There are many advantages of adopting over buying from a breeder or pet store. Not only is it often less expensive and easier to find the perfect pup for your family, but shelters are able to provide comprehensive background information on their animals which can help you make an informed decision. Before bringing a puppy home, however, it is important to consider the commitment required. Puppies require time and patience as you will need to provide them with proper training, nutrition, exercise, and medical care. They also need plenty of love and devotion to become loyal companions! If you’re ready for all that comes with puppyhood, then take a look at these irresistibly adorable pups in Washington D.C.!

1. Skylar (Labrador Retriever Mix)

Little Skylar is an adorable puppy in Washington D.C. with a sensitive and loving soul. She is great with people and other dogs, and is learning how to be the best dog she can be. She had a rough start in life with a nasty skin infection, but she is all better now and just waiting for the last of her hair to grow back in. This girl is a gorgeous black/brown Labrador retriever mix with a cute white patch on her chin, chest, and back paws. She also has the sweetest little puppy dog eyes you will ever see! As a Labrador retriever mix, Skylar will need plenty of playtime and lots of daily exercise. Lab mixes are intelligent, loyal, energetic, and friendly — not to mention they have beautiful coats! These dogs are fun and friendly, and love to play and please their families. Labrador retrievers shed twice a year in large amounts, so combing Skylar each day during that time will help to remove dead hair and keep it from shedding all over your floor. Female labs usually weigh between 55 to 70 pounds as adults; however, Skylar only weighs about 20 pounds right now, so she likely won’t be quite as big as a purebred lab.

Breed: Labrador retriever mix (female)Age: ~8 monthsContact: K-9 LifesaversProfile: Skylar

2. Bonnie (Black Mouth Cur and Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix)

Sweet and bubbly Bonnie is ready for her forever home! Bonnie loves to play with dogs and humans, but she is especially affectionate toward men. This poor little mama isn’t very old, but she came into the rescue with seven puppies and several medical issues. Thanks to a devoted rescue team, however, Bonnie is now a happy and healthy pup who is ready to play and give all her love to her forever family. Bonnie would love a forever home with another doggie sibling to play with as well since this girl just loves to play! As a black mouth cur and Rhodesian ridgeback mix pup, Bonnie is incredibly loyal, intelligent, and devoted. These dogs are very protective of their family and will take on the role of guard dog if given the chance. They love being with their family and are affectionate and friendly. Rhodesian ridgebacks are athletic dogs who love to run, and are devoted companions as well. As a mix, Bonnie will need a forever home where she can play and get lots of daily exercise. She would make an excellent walking or jogging partner! Bonnie is smaller than the standard breed, weighing only 40 pounds, so she is the perfect size to take with you on your adventures!

Breed: Black mouth cur and Rhodesian ridgeback mix (female)Age: One and a half years oldContact: K-9 LifesaversProfile: Bonnie

3. Julian (Brittany Spaniel Mix)

With such an adorable face, who wouldn’t fall in love with this cute pup? Julian is a handsome little puppy in Washington D.C. that has a heart of gold! This loving pup is a total sweetheart with a calm demeanor. He loves hanging out with his foster sisters and is working on sharing his toys — which he just loves! Squeaky toys, chewy toys, Julian can’t get enough of them. Julian is a smart pup who is a bit scared of loud noises and sudden movements, but he is gaining confidence every day. As a Brittany spaniel mix, Julian will need lots of exercise every day, and mental stimulation to keep his mind active. These are medium-sized, athletic dogs that typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Currently, Julian weighs around 25 pounds. They are excellent companions and loyal family dogs with fun and sparkly personalities. Brittany spaniels are very sweet and easy to train, although they can be shy and sensitive as well.

Breed: Brittany spaniel mix (male)Age: Five months oldContact: Lost Dog & Cat Rescue FoundationProfile: Julian

4. Lemon (Hound Mix)

100% sweet and not at all sour, little Lemon is the happiest puppy in Washington D.C. and is ready to be your best friend! Lemon is a happy puppy with a lot of energy and love to share. She is excited to meet everyone and assumes that everyone is her best friend. Lemon would love a forever home with another doggie buddy to play with and help her burn off all that energy. She also loves playdates and long walks. This girl loves big and needs a forever family who can help give her structure and continue her training. Lemon is smart and highly trainable; she is crate trained and has already learned 20 words! Lemon is a hound mix who is very athletic and full of love. She is a medium-sized dog, weighing around 55 pounds. She will need a forever family who can help her to get plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation so that she doesn’t get bored. Hound mix dogs have a gentle and loyal personality. They are eager to please their owners and will thrive with positive reinforcement in training. These intelligent dogs quickly learn commands and enjoy learning new tricks. Hound mixes also tend to be energetic, playful, and curious; they love exploring the world around them. When it comes to socialization, these pups are very friendly, loving other people as well as animals. They make wonderful family pets that enjoy snuggling up on the couch or playing fetch in the yard.

Breed: Hound mix (female)Age: One-year-oldContact: Lost Dog & Cat Rescue FoundationProfile: Lemon

5. Jeff (Shih Tzu Mix)

Jeff is an eternal puppy at heart and the sweetest little gentleman you’ll ever meet. He can be both calm and playful and is quite patient as well. Jeff is a smart pup who knows how to come, shake, and sit. He is an excited boy who loves to play with his tennis balls and stuffed toys and has all the youthful exuberance of a young puppy! If you’re looking for a companion who will always be by your side and loves to cuddle, a shih tzu like Jeff is the dog for you. These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and enjoy being around people, often sitting and snuggling on their laps. Jeff is a small dog, weighing only 14 pounds, so he’d make an excellent lap pup. Shih tzus are very friendly and affectionate, and will forever keep you smiling. They have beautiful, wavy coats, but they don’t shed very much. However, Jeff will need routine grooming, and his fur needs to be brushed once or twice a week.

Breed: Shih tzu mix (male)Age: Two years oldContact: Lost Dog & Cat Rescue FoundationProfile: Jeff

6. Silas (Labrador Retriever Mix)

This big boy has an even bigger heart, and he’s ready to share all his love with his forever family! Silas is a sweet and gentle soul. He trusts his people and follows their lead easily. His striking looks and calm demeanor make him the best buddy to take with you on all your adventures. Silas is laid-back and calm; he is a polite houseguest and an excellent rider in the car. He’s also very polite when he goes for walks and is friendly to everyone. Silas would make the perfect adventure buddy and loves watching squirrels and playing with oversized balls. His happy smile will always brighten your day! One of Silas’ favorite things to do is bury his head on your chest for sweet puppy snuggles. As a Labrador retriever mix, Silas is a big boy who weighs in at 90 pounds. Labrador retriever mixes have a personality and temperament that make them great companions. They are friendly, loyal, affectionate, and playful. Labs love to please their owners, so they are eager to learn new tasks and commands. They are intelligent canines who thrive when given the opportunity to demonstrate obedience and be part of an active family life. Lab mixes require regular mental stimulation and physical activity in order to stay happy and healthy.

Breed: Labrador retriever mix (male)Age: Seven years oldContact: Lost Dog & Cat Rescue FoundationProfile: Silas

7. Gwen (Treeing Walker Coonhound Mix)

Gwen’s mother Gypsy came into the rescue with nine of the cutest little coonhound puppies that will just make your heart melt! She had five boys: Gunner, Gus, Georgie, Goose, and Gumbo; and four girls: Ginger, Gracie, Georgia, and Gwen. Each of Gypsy’s pups is looking for their own forever homes, where they can romp and play and spend their lives with a loving family! Treeing Walker coonhounds are smart and brave dogs. They are hardworking and devoted dogs that Americans have trusted for centuries. With short coats and long ears, these dogs are low-maintenance yet high in energy. As a treeing Walker coonhound mix, Gwen will be a high-energy dog who loves to run. To help keep her physically and mentally healthy, her forever family should take Gwen on long daily walks. Daily physical activity will help her to stay calm indoors. These dogs are also loving companions who are very affectionate and love being with their families. Gwen is estimated to reach between 40 and 50 pounds when she is fully grown.

Breed: Treeing Walker coonhound mixAge: ~Six weeks oldContact: Homeward Trails Animal RescueProfile: Gwen

8. Star (Siberian Husky Mix)

If you’re looking for a stunning snow pup, look no further than this bright shining Star! Star is a sweet girl who loves to sniff the fresh air while out on adventures and exploring on walks. She is a beautiful Siberian husky mix who is playful and easy-going. She also has quite the radar for squirrels. Star is a shining and happy Siberian husky mix puppy in Washington D.C. Female huskies usually grow between 35 to 50 pounds. They can be energetic dogs and require daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy. If they are not engaged daily in physical and mentally stimulating activities, huskies can develop destructive habits. As a husky mix, Star will need a forever family who can dedicate time to keeping her active. Huskies are also very gentle and affectionate dogs that make wonderful companions. https://www.instagram.com/partnershipforanimalwelfare/

Breed: Siberian husky mix (female)Age: Seven months oldContact: Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW)Profile: Star

9. Charlie (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

This sweet boy loves to snuggle and be by your side as much as he can. Charlie is such a cute and happy puppy in Washington D.C.; he is always smiling and will make you feel loved every single day. With his beautiful and soft curly fur and the cutest fluffy curled tail, Charlie looks like America’s Next Top Model strutting down the sidewalk. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a favorite breed for many reasons. These dogs have beautiful coats and are among the largest of toy dog breeds, although they only grow between 13 and 18 pounds on average. This breed’s distinguishing features include curled feathers around its legs and ears, and gentle wavy hair. Cavalier King Charles spaniels like Charlie love spending time with their family. They are playful, social, affectionate, and graceful dogs that are happy and eager to please.

Breed: Cavalier King Charles spaniel (male)Age: Two years oldContact: Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW)Profile: Charlie

10. Sonny (Pit Bull Terrier Mix)

This delightful puppy in Washington D.C. loves to play and go for walks. Sonny is bouncy, active, and loving, with the sweetest personality! He is a sweet and active puppy who loves being around his people and is sure to bring lots of joy into your life. Sonny would love a forever family who will spend time playing with him and taking him on adventures. As a pit bull mix, Sonny is a great companion. Pit bulls are not only loyal, friendly, and affectionate dogs, but they have an incredible physical presence. These pups are strong and agile, and with the right training, they can be perfect for any home. They love being active by playing fetch or going on hikes or walks, so Sonny will need a forever family who can keep him actively engaged in fun activities. Pit bull mix breeds are also very caring and protective of their families so you will always have someone looking out for you! Sonny is one year old and on the smaller side, weighing in at 33 pounds.

Breed: Pit bull terrier mix (male)Age: One-year-oldContact: Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW)Profile: Sonny

Up Next:

10 Adorable Puppies in Philadelphia to Adopt for Christmas9 Adorable Puppies in Boston to Adopt for ChristmasAre Pit Bulls Dangerous? The Truth Revealed10 Incredible Labrador Retriever Facts