Maltese and Poodle Dogs Available for Adoption in Hillsborough, North Carolina

Meet Barney — a 4‑year‑old, 8‑lb Maltese–Poodle mix who is absolutely convinced he is not a dog... he is a baby!

Quick Facts:
Name: Barney

Breed: Maltese/Poodle Mix
Age: 4 years old
Weight: 8 lbs.
House-Trained: Yes

Crate-Trained: No

Good with Dogs: Yes

Good with Cats: No (likes to jump on them)

Good with Kids: Yes

Energy Level: Low with spurts of energy

Fence Required: No

Special Needs: Barney is blind in one eye and has skin allergies that can be managed with an ongoing skincare routine and potentially medication in the future.

About Barney’s Breed:
Our best guess is that Barney is a Maltese/Poodle mixed breed. Maltese–Poodle mixes, often called Maltipoos, are known for being affectionate, people‑oriented, and wonderfully charming little companions. They tend to inherit the Maltese’s sweet, gentle nature and the Poodle’s intelligence, making them loving lap dogs who also enjoy playtime and mental stimulation. Their coats are usually low‑shedding and soft, which means regular grooming is part of their routine.

An ideal home for a Maltese/Poodle mix is one where they get lots of companionship, gentle handling, and a predictable routine. They thrive with someone who’s home often, enjoys snuggling, and appreciates a small dog who wants to be part of every moment. A calm environment, consistent grooming, and positive reinforcement training help them feel secure and happy. With the right person, a Maltipoo becomes a devoted, cuddly, and delightfully loyal best friend.

What to Love about Barney:

This special little guy wants to be carried, cuddled, doted on, and adored every minute of the day. If you’ve ever dreamed of a tiny companion who loves being held like an infant or tucked into a baby papoose, Barney is your boy! He thrives on affection, loves being picked up, and wants to be part of everything you do.

Barney is an angel when left alone, but he doesn’t like being left — he’ll bark for about 15 minutes and then settle down to sleep. He doesn’t need a crate and never gets into anything he shouldn’t. He plays sweetly with his toys, enjoys lounging on furniture, and would love nothing more than to sleep in bed with his person. He’s amazing in the car, especially when he has his own little car‑seat bed in the passenger seat. He’s also a fan of fashion and doesn’t mind being dressed up — he’s worn many outfits and looks adorable in all of them!

This little gentleman has sensitive skin and allergies, so he’ll need weekly baths and ongoing skincare to keep him comfortable. His hair is growing back beautifully with treatment, and once he’s off medication, he’ll likely need moisturizing products to keep his skin healthy. Barney doesn’t eat or drink when left alone, but he never has accidents — he simply waits for you to come home and then drinks a full bowl of water. He’s potty trained, good with all people and kids, and gets along with dogs. Cats, however, are a no‑go — he likes to jump on them, so a cat‑free home is best.

Barney is lower energy overall, with cute little bursts of playfulness. He’s still learning about leashes but sticks close to his person in the yard. He’s blind in one eye, but it doesn’t slow him down or dampen his sweet spirit.

If you’re looking for a devoted best friend who wants to go everywhere with you — from grocery stores to shopping trips to cozy movie nights — Barney is ready to be your tiny sidekick, cuddle buddy, and forever baby!

Barney’s Beautiful Highlights:

4‑year‑old, 8 lb Maltese–Poodle mix
Believes he’s a baby and loves being carried and doted on
Extremely affectionate; wants to be with his person at all times
Not a fan of being left alone and barks briefly when you leave
Potty trained, never has accidents, and doesn’t need a crate
Sensitive skin and allergies; needs weekly baths and skincare
Great with people, kids, and dogs; not good with cats
Lower‑energy with occasional playful bursts
Amazing car rider, especially with his own car‑seat bed
Loves sleeping in bed with his person and is definitely a furniture cuddler

Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. to ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!

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 Poodle is a highly intelligent and elegant dog breed known for its distinctive curly coat and graceful appearance. Originally bred as water retrievers, Poodles come in three size varieties Standard, Miniature, and Toy each with their unique characteristics but sharing the breed's alert and friendly nature. Renowned for their hypoallergenic qualities and keen sense of humor, Poodles excel in various dog sports and activities, making them versatile companions suitable for different lifestyles and living situations.

CrisisDogsNC is a foster-based, 501 (c) (3) non-profit founded in 2016 by journalist and author Judith Texier, whose magazine articles...