Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption

Luella was found as a stray with matted fur, especially on her tail, which had to be shaved down. She's a small, silky-coated girl who likely has some Yorkie in her, and she's still settling into home life and figuring things out.
She is smart and young, but she needs work on basic training and manners. Potty training is a work in progress, though she has made clear improvement. When she first arrived, she would go in her crate, but now she will let you know when she needs to go out, even overnight sometimes. She can hold it, she just needs consistency.
Luella can be unsure at first. When she first came in, she spent about a day growling from her crate before she decided to trust. Once she warms up, she gets very attached to her person and wants to be with them as much as possible. That attachment can turn into some protective behavior, as she has started trying to "guard" her person in the home.
She is not a big barker, but she will bounce around in her crate when she is excited, especially at mealtime or when she needs to go out. She may whine a bit when first kenneled, but she settles well at night when her crate is nearby.
Luella would do best in a quieter home without kids. She can be sensitive to new people and environments, and she will need patience while she continues building confidence. She is not a good fit for a busy or noisy living situation.
Luella is still a work in progress, but she is smart, improving quickly, and very devoted once she chooses her person.

Luella is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 5/16/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 9ama nd noon. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame. Since they haven't arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start's Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program. Visit our Foster to Adopt Program page to learn more. Once they get to Minnesota, they might require further veterinary care. Ruff Start's veterinary suite is located in Princeton, MN, and, as the foster, you will be required to transport your dog to and from these vetting appointments.

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 Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Yorkie, is a small and glamorous toy dog breed known for its long, flowing coat and spirited personality. Originating from England, these affectionate and intelligent dogs make wonderful companions for individuals and families alike. With a weight of around 7 pounds, Yorkies are portable and adaptable, thriving in both city apartments and rural settings. Despite their small size, they possess a bold and confident nature, always ready for fun and adventure.

Our vision is simple: We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home...