But before you get a puppy for Christmas, be sure that you are ready to commit to your new dog for their whole lifetime! Many shelters in Texas are at full capacity due to people abandoning their dogs prematurely, and there are not enough resources to care for all of them. However, if you are committed and prepared, getting a puppy for Christmas can be a wonderful experience! Not only will you be giving these puppies the second chance they deserve, but you’ll also be getting an incredible companion who will bring joy and love into your life. Here are 10 irresistible puppies in Houston that you should consider rescuing this Christmas.
1. Finnegan (Labrador Retriever and Shar-Pei Mix)
Finnegan is a pretty chill little guy, even though he’s been through a lot already and is missing his back right paw. However, he’s healing well and getting stronger every day! He is sometimes wobbly, especially on slippery floors, and is still getting used to getting around without his paw. Finnegan much prefers being outside in the yard or walking on soft surfaces where he feels steadier. However, the vet says he’s doing well and should be fine as an adult, but that he is also a great candidate for a prosthetic. Finnegan is a sweet puppy that likes to snuggle up for naps, and needs a patient forever family that can give him lots and lots of love. This sweet little pup has velvety soft fur and big brown eyes that will make your heart melt! Right now, he’s still a puppy (at the beginning of November, he weighed 21 pounds), but since he is likely a Labrador and shar-pei mix, Finnegan will likely grow between 45 and 65 pounds as an adult. Labradors are famous for being active, friendly, and very affectionate dogs that make wonderful, easy-going companions. Shar-peis are known for being loyal and calm, and while they need consistent training, they are also very adaptable. As a mix, Finnegan should be healthy and with the right socialization to help him adjust after losing his paw, he will be the best dog you could ask for. This tender little soul will make an excellent and lovable companion, and can’t wait to come home to his forever family!
Breed: Labrador retriever and shar-pei mix (male)Age: ~Three or four months oldContact: K-9 Angels RescueProfile: Finnegan
2. Lydia (Terrier Mix)
Sweet and sassy, little Lydia is the cutest little puppy that loves naps and snacks. She is friendly and quick to make friends with dogs big and small, and loves to play! She is a white-colored terrier mix with absolutely adorable freckles. If you’re looking for a fun-loving puppy in Houston with a lively spirit, Lydia is your girl! As a terrier mix, Lydia is smart and inquisitive, with loads of energy. Terriers are sporty little dogs that need lots of exercise, as well as physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Often, they can have a rather strong prey drive due to their breeding, but with early socialization and training, it can be managed well — especially if they are given plenty of exercise and playtime! In addition, terriers are extremely friendly, loving dogs that are loyal to their families. Terriers live around 12 to 14 years on average.
Breed: Terrier mix (female)Age: ~Three months oldContact: K-9 Angels RescueProfile: Lydia
3. Otho (Terrier Mix)
Another adorable terrier mix puppy in Houston, Otho is a sweet old soul with stunning hazel eyes that will mesmerize you! Otho has adorably wiry scruff and lots of fun freckles and patches of color. He is energetic as well as sensitive, and enjoys carefully selecting his favorite toys from the basket to play with. He is a big fan of playing with his sisters, as well as lots and lots of naps. In fact, after a day filled with play and fun, Otho’s favorite thing to do is to snuggle up with a fluffy blanket on the couch — he is an expert cuddler! Terrier mix dogs like Otho are usually smart and inquisitive. They were originally bred to be hunters, so they have a lot of energy and need lots of exercise. Terriers also need to be given mental stimulation through games or training to keep them from getting bored. Without enough stimulation, terriers can become destructive. Terriers are friendly dogs that form close bonds with their families and will defend them if necessary. The average lifespan for a terrier is 12 to 14 years old.
Breed: Terrier mix (male)Age: ~Three months oldContact: K-9 Angels RescueProfile: Otho
4. Bryan (Labrador and Heeler Mix)
Meet Bryan, a sweet puppy in Houston that was found with his brother while they were hiding under some debris along the side of the road. Bryan is about three or four months old and is as cute and sweet as can be. It’s hard to know for sure what breed this cutie is, but the best guess is that he is possibly a Labrador and heeler mix. Even though he had a rough start, Bryan is a loving pup who loves to play with tennis balls. Both Labradors and heelers are intelligent and loyal. Heelers tend to have strong herding and guarding instincts, while labs are well-known for their friendly and sweet demeanors. Both are energetic and very active dogs, so Bryan will need plenty of daily exercise. Heelers were bred for herding, and they are typically hardy dogs. Labrador retrievers, on the other hand, were bred as companions for fishermen and hunters due to their ability to retrieve game. Bryan is still just a puppy at the moment, but you can expect him to grow between 35 and 80 pounds when he is fully grown, depending on which characteristics he inherited from his parents. Heelers typically live between 12 to 16 years, while labs generally live between 11 and 13 years.
Breed: Possibly a Labrador and heeler mix (male)Age: ~Three or four months oldContact: ADORE HoustonProfile: Bryan (or if you’re interested in his brother, you can check out Tommy as well)
5. Abigail (Dachshund Mix)
Sweet little Abbie (or Abigail) may be a little shy at first, but she warms up — she just does it on her terms. When she and her family were rescued, they had to be trapped, and she is still a bit scared of humans because of that experience. However, Abbie is a big fan of snuggling next to her humans with a warm blanket, and she absolutely loves other friendly cats and dogs as well! As a dachshund mix, Abbie will likely have a curious and spunky personality when she feels safe. Dachshunds are extremely loving dogs with velvety-smooth hair that sheds moderately. They need regular exercise, but they love being with their humans, so they make great play and walking companions. However, these small dogs do not do well living outside, so Abbie will need an indoor home where she can feel safe and loved with her family. Dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds and live between 12 and 16 years on average.
Breed: Dachshund mix (female)Age: ~Three months oldContact: K-9 Angels RescueProfile: Abigail
6. Conrad (Hound / Carolina Dog / Shepherd Mix)
Even though he got a rough start in life, Conrad is a survivor who lives life to the fullest! Conrad is a friendly pup who loves to play with dogs of any size, although he can also keep himself entertained on his own as well. He loves to snuggle and give kisses and is doing great with crate – and house-training. And who couldn’t love that sweet face and adorably tall ears? Conrad has a unique breed mix, with some hound, Carolina dog, and shepherd DNA. It’s hard to say which characteristics of each breed he inherited, but it’s likely that this cute little guy will be a medium-sized dog. Although he keeps eating and eating and eating (as growing puppies do), he seems to be just getting taller and leaner. As of November 25, Conrad weighed around 18 pounds. Hounds are well-known for their hunting and tracking skills and have an excellent sense of smell. Carolina dogs are independent but loyal, and shepherd breeds are typically smart, confident, and courageous. So far Conrad seems to have inherited a shorter coat, but also has plenty of energy, intelligence, and spunk to keep any puppy-lover happy.
Breed: Hound / Carolina dog / shepherd mix (male)Age: ~Three or four months oldContact: K-9 Angels RescueProfile: Conrad
7. Finn (Shepherd Mix)
From the very beginning, rescuers were head over heels for Finn. This sweet puppy in Houston is a total mama’s boy and loves to stay by his foster’s side whenever he can. Finn can be a little timid and shy at first, but he is quick to accept kisses and belly rubs without question! He loves playing with his siblings and squeaky toys. His wrinkly face is full of innocence and sweetness, and his eyes can see straight into your soul! Finn is a shepherd mix and is around three months old. At the moment he weighs 15 pounds, but he still has plenty of room to grow. Shepherd breeds do not reach their full size until they are at least one year old, and some breeds are not full-grown until two or three years old. Finn could potentially grow to be between 40 and 75 pounds, but only time will tell for sure. Shepherd breeds are loyal, smart, and can have a lot of energy, so Finn will need plenty of exercise and playtime to keep him happy and healthy. Finn will thrive with consistent love and positive training, as well as activities to stimulate him physically and mentally.
Breed: Shepherd mix (male)Age: ~Three months oldContact: Waiting Under the Willow Foundation / WUWF RescueProfile: Finn
8. Sparky (Hound / Carolina Dog / Shepherd Mix)
Although it’s hard to say for sure what type of dog breed Sparky is, this sweet little guy is 100% adorable! Sparky is a great listener and is crate-trained, but much prefers being with his humans whenever possible. He is also potty-trained, and will patiently wait by the door to let you know he’s got to go. Sparky does tend to get lonely, so he would do best in a home with another dog to keep him company. Since no one really knows who his parents are, it’s hard to say exactly what breed characteristics this cute puppy in Houston has inherited. The best guess is that Sparky has a mix of hound, Carolina dog, and shepherd in him. Hounds are known for their tracking skills, and they also have an incredible sense of smell. Carolina dogs may be independent, but they are still loyal to their family. Sparky seems to have gotten his intelligence and spunk from the shepherd breed and his shorter coat from the hound breed. As of November 15, Sparky weighed 25 pounds, so he will likely be a medium-sized dog.
Breed: Shepherd, hound, and Carolina dog mix (male)Age: ~Three or four monthsContact: K-9 Angels RescueProfile: Sparky
9. Ash (Cattle Dog Mix)
This happy puppy in Houston had a rough start to life, but it hasn’t stopped him from loving and living life to the fullest! Ash loves food (possibly his favorite thing at the moment) and loves to play with toys, dogs, people, or even just by himself. He has a lot of energy but is smart and well-behaved and would love a forever family that will take him on adventures with them. He’s a very smart pup that is just about potty-trained and doesn’t mind sleeping in his crate. He even knows how to sit and wait on command! Ash loves being with his humans, whether he’s playing, cuddling, or just keeping you company. Ash is a cattle dog mix and currently weighs around 22 pounds. Cattle dogs are tenacious and intelligent dogs that are loyal to the core, so you know that Ash will love you forever! They typically weigh between 35 to 50 pounds when full-grown, but as a mix, Ash might be slightly smaller (only time will tell). As a cattle dog mix, Ash will need plenty of exercise and playtime, but these dogs are also extremely intelligent and make great companions for walks, runs, and all kinds of adventures. Cattle dogs live between 12 to 16 years on average.
Breed: Cattle dog mix (male)Age: ~Five monthsContact: K-9 Angels RescueProfile: Ash
10. Bella (Chow Chow)
Just like her name, Bella is the most beautiful belle of the ball! Bella is a stunning chow chow puppy in Houston who is around seven or eight months old and currently weighs just under 40 pounds. This girl is all puppy all the time and loves to run, play, and have fun! She is doing great as she works on manners as well and likes to keep her people company laying underneath their chair while they work. This playful pup is not only beautiful, but friendly, affectionate, brave, and smart, and would be a great companion. As a chow chow, Bella has a bright personality and a dignified air about her. Currently, she weighs 40 pounds, but since she is still a puppy, Bella might still have some room to grow. Adult female chow chows can grow to anywhere between 44 to 60 pounds. She is currently working on her doggie manners, but chow chows are known for being some of the cleanest and easiest dogs to potty train. As a chow, this girl is going to need to be groomed regularly and brushed at least twice a week with all that beautiful fur! In addition, these dogs are alert and active and need daily walks and some playtime. However, if you live in a hot climate, be careful not to have her exercising or playing outside in the heat because chows do not handle heat and humidity well. As a chow chow, Bella will be loyal, but will also need consistent and positive training to help her become the best dog she can be. On average, chow chows typically live between 8 and 12 years.
Breed: Chow chow (female)Age: ~Seven or eight months oldContact: Houston Chow Chow ConnectionProfile: Bella
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