Whether you live in a cozy apartment or just have a soft spot for cute faces and tiny paws, there’s a small dog out there waiting to steal your heart. Here are 10 of the cutest small dogs you can adopt right now, each one with a big heart, a unique story, and a whole lot of love to give. 

1. Duke: Little Ball of Energy

Duke is an adorable Jack Russell Terrier mix with a heart as big as his energy! This lively little pup is all about playtime—whether it’s tossing toys around or wrestling with the other small dog in his foster home. He’s also shown great manners with cats, usually leaving them alone except for a playful chase when they zip by. Duke may be small, but he’s full of life, love, and enthusiasm!

Duke may be small in size, but his joy and personality fill the whole room. He’s a happy, loving, and playful pup who can’t wait to share life’s adventures with his forever family. 💕 Learn More

2. Renne: Calm & Polite Chihuahua-Terrier Mix

Renne’s story is one of quiet bravery. This sweet, shy girl came from a hoarding situation and is still learning that the world can be kind. Though she isn’t quite ready for lots of cuddles yet, she’s already showing just how far love and patience can take her. She enjoys quietly following her person on walks, observing everything from a safe distance, and she’s made amazing progress since arriving at rescue.

Renne has already come so far in just a few days, and her future is shining brighter every day. With a little more time and love, she’ll blossom into the loyal, affectionate friend she’s meant to be. Could you be the one to show her that the world is safe? ❤️ Learn More

3. Kazoo: Cheerful Little Pomeranian

Kazoo is a lively and friendly 4-year-old Pomeranian weighing just 11 pounds! Found as a stray in Dallas and never claimed, this happy little fluffball is now looking for his forever family through Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes Rescue. With his bright personality and constant smile, Kazoo has a way of making every day feel a little sunnier.

Kazoo may be small, but his heart is huge—and he’s ready to fill your life with love, laughter, and endless tail wags. Apply today to give this sweet boy the home he’s been waiting for! ❤️ Learn More

4. Chopper: 4-year-old Cuddlebug

Chopper’s story is one filled with love, loyalty, and new beginnings. This sweet little guy once belonged to Debbie, the sister of SoCo Rescue’s President/CEO, Scott Bennett. Before she passed in 2023, Debbie made Scott promise to always care for Chopper—and he’s kept that promise dearly. After living with Debbie’s daughter for two and a half years, HOA restrictions forced her to give him up. Scott lovingly took Chopper in but knows this special boy deserves a home where he can soak up all the one-on-one attention he craves.

Chopper has already known great love—and now he’s ready to find it again. Whoever adopts him will be gaining more than just a pet; they’ll be honoring a promise and welcoming a dog with the sweetest heart. Could you be the one to give Chopper his forever home? 💞 Learn More

5. Meatball: People-Loving Dachshund Mix

Meatball is the definition of a happy little guy! This sweet, social pup gets along wonderfully with cats, dogs, and kids—and he’s just the right size for snuggles on your lap. He’s crate trained, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, and neutered. Meatball is working on his potty and leash training and is doing great with consistency and positive reinforcement.

Meatball has such a joyful spirit—he’s playful, affectionate, and ready to fill his forever home with laughter and love. 💕 If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly companion, Meatball is your guy! Learn More

6. Myles: 8-year-old Yorkie

Myles has endured a dark past of neglect and abuse in a breeder mill, but this little survivor is ready for his forever home. He has completed his heartworm treatment and made an amazing recovery—though some of his emotional scars will stay with him, his love for cuddle time and the outdoors shines through.

Myles has survived unthinkable cruelty, and though he carries some lasting challenges, he still has love to give. With the right person—someone patient, experienced, and compassionate—Myles can enjoy a safe, happy, and peaceful life. If you believe you’re the one who can give this brave boy the home he’s been waiting for, please apply to adopt him today. Learn More

7. Channing: 1-year-old Calm Chihuahua-Terrier Mix

Meet Channing, a resilient 1-year-old, 10-pound Chihuahua/Terrier mix whose story is nothing short of miraculous. After being hit by a car, his former family couldn’t afford treatment and almost chose euthanasia—but compassionate veterinary staff saw a spark of hope. With cage rest, care, and determination, Channing made a full recovery and has proven to be a true survivor. Now healed, happy, and thriving in his foster home, Channing is ready for his forever family and a life filled with love.

Channing has faced heartbreak and hardship, yet his gentle spirit shines brighter than ever. This little survivor is ready to trade hospital halls for cozy naps and loving arms. 💕 Learn More

8. Pluto: Playful Terrier Mix

Meet Pluto! With his floppy haircut, deep brown eyes, and charming smile, this handsome pup could easily be in a boy band. He’s a happy boy—good on leash, playful, treat-motivated, and affectionate once he gets to know you. Pluto can be a little mouthy in play and will benefit from some basic training, so he’s looking for an adopter who can help him polish his manners.

Pluto has the looks, the charm, and the personality to steal hearts—he’s just waiting for the right person to help him shine. Are you ready to make beautiful music together? Learn More

9. Meemo: Handsome Shih Tzu-Maltese Mix

Have you ever seen anything cuter? Meemo is a handsome boy with a gentle heart who is searching for his forever home. He’ll be arriving in a loving foster home in NJ on 9/15. Though a little shy at first as he adjusts to new surroundings, Meemo quickly shows his sweet, affectionate side. He’s a true velcro dog who wants nothing more than to be right by your side.

Meemo is as sweet as they come and just needs the right family to help him bloom. With love, patience, and care, he’ll be the most loyal companion you could ask for. Could Meemo be the missing piece to your family? Learn More

10. Fabiola: Adorable Toy Poodle Puppy

Fabiola, lovingly nicknamed “Fabby,” was born in rescue on July 25, 2025, after her mom, Maya (a Maltese mix), was saved from a cruelty case. At just 3.25 lbs and growing, this little poodle/Maltese mix is full of life, love, and curiosity. Though her dad is a mystery, one thing is certain—Fabiola is a special puppy looking for a forever family that can give her the love, attention, and companionship she deserves.

Fabiola is not just a puppy—she’s a little ray of joy who will fill your home with laughter, love, and cuddles. With her playful spirit and affectionate heart, she’s ready to find a family who will treasure her forever. If you meet her needs and are ready for the joy (and work!) of raising a puppy, Fabiola may be the perfect addition to your life. Don’t wait—apply today and let Fabby become part of your family’s story! Learn More

Whether you’re looking for a pocket-sized cuddle buddy, a pint-sized adventure partner, or just a loyal companion who doesn’t take up much space on the couch, these teeny-tiny pups are ready to steal your heart. From spunky Chihuahuas to sweet Yorkies, each one is searching for their forever home, and maybe that home could be yours. Meet 9 little dogs waiting for love!

1. Sanders: 3-year-old Chihuahua Mix

Sanders is a tiny 7 lb pup with a big story of survival. Rescued from a hoarding situation, he came to us with almost no positive experiences with people. He is essentially feral, and while he has made progress in foster care, he still needs lots of time, patience, and understanding to feel safe. Sanders cannot be leashed or picked up, and he only tolerates gentle petting on his terms. Because of this, he is considered a bite risk when frightened—but outside of those moments, he’s a little dog just trying to figure out that the world isn’t so scary. Learn More

2. Chaparro: 6-year-old Playful Pup

Meet Chaparro, a 6-year-old Rat Terrier mix with a heart full of love. This sweet boy may start off a little timid, but once he warms up, he’ll quickly win you over with his cuddly nature and playful side. With low to medium energy, he’s the perfect balance of fun and relaxation—always ready for a cozy snuggle on the couch after a little playtime.

Chaparro is a hidden gem—sweet, gentle, and ready to shine with the right family. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will happily curl up beside you while also keeping things lighthearted with his playful side, Chaparro could be your perfect match. Come meet him today and let him steal your heart! Learn More

3. Oreo: 4-year-old Cuddly Shih Tzu

Hi, my name is Oreo! I’m a 4-year-old Shih Tzu with the cutest face and the sweetest heart. Currently, I’m living with dogs, cats, and even rabbits—and we all get along wonderfully! I love fetch with my squeaky chicken, snuggles with my humans, and nice walks. I’m great on leash and still learning my commands, but I’m eager to please and can’t wait to join my forever family. Learn More

4. Tito: 3-year-old Happy-Go-Lucky Pup

Tito is a happy-go-lucky pup who’s been through heartbreak no dog should ever endure. Once thought to be part of a family, he was heartbreakingly abandoned at a shelter under the guise of being “just a stray.” But Tito didn’t let that betrayal dim his light—he’s far too busy wagging his tail, chasing toys, and making everyone around him smile.

Tito is pure sunshine in a fur coat—ready to brighten your life with kisses, cuddles, and tail wags galore. He’s waited long enough for someone to love him the way he deserves. Could that be you? Apply today to meet Tito, and let this joyful boy bring his light into your home. Learn More

5. Osbourne: 9-year-old Fluffy Terrier Mix

Osbourne is a 9-year-old Terrier mix who arrived as a stray on 7/25/2025. Weighing in at around 15 lbs, this fluffy cutie was nicknamed in honor of the late, great “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne—a fellow dog lover. With his fuzzy white coat, dark soulful eyes, and whiskers that perfectly frame his adorable muzzle, he’s impossible to resist. Friendly, gentle, and always ready for cuddles, Osbourne is easy to walk and full of personality.

Osbourne may be a senior, but his heart and spirit still shine bright. He’s ready to bring his gentle energy, loving nature, and a touch of rock-and-roll flair into his forever home. Come meet Osbourne at Animal Friends of the Valleys in Wildomar, CA (ID #787622) and see why this little star will have you falling head over heels. Learn More

6. Lil Ella: Playful & Affectionate Chihuahua

Lil Ella was born on November 9, 2024, after her mom, Bambi—a pregnant Chihuahua mix—was rescued from a high-kill shelter just in time. Raised in the safety and care of our rescue since birth, Lil Ella is now a happy, healthy, and playful little pup. She’s small in size and full of personality, looking for a loving home where she can continue to thrive.

Lil Ella had the best start a rescue pup could ask for—now she’s ready for the next chapter in a forever home. If you’re ready to raise a well-rounded and lovable pup, please email pardonmeinc@yahoo.com for more information and an adoption questionnaire. Learn More

7. Cynthia: Gentle Pupper

Meet Cynthia! This precious pup was rescued along with her family by one of our team members when she was just a tiny ball of fur. The smallest of her litter, Cynthia is still growing but already full of love and personality. She’s the last of her siblings still waiting for a home, and she’s hoping her turn will come soon.

Cynthia may be the tiniest of her litter, but her heart is huge. She’s ready to be someone’s best friend for life—will that be you? If you’re looking for a playful, affectionate pup to join your family, apply to adopt Cynthia today and give this little sweetheart the forever home she deserves. Learn More

8. Mimi: 10 Pounds of Cuteness

Darling Mimi is a 4-year-old, 10-pound little lady who has already done her part as a devoted mama. After weaning her sweet puppies, she’s officially retired from motherhood and ready to soak up a life of love, cuddles, and well-deserved pampering. With her adorable Yorkie-mix look (our best guess!) and gentle spirit, Mimi is sure to steal hearts wherever she goes.

Mimi has given so much as a mama, and now it’s her turn to be the one spoiled with unconditional love. If you’re ready to give this tiny sweetheart the happily-ever-after she deserves, please fill out an adoption application at dreamhousrescue.org. You can meet Mimi at our weekly adoption event on Saturdays from 12–2 at PetSmart Eastgate—if she hasn’t already been scooped up! Learn More

9. Camelia: 2-year-old Lap Lover

Camelia may only be 9 pounds, but this 2-year-old Chihuahua mix carries a whole lot of personality in her tiny frame. A little shy at first, she quickly blossoms into a lap-loving cuddlebug who will happily curl up on your stomach for naps. With her playful energy and affectionate nature, Camelia is ready to brighten up her forever home.

Camelia is sweet, spunky, and full of love — the perfect little shadow for someone who wants a loyal companion by their side. If you’re ready to open your heart and home to this tiny cuddlebug, click here to submit your adoption questionnaire and come meet Camelia today! Learn More

Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for older dogs to be dumped, and you’ll find tons of senior dogs in shelters and rescues searching for families to retire with. It’s very possible that sweet Buttercup was abandoned because she’s a senior, but there are lots of reasons why dogs are surrendered and dumped. 

Buttercup is being cared for by a Saving Grace and Her Furry Friends foster home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has adjusted very well. Dogs like Buttercup that have been abandoned can be a little clingy and needy, but her rescuers say that “in the month that she has been with her foster family, she has begun to relax and trust that when we leave in the morning, we always come back.”

More About Senior Shih-Poo Buttercup—Could She Be Your Perfect Dog?

Buttercup is a ten-year-old Poodle x Shih Tzu mix, AKA a Shih-Poo. Described as a total lap dog, Buttercup loves to settle in on the couch for a day of snuggling and relaxing with her humans. Whether you’re working from home, watching a movie, or chatting on the phone, Buttercup is happy to just sit with you. Unsurprisingly, she also loves to take a good nap!

Despite being a senior, Buttercup loves to go on walks and she likes to play! Because Buttercup has cataracts in both eyes she is partially blind, but that doesn’t stop her from following her foster family everywhere they go. To treat her cataracts, Buttercup needs eye drops three times a day and will need an owner whose schedule will allow them to keep up with her treatment.  Because she is a Poodle Shih Tzu mix, Buttercup will also need a family that will get her groomed regularly. A retired couple, someone who works from home, or a family with a stay-at-home parent would be ideal for Miss Buttercup. 

Buttercup is housetrained, walks well on a leash, and likes other dogs and children. While she hasn’t been tested with cats, this easygoing sweetheart would likely do just fine in a home with a cat. 

Learn more and apply to adopt Buttercup online through Saving Grace and Her Furry Friends. 

If you or someone you know is struggling to care for a dog, don’t abandon or dump them—there are plenty of people willing to offer you resources to help you keep your dog and ethical ways to surrender your pet if you cannot manage their care. 

Sadly, there’s a widely held assumption out there that shelters are only populated with big dogs; an assumption that makes many people not bother to find out what else these awesome facilities have to offer. If this sounds like you, we come bearing good news: you’re mistaken. 

There are countless small dogs stuck in shelters waiting for you to change their lives forever, and one particular shelter in Huntley, Illinois, is calling on all small dog lovers to give their pups a chance. 

Small Adoptable Dogs in Plenty 

Animal House Shelter has dispelled this assumption in a TikTok video by showing the several small dogs in their facility without a forever home.

A caption accompanying the video reads: “Just because we are a shelter doesn’t mean we don’t have small dogs! We currently have so many adoptable and soon-to-be adoptable small dogs. So keep an eye on our website or come meet them at Animal House Shelter in Huntley, Illinois.”

The seconds-long video captures various small, loveable pups inside different kennels, each seemingly eager to have a place to call their own. Animal House Shelter’s plea brings to light one important thing: if you have a soft spot for small dogs and are thinking of getting one, you don’t have to go through the purchase route to get your perfect companion.

“Small dogs are widely available for adoption — you do not need to buy a puppy or go to a breeder to own,” pet rescue advocate, Rocky Kanaka, says. 

Give One of These Small Dogs A Happy Ending 

There’s no denying that there are many advantages that come with owning a small pup. As Rocky puts it: “Maybe your budget would be stretched by feeding Goliath the Great Dane. Or your apartment isn’t that big. Or you’re concerned for your own safety. Perhaps you just want a canine companion that will be around for many years to come. Whatever the case, thinking about small dogs for adoption may be the right choice for you.”

Animal House Shelter is counting on you to offer their small canine residents the forever homes they desperately desire. If you’d love to give one of these furry beauties a happy ending, please check out the shelter’s website to get a glimpse of all the small dogs awaiting adoption. 

Coyote attacks are on the rise in urban areas, and smaller breeds are too small to defend themselves, putting them at a very high risk of being seriously harmed.

Also, birds of prey can also attack and kill small dogs, although this is far less common than coyote or bobcat attacks.

So, why are coyote attacks increasing, and what can you do to protect your furry friends? Here’s some basic information and a few helpful tips to keep your pups safe.

Why Are Coyote Attacks Increasing?

Coyotes are getting much bolder lately, and are moving much further into human territory than they would have before. Why, though? What changed? There are a few reasons. 

1. First, human living areas have plenty of small rodents for them to hunt, and clean water is relatively easy for them to find.
2. Second, humans tend to have extra food for them to eat, whether they’re being fed directly or stealing it from the garbage.
3. The biggest reason, though, is that there’s just not enough information about the threat of coyotes readily available to humans, so they don’t take the steps to keep them out.

What You Can Do

So, what can you do about it? Fortunately, it’s not all that difficult to make sure your furry friends are safe and keep coyotes away from your home. Here are a few of the easiest ways to repel coyotes whenever you see them, and a few to keep them away when you don’t.

1. Keep Air Horns On Hand

Even if they’re getting bolder, coyotes are still very timid animals and are easily scared by larger animals and strange, unfamiliar noises. While you and I know an air horn won’t actually harm an invading coyote, coyotes won’t stick around to find out what happens when a tall, intimidating human starts making extremely loud and unnatural noises with an air horn. Usually, they’ll just play it safe and leave as shown in videos like this one.

To keep your pup safe, you should always have an air horn ready when you’re out on a walk, and putting one by your backdoor will help if a coyote manages to get into your yard. If you see a coyote, just make yourself look large, then yell and blow the air horn until it runs away.

2. Keep Your Yard Secure

Aside from scaring away coyotes, you should also try to keep them from getting into your yard in the first place. While it may seem like your fence will do the trick, don’t count on it. Coyotes are extremely athletic and are known to jump over six-foot fences without any trouble as shown in this video, so you’ll need to take a few extra security measures.

3. Don’t Leave Food Outside

Coyotes tend to check out places with appealing smells, so try to get rid of any food aromas by tightly sealing any garbage bags or other food containers. From there, scatter coyote repellent around the edges of your fence to create an unappealing smell that coyotes will try to avoid.

You shouldn’t feed your dog outside or feed wild animals outside, whether it’s human food, birdseed, etc. Doing this will only attract coyotes to your yard. If you must feed your pet outside, be sure to pick up leftover food immediately and bring their feeding dish back in the house once the sun goes down. 

4. Never Leave Your Dog Unattended

If your dog needs to go outside, take that time to work in the garden, clean up your yard, or do other outdoor activities. Keep your pup in sight at all times and you’ll have a better chance of keeping them safe. 

Yes – this means that you may need to get rid of your doggy door. The inconvenience is well worth keeping your dog safe. 

A friend of mine, Debra, lost one of her dogs just recently after a coyote jumped the fence. She had a doggy door to the backyard so her 2 senior dachshunds could go to the bathroom by themselves, but that also meant they were spending time unsupervised. 

One day, she was out at a football game when she got a call from her neighbor, who told her that a coyote had attacked one of her dogs. They shot the coyote with a BB gun, giving the dog time to escape, but the damage had already been done, and her pup died just a few hours later. 

“Since then,” Debra said, “we have removed our dog door so my remaining dog can’t get out. I’d rather he had an accident than go outside and get attacked.” 

5. Be Extra Alert During Breeding Season

Coyotes mate and have babies from April through August. Coyotes are very protective of their pups, so keep an eye out for them even more during this time to ensure your dog is safe.

6. Know How to Scare Them Off

Besides using an air horn, you can also do the following to ensure your dog isn’t in danger:

• Maintain your yard. By keeping bushes and trees trimmed, you minimize the number of hiding places for coyotes.

• Get Your Dog an Anti Coyote Vest.

• Invest in coyote-proof fencing

• Install motion-detection lights, and sprinkler systems that can scare coyotes away.

• Be loud and intimidating. If you don’t have an air horn with you stand as tall as you can and keep eye contact. Clap your hands, yell, or make other loud sounds to scare them off. You can also shine a flashlight at them or toss things in their direction. Move quickly and confidently toward them – do not cower from them!

No matter how you do it, keeping your home and yard safe is extremely important for protecting your small dogs from coyotes and other threats. While it’s good to be sure dogs of any size have a safe yard, coyotes are far more dangerous to small dogs, so it’s up to their humans to ensure they’re safe. 

As long as you take the steps to secure your home from wild animals, however, your pups will be happy, healthy, and have a safe outdoor space to play in, no matter their size.

FAQ

Today, I’m highlighting some of the most amazing tiny dogs! These pups may be small, but they have a lot of heart. Some are so little they’ve set records, while others have made a serious mark on the world with their bravery and love through thick and thin. 

Are you ready to see some of the cutest dogs in the world? Join me, and let’s count down some of the most petite pups out there!

1. Hope the Dog

In 2013 Rodney McLean witnessed the birth of a very special pup. This little dog was only 32 grams, and she was very quickly diagnosed with a peculiar form of dwarfism. Unfortunately, veterinarians only gave her 48 hours to live, and Rodney was devastated.

Instead of giving up, Rodney dedicated himself to caring for Hope. Due to her tiny mouth, she had to be fed with a tube for five weeks. Every three hours, Rodney would check in on his beloved pooch to ensure she was feeling alright.

Over the next five months, she grew to 11 ounces and enjoyed romping and playing like any other dog! It was a shocking, miraculous outcome, and Rodney shared his joy with the world. He uploaded a video about Hope, and he promised to update viewers on this tiny pup.

Unfortunately, Hope passed away shortly after the video was uploaded. However, her story continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.

2. Meysi the Terrier

Born around 2012, Meysi is a tiny little bundle of energy!

This pup lives in Poland, and her tiny size is the result of a strange terrier crossbreed. At four months old, she reached her maximum size, which is akin to that of a soda can. She weighed only ⅓ pounds!

Like Hope, Meysi contended with many health problems. Her mom, Amy Pohl, spent the first few weeks of Meysi’s life worrying about her. She recalled receiving “zero sleep” for the first six weeks.

However, Meysi went on to defy the odds. She blossomed, and she went on to enjoy a life of romping, playing, and doing everything that a larger dog does!

3. Poppet the Fearless

In 2010, dog breeder Nikki Barnes beheld the birth of a very tiny teacup chihuahua. This pup’s maximum size was roughly equal to that of a soda can, and she only weighed around 1 pound, ⅕ the weight of similar dogs.

However, like the other pups on this list, Poppet overcame the odds. She blossomed into an amazing pup, and she spent a fair amount of time as Britain’s unofficial smallest dog. She enjoyed plenty of time in the spotlight and having her picture taken was one of her favorite hobbies.

Nikki said that Poppet loved zooming around on her lead, and she was known for her fearless nature. Even the largest dogs failed to faze Poppet’s steely demeanor!

4. Ducky

At 4.9 inches tall and 1.4 pounds, Ducky was one of Guinness’ first verified “smallest dogs in the world”. Born in 2004, Duck spent much of his life being doted on and loved by his human family.

His mom once said, “People either think he’s adorable, or they think he’s really ugly and looks like an alien.” However, she adored Ducky, calling him her “little man.”

In his lifetime, Ducky was the center of attention. He enjoyed having his photo taken, and he happily posed for many photoshoots. At times, he would even sport a bomber jacket, which his mom cited as her favorite outfit.

5. Boo Boo

Before the next entry — the official smallest dog in the world — there was Boo Boo. From 2007–2012, this tiny pup ruled the Guinness Book’s title for the smallest dog in the world.

At just four inches tall and six inches long, Boo Boo, born in 2006, weighed in at a tiny 24 ounces. He belonged to doting mother Lana Elswick, a professional chihuahua breeder, and he spent his time being pampered and photographed for fans around the world.

His favorite food was potato chips, and he adored spending time with his mom.

After his birth, Boo Boo spent the first few weeks of his life being fed by hand. His tiny mouth simply couldn’t handle regular feeding, which meant that Elswick had to use a tiny tube to ensure that Boo Boo got all of the nutrients he needed.

Fortunately, Boo Boo pulled through, and he went on to live a happy, healthy life!

6. Miracle Milly

To top off our list, we have “Miracle Milly”, an amazing chihuahua from Puerto Rico.

Born in 2011, this tiny pup reached a maximum weight of only one pound. Her adult height was a whopping four inches tall.

For the first six months of her life, Miracle Milly was fed with a dropper. Her dedicated pup parents, Vanesa Semler and Edwin Davila tended to her every need, and they adapted quickly to the vigorous care routine that Milly required. Once she was healthy, however, she acted like any other pup!

She loved to play, eat, and stick her tongue out for photos! At two years old, her tiny stature earned her the Guinness Book of World Records’ title of smallest dog. For the next nine years, Milly lived a life of custom-sized pampering and snuggles, and she peacefully passed away of old age in 2020.

All of these pups are amazing examples of resilience and diversity, and I love sharing their story. If you enjoyed reading about them, be sure to check out the rest of my blog, where I share stories like this!

Never has one person been associated with one dog breed, nor has one dog breed been associated with one person as Queen Elizabeth and corgis. So, of course corgis will play a big part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, which honors 70 years on the throne. 

There are corgi sculptures and pop-up pup cafes offering gravy-flavored puppuccinos in London. Corgis are featured on commemorative souvenirs, like pillows, mugs, ornaments, and biscuits. There’s even going to be a corgi procession, with a pack of the pups around a puppet of the Queen – just like real life if the Queen were a puppet and not a human. 

As part of the four-day celebration, a corgi derby will take place at the Musselburgh Racecourse. It’s exactly as it sounds, and Paddy, a distant relative of one of the Queen’s own dogs, will take to the track. 

Buckingham Palace has even released an emoji of a corgi wearing a crown named “PJ the corgi,” designed just for the occasion. And, yes, you can share him across your socials. It’s corgi madness! 

The Queen’s first corgi, Susan, was a stowaway on her honeymoon, and since then, the Queen has been crazy for corgis. It’s believed that during her 70-year reign, the Queen has had over 30 corgis – all of which are decedents of her original corgi, Susan. 

Now that the Queen is older, she’s worried about her corgis being alone, should something happen to the 96-year-old monarch. The Queen has stopped breading Susan’s original line after Willow, Susan’s last descendent, died in 2018. 

The Queen now only has two corgis, Muick and Sandy, both of which were given to her by her family after the death of Prince Phillip. She also has one dorgi (a corgi-dachshund mix), Candy and a cocker spaniel named Lissy, which is a break in tradition for the woman synonymous with corgis. 

Welsh corgis were added to the list of native breeds in danger of extinction by the Kennel Club. Currently, 1223 corgis have been registered across England, which is the highest figure in almost 30 years. Oddly the Queen is indirectly responsible for the uptick on corgi owners – the popularity of Netflix’s The Crown (and its portrayal of the corgi-owning Queen) is credited with the population expansion. 

Congrats to the Queen on her 70 years of rule. Long live the Queen, and long live her corgis! 

To catch you up to speed, Patron has been helping Ukraine by detecting over 200 undetonated bombs. And if you’re following along, the last time we reported on Patron, his count was only at 150! He’s one busy canine. 

Patron received his recognition. Among those who save the lives of ?? every day are four-legged heroes. The most famous among them is Patron, a bomb-sniffing dog. In the presence of @JustinTrudeau, @ZelenskyyUa presented him an award “For Dedicated Work in the #UAarmy“. pic.twitter.com/mssSTlfIKW

— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 9, 2022

President Zelensky bestowed the medal of honor to Patron in Kyiv as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looked on. Patron was here for every minute of it, with his tail wagging in excitement all through the ceremony. It’s almost as if he knew he was receiving an honor! 

Zelensky called Patron “a small but very famous sapper.” He also stressed the importance of what Patron is doing. “A dog who helps clean our land from the traces of the occupiers, and who also helps teach children mine safety,” he said. “Due to the Russian invaders, this is now one of the most urgent tasks — to teach children to recognize and avoid explosive objects.”

Patron’s owner, Mykhailo Iliev of the Civil Protection Service, received a medal of honor from President Zelensky, too. Iliev originally got Patron to be a pet for his son, but instead he was trained to sniff out gunpowder, then alert his owner to the danger. 

Not only had Patron been saving lives by sniffing out leftover “presents” from Russia, he’s been rallying people around Ukraine. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine dubbed Patron “the mascot of Chernihiv.” Patron has inspired fan art and has racked up over 240,000 followers on his official Instagram. It’s no surprise. The two-year-old pup is pretty darn cute!  

There’s also been a movement to put Patron on a postage stamp. Ukrposhta launched a poll to determine the next military-themed stamp – and one of the possible ideas features Patron! 

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Ukrainians have stepped up and become heroes through their bravery and their commitment to defend their homeland. It’s only fitting that a dog would step up, too. Our hats are off to Patron! 

There is no shortage of iconic imagery that is associated with the Queen Elizabeth II of England. The little royal wave that she does when crowds gather to get a look. Or, if you happen to live in the UK or Canada, her visage on currency. But there is perhaps no image that is as indelibly linked to the Monarch as one of her and the beloved royal Corgis.

Alas, she has unfortunately reached an age now where she can no longer take them for walks. Recently, she had to cancel an event on Commonwealth Day because of mobility issues and this news came soon after. This also comes in the wake of a bout of Covid. This is all the more tragic when you consider how much love she had for her dogs.

Of all the photos ever taken of the Queen – and there are almost a century’s worth – it feels like there are more photos out there of her and her pooches than of her with any other individual (Prince Philip included). 

This is not just a PR stunt meant to convey the sovereign as a sympathetic figure who is disposed toward the caring of animals and such. No, the Queen’s corgis have always been a huge part of her life. Her first corgi came into her life as a present for her 18^th birthday nearly eighty years ago now, and fourteen generations of corgis from the same line have been with her ever since. Royal indeed! 

The Queen has said of them that they are better behaved than some of the humans that she knows, as any pet owner can attest.  During the pandemic they are said to have been invaluable in keeping the Queen healthy and sane… again, as any pet owner can attest. 

But age is the great equalizer with regard to all things, especially pets. There comes a time when we all get a little too old to take our pups for regular walks or care for them. Most of the time in those situations the pet also aged concurrently with the owner. 

While the Queen of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland may have people on-hand to take care of her precious pups, not everyone else has that kind of luxury. 

We recently covered the story of Bobo, one of the oldest dogs alive, and Bobo happens to live in an assisted living facility for dogs. Let’s just take a step back and bask in how absolutely awesome it is that such a thing exists. 

So, if you or a loved one are aging and experiencing issues in taking care of your animals, please look into one of these facilities. There are also facilities for humans that are pet friendly. This is after one of the greatest gifts you can give a pet after they’ve given so much to you. 

And let us also take a moment to appreciate the Queen of England, who may have been royalty among humans, but lived (and is still currently living) a life being a servant and friend to dogs. 

War is never a good thing, and the recent images and stories coming out of the one in Ukraine have been particularly tragic. But as with all things the silver lining is almost always a dog doing something brave, necessary, or loving. And in this case, it’s all three because this Jack Russell Terrier has been a bomb sniffing Wünderhund. 

His name is Patron, pronounced Pah-Tron, which means ‘bullet’ or ‘round’ in a few Slavic languages and is a bit ironic because he has helped his homeland’s war effort by detecting over 150 bombs since the war began at the end of February. Along with help emergency services want people about the dangerous situations.  

Though there’s nothing cute about the situation he is in or his job in it, it is hard to deny that that face alone could stop bullets. He was born to do this. He’s a Jack Russell Terrier after all. 

When one thinks of a bomb sniffing dog, one imagines a big ‘ol German Shepard dog, the kind you see in airport security lines. But actually, Jack Russell Terriers are optimal for the job because they are naturally gifted with an insanely good sense of smell as they were bred for hunting by farmers.  

Patron is giving all JRT’s a good name over in Ukraine by finding all of the bombs and playing with all of the sticks. He can even be considered an online influencer at this point since he is inspiring a slew of fan art online.  

Patron is a service dog in #Chernihiv. He has discovered over 150 explosive devices in #Ukraine since full scale #Russian invasion began. Patron works closely with deminers to make #Ukrainian cities safe again.

Thank you so much for your service!

? by patron_dsns (Instagram) pic.twitter.com/VyFbk2ffLQ

— MFA of Ukraine ?? (@MFA_Ukraine) April 24, 2022

But when he is not serving as the canine version of Captain Ukraine he lives with his handler’s family, which includes a cat named Tom. Nothing against cats, but Tom is not out there finding bombs, is he? 

Patron is part of State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) and is stationed in Chernihiv, not far from the capital in the northern part of the country, which has recently seen some of the most intense fighting since the Russian invasion began.

TWEET 

A dog called Patron, who works with SES rescuers in Chernihiv, has helped defuse nearly 90 explosive devices since the beginning of the full-scale invasion ? One day, Patron’s story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties. pic.twitter.com/2PpT8p4Yfr

— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) March 19, 2022

A tweet from the Ukrainian Strategic Communication Center account probably sums up Patron best, “One day, Patron’s story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties.”

Godspeed, you amazing pup. Patron is not alone, however. There are many amazing animals serving in the war. You can check them out on their Twitter and stay informed about their world.