Maltese and Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption

Ilya Rozanov is a 2-year-old, 15-lb Maltese/Terrier mix who is just like his namesake: sweet with a heavy dose of spunk and a little bit of spice ;)

He is an extremely playful little dog, who is treat motivated, making him fun to train. He is playful and ready to find a home who will appreciate his lively spirit and dedicate time to continuing his training. His antics will keep you laughing for days.

Ilya is a medium to high energy pup who thrives on a mix of walks and zoomies, play time with toys, and mental enrichment. He absolutely loves treat puzzles, tug toys, and games of fetch. He is extremely people-oriented and happily seeks out pets, cuddles, and attention from his humans. When he is not playing, he is perfectly content lounging nearby or curling up to relax once the day winds down.

Because Ilya can get excited and “mouthy” during play (he thinks feet are especially fun), he would do best in an adult-only home with experienced dog owners who can continue his training and provide clear structure and boundaries. He is smart, food-motivated, and responds well to consistent guidance — a home that enjoys training and engaging with their dog will truly see him shine. With other dogs, Ilya is generally indifferent and prefers calmer companions who respect his space. He can coexist with dog-savvy cats when supervised, though he may chase if they run.

Ilya is crate-trained, potty-trained, and sleeps through the night once settled (takes him about 10-15mins). He enjoys walks, rides well in the car, and loves having toys to entertain himself. His ideal home is one that appreciates a spirited, funny, affectionate little dog who wants to be part of the daily routine and who will reward structure and attention with endless personality and companionship.

Ilya is:
~2 years old
15lbs
Medium to High energy
Good with dogs who respect his space
Good with dog-savvy cats, though he may chase
Loves people, but requires an adult-only home
Potty Trained
Sleeps in the crate at night

*Medical: Ilya is currently going through treatment for itchy and flakey skin. We are doing testing to determine if there is an underlying cause or if it is idiopathic. He will likely need allergy shots and allergen-friendly food for the rest of his life.


*PLEASE NOTE: all of our dogs are fostered in Houston, TX, where our rescue is based. Once an adopter is confirmed, we work with our trusted transport partners and adopters to find a time and pickup place that works for everyone!

If you're interested in adopting Ilya, please head to www.pippyspals.com/adopt and fill out our adoption application. If our team thinks you could be a good fit, our Adoptions Director will email you to set up a Zoom call, the first step in our consideration process.

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 terrier is a spirited and intelligent dog breed known for its feisty personality and boundless energy. Terriers come in various sizes and coat types, but they all share a common heritage as fearless and determined hunters. These dogs are typically highly trainable, making them versatile companions for active individuals and families alike. With their loyalty and playful demeanor, terriers are beloved for their endless enthusiasm and affectionate nature.