A" adjectives.ADORABLE - Duh, see his pictures for yourself. His soulful eyes, adorable face, and wagging tail - how can you not stop to stare at his cuteness?!AFFECTIONATE - If you are looking for a lap dog or snoozing buddy, Ace is your guy.
Read more about Ace
He will happily sit on or near you and soak up love.ANXIOUS - Dude is an anxious guy and needs a home that isn't loud or chaotic. He does fine meeting kids in public, but kiddos are a hard pass for day-to-day life.AGILE - True to the Jack Russell, he loves to parkour around his yard and family room. He thinks it would be cool if you put some agility equipment in your yard but just for fun - he is not interested in competition!Must Haves:QUALITY TIME - Ace is happiest when he's surrounded by his people and considers himself a professional lap dog. He will do best with a family that is home more often than not.RESIDENT DOG BUDDY - He requires another dog(s) in the home that is under 40lb. He is used to being with other dogs, and a home without another dog exacerbates his anxiety.EXPERIENCED DOG OWNER - We want someone who has solid dog experience. This cannot be your first rodeo, and it would be helpful if you have had experience with separation anxiety.NO KIDS - Young kids can make him nervous. We are seeking an adult-only home or one with teenage "kids" that will be less erratic in their movements.Ace is making progress with his potty training. He knows to go potty outside but is still marking indoors. That being said, he'll need a family committed to helping him build consistency and willing to use belly bands. With a regular routine and positive reinforcement, he'll continue to improve.Ace will make you earn his trust, but once you're in then you're his BFF. If you're looking for a loving, affectionate boy who will happily be by your side then apply for Ace today.Ace is neutered, up to date on core vaccinations, microchipped, and 4dx tested (negative for heartworm and lyme). He is available for adoption now at pawsacrosspittsburgh.com/adopt. KL 16182
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
3. Rocky
Hi! I'm Rocky! I'm said to be a three year old mix of boston terrier and dachshund. I am 21 lbs and have a beautiful brindle coat on my long body with short legs.I am looking for my forever couch potato who will give me plenty of love and take me on a few walks.I am pretty good in the crate and going outside for potty but these are new things for me, so I might be a little hesitant. I'm a pretty calm dog but just figured out the game of fetch and am pretty good about bringing a little stuffed squeaky toy back. I don't know many tricks but I do a heck of a job balancing on my two back legs.I'm currently taking doxycycline for lymes but I take it like a champ twice a day. My new adopter will have to continue my doses until it's gone.Rocky will be available for adoption starting on November 1st through Paws Across Pittsburgh, Springdale, PA 15144 KL#16182 and taking applications now.
4. Adrian
Meet Adrian! ❤️
Adrian is a sweet, sensitive little guy who is still learning that the world isn't such a scary place! He's naturally shy and cautious, especially in unfamiliar situations or around new people, but underneath that timid exterior is an incredibly loving and affectionate pup.
Adrian may need a little extra time to warm up, but once he starts to feel safe, his cuddly side really shines! He loves being close to the people he trusts and is happiest when he can curl up beside someone for a little reassurance and affection.
Read more about Adrian
Adrian is looking for a patient, understanding family who will give him the time and space he needs to build his confidence at his own pace. He isn't the kind of dog who will necessarily run up to greet you right away, but watching him slowly come out of his shell and learn to trust is incredibly rewarding.
With a little patience, a gentle approach, and lots of love, we know Adrian has the potential to blossom into a wonderful companion. If you have a soft spot for the shy ones, Adrian might just be your perfect match! ❤️
- House-trained
5. Mae
Meet Mae!
Mae is an adorable 1–2-year-old, 18 lb terrier mix with a sweet personality and plenty of puppy energy! She's fully grown at 18 lbs, but she's still very much a puppy at heart.
Mae can be a little shy when meeting new people, but she's made tremendous progress in a very short time! She's a gentle, submissive girl who gets along wonderfully with other dogs of all sizes. She's also great with older, respectful children.
Read more about Mae
Mae is crate trained and does very well in her crate, especially when she has a bully stick to keep her occupied! She also walks nicely on a leash and shows absolutely no reactivity toward other dogs or people she passes. She does get a little excited and pull on occasion, but she's working on her leash manners!
Her potty training is still a work in progress. She's excellent about holding it while in her crate and prefers to do her business outside on walks. However, she does need to be taken outside promptly after coming out of her crate to avoid accidents. With a consistent routine, we think she'll continue making great progress!
Because Mae still has plenty of puppy energy and curiosity, she does best when crated during times when she can't be actively supervised. Fortunately, she's quite content in her crate as long as she has something tasty to chew on!
Mae is wonderful with other dogs, but cats are a bit of a different story. While she can coexist with them, she does occasionally give chase. For this reason, we wouldn't recommend her for a home with cats unless they're exceptionally confident and completely unfazed by dogs.
Mae is already spayed, microchipped, and up to date on all core vaccinations, so she's ready to find her forever home!
Mae is a sweet, playful little girl who has already come such a long way in a short time. With a little patience, consistency, and plenty of love, we think she'll make a wonderful companion for a family willing to help her continue learning and growing! ❤️
- House-trained
6. Elvira
Meet Elvira! At 21 pounds, this adorable 4-year-old mixed breed (possibly with a little Feist in her mix) is the perfect little companion! And that adorable little stub tail? It’s always wagging when she sees someone she’s starting to trust!When Elvira first came into foster, the world felt like a pretty scary place. But after three weeks in a loving home, she’s already making wonderful progress! She’s spending more time out of her crate, discovering the joys of relaxing on the couch, and learning that life with people can be pretty wonderful. She still needs a little time to feel comfortable in new situations, but her confidence is growing, and we can’t wait to see her continue to blossom.Elvira absolutely loves having other dogs around and takes comfort in their companionship.
Read more about Elvira
She’ll need a confident, friendly canine sibling in her forever home to help her feel safe and continue coming out of her shell.She’s doing well with her house training, and her foster is keeping a close eye on her as she continues to learn. Elvira is looking for someone who will give her the time, patience, and encouragement she needs to blossom. We know that once she feels safe and loved, that little stub tail is going to be wagging an awful lot! She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and will be available for adoption starting 10/4/26 through Paws Across Pittsburgh, Springdale, PA KL# 16182.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
7. Moe
Meet Moe!
This handsome little guy is about 2–3 years old, and is basically 11 lbs of pure cuddles!
Moe is a very typical Chihuahua in the best possible way: he is an absolute cuddle bug who wants to be attached to his person at all times. He can be abit shy and standoffish at first, but once he warms up he is a complete velcro pup!
What’s a little unusual about Moe is that he seems to have a soft spot for the guys! Don’t worry, he’s no he-man woman hater. He loves the ladies too! But if there’s a dad in the house looking for a tiny best friend, Moe would strongly appreciate his application.
Read more about Moe
Moe is neutered, walks nicely on a leash, and happily does his business outside while on walks. He does have a tendency to mark indoors, so he currently wears a belly band while we continue working on getting him fully housetrained.
He gets along well with other dogs around his size and is pretty neutral when it comes to cats. Mostly, Moe just wants a cozy lap, plenty of affection, and a person he can follow around like a tiny four-legged shadow.
Moe is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all of his core vaccines. Now all he needs is a family to call his own!
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
8. Maureen
Meet Maureen - a spunky 16 - pound whirlwind of a personality who's ready to bring energy, loyalty, and lots of cuddles to her forever home!Maureen is one year and four months old and though to be a mix of whippet and terrier. She came from a hoarding situation and was returned through no fault of her own---she's simply waiting for the right match. This little dog has a big personality and is already proving she's an absolute sweetheart once she settles in.She's wonderful with kids and other dogs. Maureen currenlty has two furry foster siblings she adores and would thrive in a home where she can have a canine (or kid) companion to play with.
Read more about Maureen
She has plenty of energy and dose best with an active family who can keep up with daily walks, backyard chase games, and games of fetch. In her free time she loves destoroying the suffing in her toys, chewing on bones, and getting all the affection she can.Maureen walks nicely on a leash and knows some basic commands. Her foster home works opposite shifts so someone is almost always with her, which has helped her feel secure. She does have seperation anxiety (she'll cry and whine when left alone in her crate), and we're still working on full potty training and teaching her that nipping isn't the best way to play when she gets over-excited. These are common, manageable behaviors that respond well to consistency, training, and the right environment.Maureen is looking for a patient, active home that can give her the structure, excerise, and companionship she deserves. If you're ready for a playfull little sidekick who will keep you on your toes and fill your days with love, she'd love to meet you!Maureen is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccines, flea, tick and heartworm medications. Maureen is ready for adoption through Paws Across Pittsburgh, Springdale, PA KL#16182
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
9. Dot
Meet Dot!
Calling all Chihuahua lovers! This sweet senior girl is the quintessential Chi: slightly spicy, mostly sweet, and a total cuddle bug. ️❤️
Dot is the ultimate lap dog. She’s a laid-back little lady whose favorite pastime is napping, preferably on top of her person. Work from home? Perfect! Dot would be more than happy to keep your lap warm for the entire workday.
Read more about Dot
Dot is about 10 lbs, although she’s a little on the fluffy side and could probably stand to lose a pound or two. Luckily, she loves going for walks and does fantastic on leash! In fact, she may be the first non-leash-reactive Chihuahua we’ve ever met. She happily strolls along and ignores dogs passing by.
Dot is pad trained and mostly house trained, though she could use a little more guidance with the latter. She does great with dogs around her own size, although, in true Chihuahua fashion, she can get a little jealous when it comes to sharing her favorite person. She’s also neutral around cats.
If you’re looking for a tiny, low-key companion who takes her lap-warming duties very seriously, Dot might just be your girl.
Senior Chihuahua
⚖️ About 10 lbs
Dog friendly with similar-sized dogs
Cat neutral
Great on leash
Pad trained & mostly house trained
Spayed, microchipped & up to date on core vaccines
10. Mason
Meet Mason!
Mason is a goofy, cuddly little Chihuahua mix weighing about 16 pounds. He may be a bit spicy when meeting new people, but give him a little time and you'll discover a total cuddle bug who loves being close to his favorite humans.
Mason gets along great with other dogs and enjoys having canine companions to play and relax with. He's neutered, up to date on his veterinary care, and is currently working hard on his house training. Right now, he's wearing a belly band to help with the process, and he's making steady progress every day.
Read more about Mason
Mason is looking for a patient family that will let him settle in at his own pace. Once he knows you're a friend, he'll reward you with plenty of snuggles, laughs, and his wonderfully goofy personality. If you're looking for a little dog with a big heart, Mason might just be your perfect match! ❤️
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
11. Fideo
Meet Fideo! This handsome little guy is about 20 pounds of sweetness wrapped up in a shy exterior. Fideo can be a bit nervous when meeting new people or experiencing new situations, but underneath it all he is an incredibly gentle, loving boy who just wants to feel safe and cared for.
Once he starts to trust you, Fideo’s soft and affectionate personality begins to shine. He would do best with a patient family willing to give him the time and reassurance he needs to settle in and build confidence at his own pace.
Read more about Fideo
Fideo is neutered, up to date on all vaccines, and ready to find a calm, loving home where he can truly blossom. Watching a timid dog learn to feel safe is one of the most rewarding experiences, and Fideo is absolutely worth it.
Adopting a small dog in Pittsburgh
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 Pittsburgh
- A Friend In Need RescuePittsburgh, PA · 6 small dogs above
- Paws Across PittsburghSpringdale, PA · 5 small dogs above
Questions about adopting small dogs in Pittsburgh
How many small dogs are up for adoption in Pittsburgh?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have 11 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a small dog in Pittsburgh?
The rescues with the most small dogs near Pittsburgh right now are A Friend In Need Rescue (Pittsburgh, PA) and Paws Across Pittsburgh (Springdale, PA). 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.