Are you looking to adopt a canine companion this Christmas? Nothing brings more joy than gifting a loved one with a furry friend over the festive season, so look no further. New York has many shelters and rescues overflowing with dogs looking for a forever home. So, why not get down to one of the shelters on this list and save a dog’s life? Continue reading to learn more about these 10 adorable puppies in New York to adopt for Christmas.

1. Puppies in New York: Itty, the 12-Month-Old Stafford Bull Terrier Mix

Meet Itty, the 12-month-old Stafford bull terrier mix that is bound to melt your heart. Itty would be the perfect Christmas gift for someone looking for a medium-sized, lovable dog. This adorable female weighs approximately 37 pounds and is extremely affectionate. Itty hardly barks and listens well to instructions, especially when motivated with treats. In addition, she is fully crate-trained and doesn’t mind staying enclosed while you work. But once you are free to give attention, she will relish every second! Itty is available for adoption from Muddy Paw Rescue in New York City, and you can inquire at [email protected].

Adopting a Stafford Bull Terrier

Stafford bull terriers are energetic and need daily exercise like long walks or interactive games to stay fit and healthy. In addition, exercise is a great way to bond with this breed, and obedience training is your best bet for mental stimulation. Stafford terriers thrive with families that allow them in their homes, as they are a short-hair breed and get cold very easily. But, mostly, they just enjoy being around their owners. Luckily, grooming this breed is easy; their short coats require minimal care.

2. Puppies in New York: Austin, the 6-Month-Old Mix Breed

Austin is a 6-month-old mix breed pup who loves to snuggle up in a pile of blankets and pillows. But he also enjoys frequent belly rubs! This pup loves training but responds best when there are treats around. Austin is looking for his forever home, so there is no time to lose. Snap him up before anyone else does! He is available for adoption at Muddy Paws Rescue in New York City, and you can contact them by emailing [email protected].

3. Puppies in New York: Lexy, the 4-Year-Old Mix Breed

While Lexy is not a puppy anymore, she still needs a good home and will warm her way into anyone’s heart. She is 4 years old and is a medium-sized dog, weighing 31 pounds. Her most unique feature is her horizontal, floppy ears, giving her the most adorable appearance. Lexy’s favorite game is tag, and watching her ears flop around as she runs is incredibly entertaining. She is very affectionate and loves giving out kisses. In addition, Lexy is most comfortable curled up in a soft blanket. Luckily, she is crate-trained and potty-trained, making her perfect for apartment living. All Lexy needs now is a forever family. This gorgeous dog is available for adoption at Muddy Paws Rescue in New York City. You can contact them at [email protected] for more information.

4. Puppies in New York: Sassy, Chance, and Shadow, a 2-Year-Old Mother and Her Two Pups

Sassy is a 2-year-old mother of two, Chance and Shadow. This family unit was named after the cast of Homeward Bound, a beloved children’s movie about 3 pets (2 dogs and a cat) that get lost in the wilderness and make their way home. Now, this little family calls New Yor City their home. Sassy’s pups are 2 months old. Chance is a white and brown female with a spotted belly. They are medium-sized dogs and roughly weigh 40-60 pounds when fully grown. She is a silly little thing full of curiosity. Shadow is a brown male with soft fur and the most adorable forehead wrinkles! He will seduce you with his big puppy dog eyes, so be ready to fall head over heels! Their Mamma, Sassy, is a complete softy. She enjoys hands-on attention and will never turn down a good cuddle. Sassy would make an excellent family dog and companion for older children or adults. She is medium in size, only weighing 42 pounds. This trio is available for adoption at Muddy Paws Rescue. You can email them with any questions at [email protected].

5. Puppies in New York: Tiramisu, Ruffles, German, and Boston, the 3-Month-Old Mix Breeds

Tiramisu, Ruffles, German, and Boston are 3-month-old mixed-breed puppies looking for their forever home. These pups are all from the same litter and will become medium-large-sized dogs, weighing approximately 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. However, they each have their own personality, so it’s best to come over and meet them for yourself. For example, Tiramisu is full of joy and is incredibly affectionate. She is very playful, and her caretakers have crowned her the reigning soccer champ. In addition, she is friendly and gets along well with anyone she encounters. Ruffles melts the hearts of everyone around him with his puppy-dog eyes, but he is a bit shy at first. However, a silly side comes out once he warms up to you. German is the most curious out of the bunch, and his intense green eyes and wrinkled forehead will captivate you at first site. Boston is the biggest cuddler of the litter and will always be at your side. In addition, he is socialized and loves playing with animals of all sizes. He would make a good pet for a family with other dogs or cats. In addition, he loves wearing sweaters so that you won’t have any issues protecting him from those cold New York winters. These pups are available for adoption at Muddy Paws Rescue in Manhattan, and for any questions or inquiries, you can contact them by emailing [email protected] Alternatively, you can visit 821 9th Avenue.

6. Puppies in New York: June, the 9-Month-Old Mix Breed

June has earned the name “velcro dog” because she loves being around humans all the time. This little pup is 9 months old and was rescued from Antigua. June was in a foster home where is responded well to crate and potty training. In addition, she is partially trained and plays well with other dogs. Because she is so young, you would think she has a lot of energy to burn, but June is surprisingly mellow. However, she still needs daily exercise and loves games like fetch or tug. But, once the fun is over, she is happy to take a long nap on the couch or bed if she is allowed. June won’t do well in a home where there are a lot of visitors as she is shy and can be nervous around strangers. She is best suited for a family with calm, older children or seniors looking for a companion. This timid girl is incredibly gentle, gets along well with other dogs, and may enjoy the company of cats. So, if you are patient and willing to put in some extra effort with June, she is definitely the dog for you. June has recently returned from foster care and is available for adoption at Animal Haven in New York City. You can email them at [email protected] or visit them at 200 Centre Street, New York.

7. Puppies in New York: Pippa, the 6-Month-Old Shepherd Mix

Pippa, the 6-month-old shepherd mix, had a rough start to life. Someone found her on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean with a broken pelvis. Because of her injury, Pippa had limited use of her back legs. However, once she was safe at Animal Haven, Pippa received another diagnosis; the potentially fatal parvovirus. But this strong pup didn’t give up, and thanks to the emergency vet and her amazing foster family, she pulled through after several months of fighting. Now that she’s stronger, Pippa has started hydrotherapy to improve her mobility. In addition, dog behaviorists are working on her social skills. The staff at Animal Haven are optimistic that this therapy will strengthen her weak legs and back, and she will be available for adoption soon. However, for now, Pippa will need to rely on a wheelchair for assistance. You can visit Pippa at the Animal Haven in Manhattan or email any questions to [email protected].

Adopting a Shepherd

Shepherds generally have a strong guarding instinct and make excellent watchdogs. However, they can be nervous and are usually wary of strangers. Therefore, owners need to socialize this breed early to avoid aggressive behavior toward other pets. In addition, they will require obedience training. Shepherds enjoy the company of their owners, and confining them to a kennel will not be in their best interest; they may act out in a destructive manner. Furthermore, shepherds are active dogs and need vigorous exercise daily. So, they are best suited to active families. Lastly, shepherds are usually heavy shedders, so they are not the best choice for people who suffer from allergies. However, you can control their shedding by brushing them at least 3 times a week.

8. Puppies in New York: The Narwal Pups, 2-Month-Old Husky Mixes

How cute are the Narwhal pups? These adorable husky mixes are only 2 months old! If these puppies take your breath away, you better visit them soon because they won’t be available for long. The Narwal puppies are available for adoption from Animal Haven in New York City. Their walk-in hours are from 2 to 6 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays, or you can visit their website for more information.

Adopting Huskies

Thanks to their thick coats, huskies were born to brave extremely cold temperatures. However, they are surprisingly a low-maintenance breed. However, owners need to feed them a strict diet and provide daily exercise, as they are prone to obesity. Because huskies are working dogs, they need large open spaces to run. If they don’t receive the appropriate amount of physical stimulation, they may begin to exhibit destructive or mischievous behavior. Huskies can live for about 14 years if they are cared for properly. These dogs love socializing in groups, but they can be stubborn, so owners need to train them from a young age. Huskies love attention from their humans and make the best jogging companions. This breed is prone to separation anxiety, and if left alone for long periods, huskies may wreak havoc in your home. For example, chewing furniture, shoes, or anything they can sink their teeth into. In addition, they may howl when feeling lonely. Maintaining their thick coats is easier than you might think. They only require a good brush once a week to keep the shedding at bay.

9. Puppies in New York: Poppy, the 4-Month-Old Shepherd Mix

Poppy is the sweetest 4-month-old shepherd mix, rescued from Antigua with her siblings. You can stop by Animal Haven on Tuesday-Friday from 2 to 6 pm if you want to meet her. But, if you don’t have time during the week, you can schedule a visit over the weekend by inquiring on their website. Please don’t wait too long, though. Poppy is so cute; someone will snap her up soon!

10. Puppies in New York: Daenerys, the 8-Month-Old Mix Breed

Daenerys is an 8-month-old mild-mannered polite mix breed pup looking for her forever home. Because of her rough start in Antigua, Daenerys is a bit nervous, but once she gets used to you, her personality really shines! She walks well on a lead but is still very anxious about the loud sounds of the city. Therefore, Daenerys requires a patient and kind owner to bring her out of her shell, and she probably won’t do well in a home with unruly children. You can visit this timid girl at Animal Haven in Manhattan or send any inquiries to [email protected]

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The cost to adopt a puppy in New York will vary depending on the shelter, but it typically costs between $150 to $250. How do you get a puppy in NYC? There are many shleters and resuce to adopt from in NYC. For example, you can visit the ASPCA, ACC, Muddy Paws Rescue, or Animal Haven. Is having a dog in NYC hard? Apartment living is not for every dog breed. So, ensure the dog you are getting will live comfortably in a small space. Alternatively, there are hundreds of dog-walking agencies that will be happy to take your active pup on numerous walks.