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Maltese puppies and dogs in Santa Cruz, California

Looking for a Maltese puppy or dog in Santa Cruz, California? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Maltese near you.

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Adopt a Maltese near you in Santa Cruz, California

We don't see any Maltese available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. Try a different search below!

Or, how about these Maltese in cities near Santa Cruz, California

These Maltese are available for adoption close to Santa Cruz, California.
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Violet

Maltese Dachshund

Female, 9 yrs 1 mo
Pacific Grove, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Looks like: Dachshund, Maltese mix Female, 9 years old (estimated), 12 pounds Sweet, mellow Violet is just looking for a quiet retirement home to lay her head. Violet landed at a busy shelter in the Sacramento area, matted beyond belief and so scared. We're happy to have her join us here at POMDR for a soft transition before finding her forever family. Could that be you? Violet gets along well with other dogs. She might have a little vision loss, but still gets around well. She enjoys lounging in a warm dog bed and being by her person's side. Violet joined us from the Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter. As a rescue specializing in senior dogs, we are happy to help her find her forever home!
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Tulip

Maltese Schnoodle

Female, 9 yrs
Pacific Grove, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
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Story
Looks like: Maltese Female, 10 years old (estimated), 8 pounds Trusty Tulip has entered the building! This girl is going to melt your heart instantly! Her loving wiggles are absolutely adorable, and her sweet kisses will capture your soul! Tulip is happy to be with people and dogs alike. She will gladly sleep in your lap or in her bed on the floor. Tulip joined us from the SPCA of Monterey County and would love to find a forever home soon! Could that be with you?
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Photo of Marley

Marley

Maltese Poodle (Standard)

Male, Adult
San Jose, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Marley is the Boss of the House!He is 9 year old and 10 pounds Matipoo. He is a spunky, happy little dog who acts more like two years old than eight!He gets along well with other confident dogs and kids and is fine left when alone for short periods of time
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Dobby

Maltese

Male, Adult
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.This dog will be at Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, February 8th from 12-3pm or until adopted. If you would like the first opportunity to adopt, please fill out an application to be considered.   Adoption fee: $800 Dobby is a 2 year old Maltese type mix who weighs 15 lbs and has a non-shedding type of coat. He's one of those dogs who just radiates joy! Even while in the shelter, Dobby shined. He ran right up to our volunteer and immediately put his paws on her legs, begging her to take him with her. How could she say no?! Dobby loves other dogs almost as much as humans and has been in foster with another DPS dog rescued the same day. They've become besties! Dobby is a big time cuddler. His foster says, 'He came to my place blazing and right away demanded love and attention! He peacefully sleeps in his crate in my bedroom at night. Dobby follows me everywhere. However, he will leave my side as soon as someone else gives him attention. He’s very much puppy-like and can’t get enough attention. He will literally hug you. He’ll grab up to your leg and hug it and just stay that way. He doesn’t discriminate and does that to everyone he meets, including perfect strangers on the streets. He delights everyone he meets with his good nature. While he bonds with people very quickly, he would trade anyone for a treat or a pet. He’s loving but not very faithful! ;)'   Dobby goes out in the morning between 7 and 7:30 for 30 mns, followed by breakfast; then chills while his foster mom works. He has access to the living room/kitchen. Sometimes his foster mom will take breaks from work to play fetch or offer him a bully stick to keep him entertained. He gets an afternoon walk, usually around 2-3 pm, dinner around 5pm, and one last potty break before bed around 9-10 pm.   Dobby has been on all kinds of adventures with his foster mom, from meeting and playing with her friends' dogs to going on a long hike to hanging at the coffee shop. He's down for it all! He does pull a bit on leash, but mostly just because he is so excited to make new friends.   Dobby is housetrained. He marked for a couple days when he first arrived but as soon as he settled in, that behavior stopped completely and he hasn't had any accidents. He is not a barker (unless someone rings the bell) and sleeps through the night like a very good boy.   Dobby's foster says: 'A friend came over for dinner. She doesn’t care much for dogs. As soon as she walked in, Dobby turned on the charm and tried to hug her. She pushed him back; however, as soon as she sat on the couch, he sat next to her, put his paw on her legs and looked at her with adoration. She was completely smitten. I haven’t met one person who wasn’t smitten by him. I call him “Mister Congeniality” because he knows how to work the crowd!   Dobby is an option for almost any home with prior dog experience. He's still a young dude and will need a bit of help in the manners department, but he's super food motivated and aims to please, so it should be a breeze! He's an option for kids over the age of 5.  February 7, 2025, 10:27 am
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Strawberry Shortcake

Maltese Poodle (Miniature)

Female, Adult
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.Adoption Fee: $750    Strawberry Shortcake is a 1 year old Maltipoo who’s as sweet as dessert and as adorable as a cartoon character! Shortcake was rescued from the shelter as part of a ‘Too Good To Go’ order. Kidding! We don’t know much about her past but we promised to find her a fabulous forever home. She left the shelter with a prance in her step and a smile on her face that has never left! Shortcake weighs 12 pounds and has a gorgeous non-shedding coat. If you’re ready for a dash of sweetness in your day, adopt Strawberry Shortcake!      Strawberry Shortcake is a cuddly and adorable little lady who is ready to try all the sweet treats the world has to offer with her forever family! When she first arrived to our rescue she was very scared of the world but as she’s gained her confidence we have seen her personality bloom! Strawberry is a total couch potato kind of girl. She would be an amazing companion for someone who works from home as she just wants to relax and enjoy the slower life. She is super smart and food motivated, which has made training so far a total breeze. She would be a great companion for a home ready for a constant companion. She’s so cute it’s hard to resist showering her in endless hugs and cuddles!  Strawberry Shortcake wakes up around 7 AM and heads out for a morning potty before breakfast. She spends her mornings lounging on her soft beds and blankets as she keeps her foster mom company. She enjoys many yummy snacks as she occupies herself with her toys and looks out the window at the world going by. In the afternoon, Shortcake goes on a walk around her neighborhood for about twenty minutes. Once she comes home, she relaxes until she is ready for dinner around 5 PM. She spends the rest of the evening getting snuggles until she goes into her crate at 10 PM. Strawberry Shortcake currently lives with another dog. They don’t really play together but they happily co-exist. Shortcake walks well on a leash. She is potty trained and crate trained. She loves being brushed and dressed in the latest fashions. We know whoever adopts this lovely girl will find themselves showered in love and kisses from their new best friend for life!     Strawberry Shortcake is only an option for homes who have some prior experience with dog ownership. Kids should be over the age of 8.February 12, 2025, 6:13 pm
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Photo of Rainbow Brite

Rainbow Brite

Maltese Poodle (Miniature)

Female, Adult
Palo Alto, CA
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.  * If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.Adoption fee: $750 Meet Rainbow Brite, a sweet and fluffy 3 year old, 17.6 lb Maltipoo looking for her forever home! This little lady may be a bit shy at first, but beneath her timid exterior lies a heart full of love.   When Rainbow Brite first arrived, she was understandably nervous and spent the first few days hiding. She wouldn't eat or take treats, preferring the safety of under the couch. Thankfully, the resident dogs helped her feel more comfortable, and now she's blossomed! She now happily accepts treats, adores ear scratches, and soaks up all the affection she can get (until she's had enough, then she politely walks away!).   Rainbow Brite has quickly learned to love the comforts of home. You can find her napping on the doggie couch or snuggling on the 'communal' dog couch. She thrives on companionship, enjoying the company of both other dogs and her humans. She's not much of a toy player just yet, preferring the simple joys of a sunny spot or a cuddle on the couch.   One of Rainbow Brite's favorite things is car rides! She knows the morning routine and waits patiently by the garage door when it's time to drop off our son at school. If you open a car door, she'll happily hop right in, ready for an adventure.   While she isn't fully leash-trained yet, Rainbow Brite enjoys her walks and will happily wear her harness. She has a doggie door and is fully house-trained, although she had a couple of accidents the first week while adjusting. She is free-fed.   Due to her initial shyness, Rainbow Brite requires a patient and understanding home with experience in working with shy dogs. We believe she would thrive in a home with other canine companions, as they have helped her come out of her shell and feel more secure. She can get a bit clingy and may bark if left alone without the other dogs, so having a furry friend around is essential for her well-being.   Could Rainbow Brite be the perfect ray of sunshine for your family? If you have a loving home with dog experience and other dog companions, please consider giving this sweet girl the forever home she deserves.February 13, 2025, 2:35 pm

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Maltese shelters & rescues in Santa Cruz, California

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Maltese puppies in Santa Cruz, California. Browse these Maltese rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

25.7 miles

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

PO Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

31.4 miles

Doggie Protective Services (DPS Rescue)

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals

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Rescue

49 miles

Love & Second Chances

San Ramon, CA 94582

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

49.9 miles

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue

PO Box 11143, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Want to learn more about adopting a Maltese puppy or dog?

We've got all the info you need on adopting and caring for a Maltese puppy. Check out the links below for everything you ever wanted to know about Maltese puppies and adults.

Maltese basics

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Where do Malteses come from? How many types of Malteses are there? From the history of the breed to question about average height, weight and size, brush up on these basic facts about the Maltese.

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