Maltese and Miniature Poodle Dogs Available for Adoption in Des Moines, Iowa

HOW TO ADOPT: This dog is available for adoption by appointment. To schedule a time to meet this dog, please email meetme@arl-iowa.org.

---

- Likes going on walks and will look to his people for confidence while out and about; may not like having her leash put on but is happy once she's on the walk

- Doesn't like being picked up by people yet, but will snuggle on her people's laps on her own

- Uses doggie steps to get up on furniture in her foster home

- Has learned to use a doggie door to go outside to go potty

- Will do best in a quiet, predictable home with a family who can let her open up at her own pace; still very shy but making progress each day in her foster home

- Gets along well with the other dogs in her foster home and likes spending time outside in the fenced-in yard with them

- Came from a situation where she did not get the socialization and exposure to the world that dogs typically get from a young age. Because of this, she may struggle with new situations, may show uncertainty with novel everyday objects, may need help understanding leashes, and will need patience and structure with housetraining.

- Has done best with a "helper" dog when it comes to learning that people can be OK, and we recommend that she go to a home with another dog

- May not do well in a busy home with young children

All adoptable dogs and puppies are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations (rabies and DA2PPV as appropriate for their age)

The ARL's shelter software requires that we choose a primary breed for our dogs. Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most dogs we are only guessing at primary breed. We get to know each dog as an individual and do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not breed label.
Primary Color: Apricot Weight: 10.8lbs Age: 1yrs 5mths 3wks Animal has been Spayed

The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its glamorous white coat, which is long, silky, and virtually hypoallergenic. They are gentle, affectionate companion dogs that thrive on human companionship and make wonderful family pets. Maltese dogs are playful, intelligent, and alert, with a confident demeanor despite their small size. They require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat and are suitable for apartment living due to their size and adaptability.

The miniature poodle is a highly intelligent and affectionate dog breed known for its curly hypoallergenic coat and charming personality. Originally bred as water retrievers, these small but sturdy dogs excel in various dog sports and activities. They are adaptable to different living situations, making them ideal companions for both families and individuals. Miniature poodles require regular grooming to maintain their coat, and their playful nature and trainability make them a popular choice for obedience and agility competitions.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc. is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each...