Adding a new dog to your family is a big decision, since you are now responsible for your new puppy for the duration of their entire life! However, if you’re well-informed about what to expect and you are committed to your new bundle of love, a dog can be a great addition in time for the holidays! Whether you’re looking for a tiny companion to cuddle up with or an active pup who loves the outdoors, you’re sure to find the perfect match in one of Los Angeles’ many animal shelters and rescue organizations. Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the adorable puppies in Los Angeles who are looking for loving homes and families this Christmas!
1. Strawberry (Pug and Cattle Dog Mix)
This little girl is as cute as she is sweet! Strawberry and her siblings were found in a box down in Tijuana and have been loving life in their foster home. Her sparkling eyes will penetrate your soul, and her little ears are just adorable. Little Strawberry is a people pleaser who listens to every word you say. She is a gentle soul who is very affectionate, playful, and loves giving kisses. Plus, she is the best snuggler in the whole entire world! Strawberry is about three months old and is a pug and cattle dog mix. These breeds produce pups that are affectionate and loving and can make excellent companions. They tend to be highly alert and intelligent, as well as lively and a lot of fun. Pugs are known for their charming and fun personalities. They are also extremely loving, good with children, and can have an adorably mischievous streak. Cattle dogs are also tenacious and intelligent, in addition to being extremely loyal, so you know that Strawberry will be the perfect canine companion for life. She isn’t too big yet, but as a mix, she could grow up to 35 or 40 pounds possibly — but only time will tell for sure just how much this little one will grow, since pugs usually weigh closer to 14 and 18 pounds. Pugs and cattle dogs typically live between 13 to 16 years.
Breed: Pug and cattle dog mix (female)Age: ~three months oldContact: The Mutt ScoutsProfile: Strawberry
2. Coley (Pug and Cattle Dog Mix)
Meet Coley, Strawberry’s very cute brother. His endearing underbite and the cowlick down his face make this boy irresistibly adorable. He was the only boy in a litter with several sisters, so you know this boy has confidence and can flirt with the best of them. Plus, Coley is one smart cookie who loves to play and go on adventures. Like his sister, three-month-old Coley is a pug and cattle dog mix. Pups from these two breeds are usually affectionate, loving, and intelligent companions that tend to be very alert and lively. Pugs in particular are known for their fun personalities, and they can be really sweet with kids despite their mischievous nature. Cattle dogs are not only tenacious and intelligent but also extremely loyal — qualities that make them the perfect canine companion. As a mix, Coley could grow up to 35 or 40 pounds when fully grown. However, it’s impossible to say for sure just how much this little one will grow since pugs usually weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. Pugs and cattle dogs have a typical lifespan of 13 to 16 years.
Breed: Pug and cattle dog mix (male)Age: ~Three months oldContact: The Mutt ScoutsProfile: Coley
3. Danny (Airedale Terrier)
Oh Danny Boy, this puppy in Los Angeles will steal your heart forever! Although Danny got a rough start to life living all by himself behind an industrial zone in the middle of nowhere in Tijuana, you wouldn’t know it, since this boy is the sweetest puppy in the world! His sweet nature and loving brown eyes will make you melt. Danny is friendly, affectionate, and loyal, and just loves being with people. He’s so sweet and loves getting snuggles and affection, but he’s also just as happy with simply hanging out and keeping you company. Danny is a very handsome Airedale terrier with a gorgeous wire coat, velvety soft ears, and some of the best whiskers you’ll ever see on a pup. Danny is the sweetest Airedale terrier and currently weighs around 25 pounds. At nine months old, he is close to being full-grown for his breed. He could still have some room to grow, but likely he won’t weigh more than 40 pounds as an adult. Airedale terriers are friendly dogs with dense and wiry hair. They tend to have a docile and patient personality, but they can also be determined and ready to protect their families. They are athletic dogs that need plenty of exercise and playtime — but fortunately, these dogs absolutely love to play. Airedale terriers typically live between 11 and 14 years on average.
Breed: Airedale terrierAge: ~Nine months oldContact: The Mutt ScoutsProfile: Danny
4. Carrot (Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix)
What’s not to love about Carrot? This beautiful girl may be 40 pounds already, but she’s still a pup and only 4 or 5 months old. With her young age, she still needs some basic puppy and leash training, but this cutie is extremely sweet and loves people as well as other dogs. Carrot would do best with a family that can provide positive discipline and consistency so that she can grow into the best dog she can be. As long as she gets plenty of playtime and walks outside, Carrot could be in a condo or apartment, although you know this girl would love a house with a nice big yard to romp around in. Carrot is treat-motivated, playful, and friendly, with tons of love to give to her future family! Carrot is a Rhodesian ridgeback mix puppy in Los Angeles. Currently, she weighs about 40 pounds, but most likely by the time she is an adult she could weigh up to 70 pounds. The Rhodesian ridgeback is a dignified dog breed with an affectionate nature. These dogs are even-tempered and patient, which makes them great pets for families and children. Rhodesian ridgebacks can have a strong prey drive, so Carrot will definitely need a family that is ready to put in the time for consistent training. These dogs are quick, powerful, and athletic, so they are not the best choice for someone who is not home a lot, as they need plenty of exercise. However, with the right guidance and discipline, they can be the most protective and faithful of companions. Rhodesian ridgebacks are typically healthy and robust dogs that live up to 10 to 15 years on average.
Breed: Rhodesian ridgeback mix (female)Age: Four or five months oldContact: The Real BarkProfile: Carrot
5. Winifred (Terrier)
This adorable little terrier puppy in Los Angeles is both spunky and smart, and will never cease to make you smile! Winifred is about seven months old and is still pretty small, although she will probably weigh up to 15 pounds when she is fully grown. This sweet girl has the cutest terrier ears you’ve ever seen, and true to her breed, she is super intelligent and loves to play. Winifred gets along great with people, kids, and other dogs. She is a happy puppy that loves to play and explore! Winifred is a terrier puppy. These breeds are high energy and have adorably feisty and spirited personalities. Historically they were bred to hunt mice, rats, and other vermin and to act as guard dogs for their families. Today, these dogs often still have a strong prey drive for small critters and can become attached and protective of their families. Terriers make some of the best pets in the dog world, with loving and cheerful demeanors. However, they can sometimes be stubborn and determined. Winifred’s wiry coat will need to be groomed occasionally as well. On average, terriers typically live between 13 and 15 years.
Breed: Terrier (female)Age: ~Seven months oldContact: The Mutt ScoutsProfile: Winifred
6. Buck von Alsenz (Husky)
Buck is a sensitive soul who absolutely adores children and loves playing in a gentle and polite manner. He is sweet and mellow, and does not struggle with the temptation to be mouthy or nippy. In fact, he has quite a calm demeanor around children and enjoys snuggling and receiving belly rubs. In addition, Buck loves to play with other dogs as well. This handsome husky puppy in Los Angeles is very well socialized and would love a forever home with other furry companions, as he is not a fan of spending time alone. Buck is very smart and learns manners quickly. He is also perceptive and can assess who prefers to play and who would prefer to snuggle. Buck is simply the sweetest, most gentle husky puppy you’ll ever meet. As a three-month-old husky, Buck certainly has room to continue growing, and may reach between 45 and 60 pounds as an adult. Huskies have fun and outgoing personalities, but they can also be mischievous, especially if they are left alone for too long. However, they are incredibly loyal and affectionate and can make excellent family dogs. Huskies are friendly and energetic and need lots of playtime, exercise, and companionship. These dogs are generally very clean, but they do need to be brushed once a week. They shed their undercoat twice a year, which can be quite the snowstorm of fur. Huskies typically live between 12 and 14 years on average.
Breed: Husky (male)Age: Four months oldContact: West Side German Shepherd Rescue of L.A.Profile: Buck von Alsenz
7. Xena von Wildau (Long-Haired German Shepherd)
This sweet girl was unfortunately hit by a car and then dumped at a shelter. However, thanks to many dedicated animal rescuers, Xena was able to get much-needed surgery for her shoulder and she has been recovering splendidly! Xena is a stunning German shepherd puppy in Los Angeles who is both smart and beautiful. She absolutely loves other dogs and loves to play with all her sweet puppy energy. She is also potty trained, eager to please, and loves every last drop of attention she can get. Xena is a long-haired German shepherd with beautiful coloring and glittering eyes that will make your heart melt. Long-haired German shepherds have many of the same characteristics as their short-haired relatives but often have more mild and outgoing personalities. It is common for a long-haired German shepherd to prefer spending time with their humans rather than working. These dogs have a happy disposition and are very sweet and loyal. These dogs need lots of exercise and will enjoy laying by your side in the evening after a day spent having tons and tons of fun. German shepherds are known to be heavy shedders, so Xena will need regular brushing. Female German shepherds typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds when they are full-grown and live between 7 to 13 years on average.
Breed: Long-haired German shepherd (female)Age: Nine months oldContact: West Side German Shepherd Rescue of L.A.Profile: Xena von Wildau
8. Ellie (Dutch Shepherd and Plott Hound Mix)
If you’re looking for a brindle-colored beauty, Ellie is your girl! Ellie and her two siblings sadly were found living outside a junkyard and were covered in open wounds and fleas. Fortunately, animal rescuers got the three siblings out and gave them all the TLC they needed to recover. Ellie is the only girl in the family and the smallest of the pups, weighing in at 31 pounds. This gorgeous girl is as sweet as can be. She is friendly and doesn’t need time to warm up before showing someone her love — she’ll roll over instantly for a much-appreciated belly rub! She is an independent and curious puppy with an adventurous spirit. Ellie is a beautiful Dutch shepherd and Plott hound mix puppy in Los Angeles. Both breeds are known to be friendly, as well as protective and courageous. They are strong dogs that need discipline and guidance, but with the proper training and socialization, they are great companions. Both breeds are loving, affectionate, and love to play. However, they are social dogs that do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. Dutch shepherds are reliable and obedient dogs that were historically used for herding. Plott hounds, on the other hand, were commonly used to hunt boars, and are bred for stamina and hunting skills. It’s hard to say which characteristics Ellie has inherited from her mixed ancestry, but she is likely to continue growing, and may possibly weigh around 50 pounds as an adult. The average life expectancy of a Dutch shepherd Plott hound mix is typically between 12 and 15 years.
Breed: Dutch shepherd and Plott hound mix (female)Age: ~Six months oldContact: The Mutt ScoutsProfile: Ellie
9. Pippa: Dachshund and Basenji Mix
If you’re looking for an active and playful puppy in Los Angeles with a lot of energy and love to share, look no further than sweet little Pippa! Pippa is a wonderfully bouncy and happy pup with lots of curiosity and a playful spirit. This cute little pup is not only adorable, but she’s also a ton of fun to be around and will always make you smile! She enjoys playing with toys, wrestling, and going on walks. Pippa also loves hugs, kisses, and plenty of cuddles. She is a very intelligent pup and has even learned a few commands already! Pippa is a dachshund and basenji mix, so she will be a medium-sized dog once she is fully grown. Dachshunds typically weigh 16 to 32 pounds, and basenjis weigh around 22 pounds on average. Both breeds have short hair that is easy to care for, and basenjis tend to meticulously groom themselves like cats. Dachshunds are spunky dogs with lots of curiosity and are very loving companions. Basenjis are athletic dogs with lots of energy and inquisitive natures. As a mix, Pippa will need a home and forever family where she can get lots of exercise and playtime so that she doesn’t get bored. She will need both physical and mental stimulation and would do great with agility exercises as well. Dachshunds typically live between 12 and 16 years on average, and basenjis typically live between 13 to 14 years.
Breed: Dachshund and basenji mix (female)Age: PuppyContact: The Fuzzy Pet FoundationProfile: Pippa
10. Shadow (Terrier Mix)
Sweet Shadow truly is a puppy at heart. He may be around 10 years old, but this spunky terrier mix is full of energy and acts just like a young puppy! He loves toys, loves hikes, and simply loves life. Shadow knows basic commands and does well with other dogs. He gets a bit nervous around men, so he’s looking for a family with women or with a man who is patient and willing to help him through his fears. Shadow is a cutie who loves to snuggle and play fetch with his humans. He has the best smile and can light up the whole room with his enthusiasm and contagious happiness! As a terrier mix, Shadow is both sweet and spunky with lots and lots of energy. These dogs tend to be outgoing, energetic dogs that are loyal and loving toward their families. Terriers were bred to hunt vermin, so these dogs can be prone to strong chasing instincts, although often this is tempered with lots of interaction and play. Shadow is going to need plenty of exercise and play to keep him physically and mentally stimulated — but fortunately, those are some of his favorite things to do! As a terrier mix, Shadow will need to be groomed regularly. In general, terriers live between 13 and 15 years on average, so Shadow still has plenty of life left to enjoy with his forever family!
Breed: Terrier mix (male)Age: ~10 years oldContact: The Mutt ScoutsProfile: Shadow
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If you are wanting to give a puppy to a loved one for Christmas, make sure that they have told you they want one and that they are capable and ready to own a dog. Dogs are a long commitment and can be expensive, so it is always best to do your homework and make sure that the puppy is the right fit for their potential future owner. How long does it take for a new puppy to adjust? Each puppy is individual and unique, so while one dog warms up quickly to their new home, another may take a little longer. However, in general, many dogs seem to fit within the 3-3-3 standard:
During the first three days, a new puppy is often nervous and overwhelmed, and might hide a lot.It typically takes around three weeks for your puppy to get settled into their new home and used to the environment.It typically takes around three months for a puppy to bond with their new family and build a relationship of trust.
