Sioux Falls, SD

Small Dogs for Adoption in Sioux Falls, SD: 14 Little Dogs Looking for a Home

Small Dogs up for adoption near Sioux Falls, SD

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Sioux Falls 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 Dachshund, Chihuahua and Rat Terrier.

1. Mario

Adult (5 years) · Male · Rat Terrier (short coat) · 97 mi from Sioux Falls

The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org

Read more about Mario

Meet Mario! This timid little sweet heart is looking for a new forever females only home after he was pulled from a bad situation. Mario is very fearful of men but warms up quickly to women. He is gentle, quiet and delightful. He is looking for a safe place to land where his human will make certain that no bad things happen to him. He is very comfortable with cats and wouldn't mind at all going to a home with dog friendly felines. He hasn't had much exposure to dogs but isn't opposed to them either. Mario does well in a car, takes a bath nicely and is house trained. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations and is microchipped. He is 5 years old, he does have a grade 3 heart murmur which the vet says doesn't require anythign at this time and his adoption fee is $275.00

  • No young kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Mario fromEmmet County Animal ShelterEstherville, IA · listed Oct 14

2. Shelby

Young (1 year 2 months) · Female · Shih Tzu / Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie / Mixed (long coat) · 97 mi from Sioux Falls

The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org

Read more about Shelby

This cutie patootie is Shelby! She and her stout brother (clearly not biological!) Scooby love each other and have so much fun playing together that we are looking for a new forever home that is ready and capable of welcoming them both! Scooby is about 5 years old, very outgoing and energetic. Seems to love everyone and everything but can be a bit of an escape artist (he's naughty like that!) so a fenced yard is best! But the cool thing is that Shelby adores being outside a lot so a fenced yard for her to run and play and then lounge and sunbathe would be ideal indeed! Shelby is about 15 months and a sweet super silly girl that loves people, other dogs and cats. They will be a fantastic duo for the right home. Their mom loved them very much so we are doing our best to get them a wonderful home where they can be happy, safe and loved. Both dogs are fixed, vaccinated and microchipped. Please keep in mind that Shelby will need to have a regular grooming routine. Their combined adoption fee is $500.00

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Shelby fromEmmet County Animal ShelterEstherville, IA · listed Sep 30

3. Scooby

Adult (5 years 6 months) · Male · Pug / Mixed · 97 mi from Sioux Falls

The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org

Read more about Scooby

This little compact fella is Scooby! He and his fluffy sister (clearly not biological!) Shelby love each other and have so much fun playing together that we are looking for a new forever home that is ready and capable of welcoming them both! Scooby is about 5 years old, very outgoing and energetic. Seems to love everyone and everything but can be a bit of an escape artist (he's naughty like that!) so a fenced yard is best! But the cool thing is that Shelby adores being outside a lot so a fenced yard for her to run and play and then lounge and sunbathe would be ideal indeed! Shelby is about 15 months and a sweet super silly girl that loves people, other dogs and cats. They will be a fantastic duo for the right home. Their mom loved them very much so we are doing our best to get them a wonderful home where they can be happy, safe and loved. Both dogs are fixed, vaccinated and microchipped. Please keep in mind that Shelby will need to have a regular grooming routine. Their combined adoption fee is $500.00

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Scooby fromEmmet County Animal ShelterEstherville, IA · listed Sep 30

4. Becky

Adult (6 years 11 months) · Female · French Bulldog (short coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.

Read more about Becky

Hi! I'm Becky! I am playful around the right people, my foster mom is not sure how I pick and chooses them, I love some people and doesn't like others. I do very well with the foster puppy and tolerate him being a puppy and being in my face. We play pretty hard in the morning together, running through the house. My foster mom believes I would do well with other small dogs but she barks heavily at the neighbor's black lab. I am doing much better with hard kibble and I have a good appetite not that all my nasty teeth were pulled and my mouth has healed. I'm not interested with toys, but would rather just be with my people. I am a complete velcro dog. We went to the outdoor campus yesterday and me and the puppy both did well on their leashes. I do require a physically fenced yard as I don't know recall commands and don't listen, I looooove to run.I do well in my kennel at night but still has accidents overnight, so I have her wear a diaper. I am protective and bark at anyone coming through the front door, other than my foster mom. I am a couch potato at night and loves to sit on the couch with my foster family. I am also a bit of a licker. I do know my name and I hear much better now that my ear infection is cleared up.

My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, spay, dental with extractions and microchipping.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Becky fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Sep 30

5. Arnie

Senior (14 years 1 month) · Male · Dachshund (short coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.

Meet Arnie!

Hi, I’m Arnie, a sweet 14-year-old senior dachshund who is hoping that my forever family is out there waiting for me.

Read more about Arnie

I’m a loving, easygoing senior boy who does well with other small dogs, but big dogs aren’t really my cup of kibble. I prefer my canine friends on the smaller side.

My hearing isn’t what it used to be, so I may have either selective hearing or senior ears. But I can still hear clapping hands and whistles! When my foster mom claps her hands, I come trotting back to the house and I make eye contact with her.

I am absolutely LOVING my foster mom’s big fenced backyard! There are birds, rabbits, and squirrels to watch and hunt, and I take my backyard security duties very seriously.

Because of my age and hearing, I need a securely physically fenced yard to keep me safe. No invisible fences, please.

My wishlist is pretty simple:
A soft, comfy dog bed
Good food
Lots of love
A safe, secure home
A family who understands that senior dogs have so much love left to give

I may be 14, but I still have plenty of life, love, and personality in me. I just need someone willing to give a sweet old guy a place to call home.

Could you be my forever family?

Please share Arnie’s post so we can help this senior boy find the loving forever home he deserves.

Howdy!I'm Arnie I'm a sweet senior boy that is looking for a furever home of my own. I do well with other small dogs, big dogs are not my friends in my book. I have either selective hearing or my hearing just isn't what it used to be anymore. I can hear clapping hands and whistles. I come trotting back to the house when my foster mom claps her hands and I make eye contact with her. I'm loving her big fenced in backyard with lots of birds, rabbits and squirrel to hunt. I do need a securely physically fenced yard to keep me safe. I love a soft dog bed and good food. Can you be my furever home? I am 14 yrs young, I weigh 14 pounds, my adoption fee is $250 plus sales tax $11.25=$261.25

My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, neuter, dental with full mouth extraction and microchipping.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Special needs
Adopt Arnie fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Sep 23

6. Louella

Adult (6 years 6 months) · Female · Dachshund (long coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.
Louella is a recent breeder release She is timid at first but is learning being picked up and cuddled is not a bad thing She might even like it She does great with all the other pups and kennels well Alnother dog in her adoptive home will help her continue to get braver Louellla does need a physically fenced secure yard to keep her safe Louella is about 6 years old and weighs about 18 pounds Her adoption fee is $350 plus tax of $15.75 got a total of $365.75

Read more about Louella

My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella,spay, dental and microchipping.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Louella fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Sep 22

7. Nacho

Puppy (6 months) · Male · Chihuahua (long coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.

We DO NOT have a physical shelter.

Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org

Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.

Read more about Nacho

Hi! I'm Nacho or Bruno as my foster mom calls me :) I am a very high energy little guy, I am constantly under your feet to stay involved in any fun stuff happening.
I am a double merle chihuahua which caused a birth defect in my eye, it's call microophthalmic, which means my eye is extra small and non functioning. I was also born hydrocephalic (water on my brain, as well as an open fontanelle (my soft spot on my head did not close so my brain is not fully protected by my skull)
Now that we got that out of the way...... I am a very happy go lucky, highly energetic pup looking for a furever home of my own.
No small children, no older rambunctious children, and no big dogs please as if I got dropped or rolled I could get a serious brain injury.
I do like playing with small dogs my size. Because of my eyesight I do require a physically fenced yard.
Can you be my furever home? I am 6 months old, I weigh 3 pounds, my adoption fee is $600 plus sales tax $27=$627

My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, neuter, dental for extraction of retained baby teeth and microchipping.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • Special needs
Adopt Nacho fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Sep 22

8. Dean

Adult (4 years 5 months) · Male · Dachshund (short coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.
This handsome guy is Dean aka Dash. Dean came from a breeder who became aware of him living in an abusive situation. They were able to get him and bring him to DDR. Dean is doing well now. He likes to be picked up and cuddled. He knows he is safe. He does need a physically fenced yard and not recommending kids. He doesn't do any of his old behaviors but a new home might be scary. Another dog in the home is best. Dean weighs about 9 pounds and is about 4 years old. His adoption fee is $400 plus tax of $18 fir a total of $418.

Read more about Dean

My adoption fee helps with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, neuter, dental and microchipping.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Dean fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Sep 22

9. Olivia

Adult (7 years) · Female · Dachshund (short coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.
Hi! I'm Olivia. I am a recent breeder release girl just beginning my journey to become a house pet. I am a bit slow to warm up to new people but I am sweet once I get to know you. I have just began learning about a collar/harness and leash, I got my name when I arrived so I don't have any recall commands, a physically fenced yard is a must for me. I don't understand the dangers of roads, cars and trucks, and I get spooked and would run. Can you be my furever home? Do you have lots of patience and love to help me on my journey to learn to love and trust? I am guestimated to be 7 years old, I weigh 13 pounds, my adoption fee is $350 plus sales tax $15.75= $365.75

Read more about Olivia

My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, spay, dental and microchipping.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Olivia fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Sep 22

10. Seymour

Young (2 years 5 months) · Male · Dachshund (short coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.
Howdy! I'm Seymour and I recently came back to DDR. I was doing a lot of nervous peeing in my adoptive home. A new baby, two other small kids, it just wasn't a good fit for me. My foster family has been working with me and making sure I have my bellyband on at all times. I have settled in again and am enjoying having other dachshunds my age to play with. My foster mom's grandkids are 8 yrs old and 10 yrs old, I like sitting on the couch with them and I do well with them picking me up. They pick me up a lot to get me used to not being nervous..... that way I'm not nervous and I don't nervous piddle ;) I need a bit of time to settle in more before I head to my furever home. I need to keep my confidence up and know I don't have to be afraid or nervous of everything around me. Will you be my furever person, my furever home? I am 2 1/2 years old, I weigh 13 pounds, my adoption fee is $400 plus sales tax $18=$418

Read more about Seymour

Howdy! I'm Seymour. I am a very sweet Doxie boy loving life in my foster home. I have just begun my journey to live life as a house pet. I am working on house training, learning to chew on what puppies are supposed to chew on. Wearing a harness and walking on a leash..... that's all new ;) I am learning I now have a name, I still don't listen when my foster mom says "Come, sit or stay" what's that all about ;)

I do need a fenced yard to keep me safe since I don't come when called and I loooooove to run, chase and play with the other dogs in my foster mom's fenced yard. I am shy and need another small dog in the house. When I meet new people I run so my foster mom had to keep a leash attached when in the house and out in the yard so she could catch me.

Can you be my furever home? I am 6 years old my adoption fee is $600 plus sales tax $27=$627
My adoption fee helps cover all of my vetting needs such as rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, neuter, dental if needed and microchipping.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Seymour fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Sep 9

11. Sugar

Young (2 years 1 month) · Female · Chihuahua / Pug / Mixed · 97 mi from Sioux Falls

The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org

Read more about Sugar

Meet Sugar! This sweet little girl was one of many dogs pulled from a hoarding house. Sugar is trying so hard to learn about things since the experiences she has had in her life up until now have been very limited. She's learned that car rides are nice, couches are soft, windows have warm sunlight and that snuggling with someone to sleep at night is her favorite thing! Sugar is afraid of men and would need a women only household. She also is struggling with going outside since she has spent that past two years locked in a basement however she does better in a fenced yard so that would be a plus for this little girl. We estimate her to be about 2 years old. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $275.00

  • No young kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Sugar fromEmmet County Animal ShelterEstherville, IA · listed Aug 11

12. Cooper

Adult (5 years 10 months) · Male · Dachshund (short coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.

HEY EVERYONE, MEET COOPER!

I’m Cooper, a handsome 5-year-old guy who is discovering that being a house dog is actually pretty GREAT!

Read more about Cooper

I’m still figuring out this whole “pet dog” thing, so some things are brand new to me. Harnesses? Leashes? Strange people? Let’s just say I’m working on it! But give me a little time to get comfortable and learn that you’re my friend, and you’ll see what a sweet and loving boy I really am.

Here are some of my favorite things:

Hanging out with my DDR alum sister, who is also 5
Climbing into my foster mom’s lap for some quality TV time
Snuggling in bed because, obviously, beds are for snuggling
Exploring the yard and checking out all the important backyard business
Eating! I am definitely a fan of good food!
Getting love from people I trust

I’ve even mastered the whole “potty outside” thing! It took me a little while to figure it out, but now I’ve got it down.

Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m a bit of a nervous guy. New people can be scary, and I may bark or growl when we first meet. But don’t give up on me! Once I have some time to get to know you and realize you’re one of the good ones, my sweet side comes out.

I’m also easily spooked, so I need a physical fenced yard where I can safely explore, play, and enjoy being a dog. A quiet, laid-back home would be just my speed.

We don’t know yet how I feel about cats or kids since I haven’t met them.

I’m not looking for a super busy household or someone who expects me to become a social butterfly overnight. I’m looking for my people. The ones who will give me a little patience, a lot of love, and let me blossom at my own pace.

And when I do? Get ready for a lap-loving, bed-snuggling, TV-watching best friend!

Could you be Cooper’s forever person?

Share my post and help me find the family who will give this sweet boy the chance to show them just how wonderful he can be!

Welcome to Dakota Dachshund Rescue Cooper!! Cooper is a sweet and loving 5 year old once he is familiar and builds trust. He eats well, goes outside to play and explore the yard. He loves his DDR Alum sister who is also 5 years of age. It took a little while to learn to use the bathroom outside but now is fine. Cooper loves to lay on my lap and watch TV, and he also loves to snuggle in bed. He is very afraid of strangers and may bark or growl at first. He has not been with cats or children, so that is unknown. Given a chance to get used to you, he will be a wonderful family edition. Cooper has just begun his journey to become a house pet, everything is new to him including a harness and leash. Cooper gets spooked very easier, he does require a fenced yard to keep him safe. Can you offer Cooper a quiet more laid back furever home?
Cooper is 5 years young, he weighs 14 pounds, his adoption fee is $350 plus sales tax $15.75=$365.75

My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, neuter, dental and microchipping.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Cooper fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed Jul 11

13. Shadow

Adult (4 years) · Female · Dachshund (long coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.
Hi, I'm Shadow. I am a shy girl just starting her journey to become a house pet. I am a bit nippy at first when I meet new people. I like the other small dogs in my foster home. I am just starting to learn about house training, wearing a harness or collar, I am NOT open to walking on a leash. I do require a fenced yard to keep me safe as I get spooked and run in my foster mom's fenced yard. Do you have the time and patience to work with me? I am almost 4 years old, I celebrate my 4th birthday on July 26th, I weigh 9 pounds, my adoption fee is $400 plus sales tax $18=$418

Read more about Shadow

My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, presurgical bloodwork,rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, spay, dental if needed and microchipping.

  • No young kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Shadow fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed May 26

14. Eileen

Adult (7 years 10 months) · Female · Dachshund (short coat) · 5 mi from Sioux Falls

We are an all-volunteer/foster home-based rescue.
We DO NOT have a physical shelter.
Apply to adopt by filling out the online adoption application on our main website dakotadachshundrescue.org
Click on Adoption Info under the Navigation bar on the left side of the page. Fill out the form by clicking on the picture of the computer screen with our logo on it.

Read more about Eileen

✨ Meet Eileen ✨
At 7 years old, Eileen is learning that the world might not be such a scary place after all. This sweet little dachshund came to DDR very frightened, but day by day she’s taking tiny brave steps toward trusting her foster mom and discovering the good life.
Eileen is still very shy, but she’s getting more comfortable being picked up, hanging close to her people, and watching the other dogs show her how fun life can be. She absolutely dreams of being part of the pack… she just needs a patient family willing to let her bloom at her own speed.
A confident, social dog in the home will be a huge help for Eileen as she learns the ropes. She kennels well, is making progress on potty training, and quietly cheers on the other pups like a tiny dachshund fan club president.
Eileen will require: A fenced yard Another friendly social dog Patience, kindness, and time
Some dogs burst into your life like fireworks. Eileen is more like a porch light slowly glowing brighter each night. And when she trusts you? That kind of love is pure gold. ✨

This sweet lady is Eileen. She came to DDR very scared. She is still very shy but is getting more used to being picked up and getting closer to her foster mom. Another social dog in the home will be huge for Eileen to get comfortable. She kennels well and is getting better on potty training. She very much wants to be like the other pups. It will just take some time. Fenced yard required
Eileen is about 7 years old and weighs about 12 pounds. Her adoption fee is $350 plus tax of $15.75 for a total of $365.75.
My adoption fee help with my vetting needs such as HW test, rabies, DHPPL, Bordetella, spay, dental and microchipping.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Eileen fromDakota Dachshund RescueSioux Falls, SD · listed May 5

Adopting a small dog in Sioux Falls

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 Sioux Falls

Questions about adopting small dogs in Sioux Falls

How many small dogs are up for adoption in Sioux Falls?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have 14 small dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a small dog in Sioux Falls?

The rescues with the most small dogs near Sioux Falls right now are Dakota Dachshund Rescue (Sioux Falls, SD) and Emmet County Animal Shelter (Estherville, IA). 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.