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Puppies and dogs in Rhode Island

Looking for a puppy or dog in Rhode Island? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Rhode Island

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Rhode Island. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
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Photo of Blanche *LOCAL*

Blanche *LOCAL*

Spitz (Unknown Type, Small)

Female, Young
Wakefield, RI
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. To apply to adopt this dog now, complete our adoption application   HERE To see our upcoming events where you can meet some of our dogs, please see   HERE Age: 1 year Weight: 19 lbs (as of 8/22/26) This dog has been spayed/neutered, is up to date on shots, on heartworm preventative and is microchipped. Hi, I'm Blanche (also known as "DeeDee")! I love days filled with naps, chews, playtime with my people and other dogs.  I'm young, smart, and super cuddly.  My energy will brighten your days and my playful spirit will keep us both active.  I've never met a human stranger, but am still building my confidence meeting new dogs when on leash and walking around dense/busy neighborhoods/streets.  I'm a quick study, though, so with continued tempered exposures, vocal encouragement and lots of treats, I know I will catch on fast.  Once I meet a social dog off leash, we hit it off pretty quickly - I can be vocal and active in play, but it is all good natured!  A dog who prefers to co-exist, however, might find me overbearing.   I haven't had any formal recall training yet, but am pretty responsive to "DeeDee, come!" when I am outside in the yard and I love nature hikes on long leads.  I also enjoy playing with the flirt pole, as well as digging in approved spaces.  I am good at napping while my foster mom works from home, but I can also keep myself busy with a good chew toy and antlers, bones, and bully sticks.  My coat is soft and I don't shed too much.  Oh, and did you see my adorable giant floppy upright ears?? If you're looking for a joyful companion who's just the right size for all adventures, I'm your girl!  Adopt me and let's start our journey together.  Basic group training classes is recommended to help me learn commands, socialize with other humans and dogs, as well as build that fur-ever bond with you! If you're looking for a loving, smart, and playful friend, I'm the perfect choice to bring endless smiles and fun into your home!  Medical Note:  This dog has tested positive for exposure to ehrlichia.  This does not mean that this dog had/has an active infection of ehrlichiosis, only that the dog was exposed or infected in the past. This dog is/has been asymptomatic while in SOS care and is being treated/has been treated preventatively with a 28-day course of doxycycline.  This dog is ready for adoption, though may continue to test positive for exposure to ehrlichia for some time.  Please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrlichiosis for more information on ehrlichia, and please check with your vet before you apply to adopt this dog if you have any questions or concerns about this medical history.  An adoption donation is required for each adoption; please see   HERE   for more information about this. To apply for this dog, fill out an adoption application on our website:   Adoption Application - SOS Animal Rescue League in Rhode Island (sosarl.org)   **Additional info you should know - For most of our dogs, we are only guessing at predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each of our dogs as an individual and do our best to describe and place them based on personality not breed label. Some dogs may not yet be in New England, nor ready for immediate adoption. There may be additional vetting, quarantine, waiting periods and/or fees depending upon your state of residence. If you have questions or concerns on any of this, you can discuss this with your Adoption Counselor.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.August 31, 2026, 9:21 pm
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Photo of Skipper

Skipper

Australian Shepherd

Female, 4 yrs 1 mo
Barrington, RI
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with cats,
Story
Say hello to Skipper, an affectionate, gentle girl who wants nothing more than to feel safe, special, and loved. After a difficult start, she’s ready to discover just how wonderful life can be with a family of her own.Skipper previously lived outside with another dog who attacked her on several occasions. Eventually, her owner realized she deserved a safer, better life and surrendered her to rescue. She is now settling into a southern foster home, where her sweet personality is beginning to shine.So far, Skipper has proven to be a pretty laid-back girl who would be perfectly happy with a comfy sofa, plenty of affection, and some special one-on-one time with her people. She greets everyone she meets—including children—with a wagging tail and a polite request for some pets.Given her past experiences, Skipper is understandably still unsure about other dogs. She is not aggressive, but prefers to keep her distance and doesn't appreciate dogs getting right in her face. With patience, respectful introductions, and dogs who will give her the space she needs, she may become more comfortable over time. When introduced to a cat, Skipper simply walked over, gave him a sniff, and went on her way without much interest.Skipper is housetrained using a doggie door and is currently working on her leash skills.More than anything, Skipper needs someone who will show her that she matters and remind her every day just how special she is. After spending so much of her life outside and feeling unsafe, she deserves a home where she can finally relax, feel cherished, and know she belongs.Could you be the person Skipper has been waiting for?All known information about the animal is listed above. We do our best to give accurate information, but most of our dogs are rescues and do not come with a known historyName: SkipperBreed: Australian Shepherd/Crossbreed   (Breed mix is not guaranteed-no DNA testing done).Sex: FemaleAge: 4 years  (estimated)Weight: 59.0Spayed/Neutered: YesVaccinations: Up to dateHeartworm: Positive on recent testing.  PAWS cover all treatment costs.Microchipped: YesBASED ON OUR OBSERVATIONS:Good with Children: YesGood with Dogs: SelectiveGood with Cats: YesAdoption Fee: $550.00  (includes transport fee when applicable)                       $100-150 additional mandatory quarantine fee for Massachusetts residents.Location of dog currently: MississippiIMPORTANT INFORMATION - Paws New England is a foster-based rescue; our dogs reside in various locations throughout the South and New England.  Adoption fees cover pre-adoption veterinary costs (including vaccinations, spay/neuter when age-appropriate, and heartworm testing/treatment when necessary), a microchip, and transportation to New England, if necessary. The adoption fee is set at a level that enables adoption; they do not cover our costs. Thank you for your generosity and interest in our dogs!Donations for our young, healthy puppies and dogs support their fellow canines of advanced age or suffering from injuries and abuse, whose donations are reduced but whose veterinary costs are typically much higher. We appreciate your understanding that your newly adopted dog will help others in need.IMPORTANT INFORMATIONPaws New England is a foster-based rescue - our dogs reside in various locations throughout the south and New England. Adoption donations cover pre-adoption vet costs (including vaccinations, spay/neuter when age appropriate, and heartworm testing/treatment when necessary), a microchip, and transportation to New England if necessary.Donations for our young, healthy puppies and dogs support their fellow canines of advanced age or suffering from injuries and abuse whose donations are reduced but whose veterinary costs are typically much higher. We appreciate your understanding that your newly adopted dog will help others in need. Paws New England abides by the dog importation regulations set forth in the states of MA, CT, NH and RI.
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Photo of Haven

Haven

Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier/Dachshund

Female, 1 yr
Barrington, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats,
Story
Meet Haven!Just look at that sweet little face! Haven is an absolutely precious girl with a heart full of love. She adores people and happily greets everyone she meets with kisses, soaking up all the affection she can get.Haven’s story didn’t begin the way any dog’s should. She was seen being pushed out of a car in Mississippi and abandoned. Thankfully, someone was there to help, and this sweet girl was rescued and given the chance at the happy life she deserves.Despite what she experienced, Haven remains incredibly loving and trusting. She passed her kid test with flying colors and does well with cats and other dogs. She can be a little nervous when first meeting canine friends, but once she realizes everything is okay, she settles in nicely.Haven also does great in her crate. She isn’t housetrained yet and still needs some work on her leash skills, but her foster is helping her get started. Her forever family will need to continue patiently teaching her these important skills. Haven does have some separation anxiety and may cry or yip when left alone, but she is not destructive—she simply loves being with her people and misses them when they’re gone.More than anything, Haven is an incredibly lovable little girl who adores being loved on. After such a heartbreaking start, she deserves a family who will show her that she’ll never be left behind again. If you’re looking for a sweet, affectionate companion with plenty of kisses to give, Haven may just be the little girl you’ve been waiting for.All known information about the animal is listed above. We do our best to give accurate information, but most of our dogs are rescues and do not come with a known historyName: HavenBreed: Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie/Dachshund   (Breed mix is not guaranteed-no DNA testing done).Sex: FemaleAge: 1 year  (estimated)Weight: 9.0Spayed/Neutered: YesVaccinations: Up to dateHeartworm: Negative on recent testingMicrochipped: YesBASED ON OUR OBSERVATIONS:Good with Children: YesGood with Dogs: YesGood with Cats: YesAdoption Fee: $550.00  (includes transport fee when applicable)                       $100-150 additional mandatory quarantine fee for Massachusetts residents.Location of dog currently:   MississippiIMPORTANT INFORMATION - Paws New England is a foster-based rescue; our dogs reside in various locations throughout the South and New England.  Adoption fees cover pre-adoption veterinary costs (including vaccinations, spay/neuter when age-appropriate, and heartworm testing/treatment when necessary), a microchip, and transportation to New England, if necessary. The adoption fee is set at a level that enables adoption; they do not cover our costs. Thank you for your generosity and interest in our dogs!Donations for our young, healthy puppies and dogs support their fellow canines of advanced age or suffering from injuries and abuse, whose donations are reduced but whose veterinary costs are typically much higher. We appreciate your understanding that your newly adopted dog will help others in need.IMPORTANT INFORMATIONPaws New England is a foster-based rescue - our dogs reside in various locations throughout the south and New England. Adoption donations cover pre-adoption vet costs (including vaccinations, spay/neuter when age appropriate, and heartworm testing/treatment when necessary), a microchip, and transportation to New England if necessary.Donations for our young, healthy puppies and dogs support their fellow canines of advanced age or suffering from injuries and abuse whose donations are reduced but whose veterinary costs are typically much higher. We appreciate your understanding that your newly adopted dog will help others in need. Paws New England abides by the dog importation regulations set forth in the states of MA, CT, NH and RI.
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Photo of Jojo

Jojo

Chihuahua/Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 9 yrs 5 mos
Middletown, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
Double the Love: Meet Jojo & Rudy! Some friendships are simply meant to last a lifetime, and that's exactly the case with Jojo and Rudy. This sweet senior bonded pair is searching for a loving home where they can continue life's journey together. From the moment you meet them, it's easy to see their wonderful personalities. Jojo greets new friends with a wiggly body and happy tail, while Rudy may let out a few alert barks at first—but don't let that fool you! He quickly melts into affection and loves leaning in for pets once he knows you're a friend. Together, they enjoy leisurely walks, taking their time to sniff, explore, and appreciate the world around them. These two are looking for a home with teens and older. They have successfully lived with cats in the past, but they made need a slow introduction since it has been a while since cohousing with any kitties. They are dog selective, so any potential canine companions should be introduced thoughtfully to ensure everyone is a good match. Rudy is also living with cataracts and blindness. While his vision is limited, he continues to enjoy spending time with his favorite people and navigating familiar surroundings with confidence. His future family should be prepared to help him adjust to a consistent environment and understand that his vision loss doesn't stop him from enjoying life—it just means he experiences the world a little differently. Jojo and Rudy have spent years building a special bond, and they're hoping to find a family willing to open their hearts to both of them. If you're looking for two loyal companions who will reward your kindness with unconditional love, this deserving senior duo is ready to fill your home with warmth, comfort, and twice the companionship. If you are interested in Jojo and Rudy, please call us here at (401)846-8276. You are welcome to stop by our Animal Care and Adoption Center here in Middletown, RI to meet with them at any time. Feel free to visit our website, www.potterleague.org, for more information on adopting from us.
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Photo of Rudy

Rudy

Chihuahua/Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 11 yrs 11 mos
Middletown, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
-
Story
Double the Love: Meet Jojo & Rudy! Some friendships are simply meant to last a lifetime, and that's exactly the case with Jojo and Rudy. This sweet senior bonded pair is searching for a loving home where they can continue life's journey together. From the moment you meet them, it's easy to see their wonderful personalities. Jojo greets new friends with a wiggly body and happy tail, while Rudy may let out a few alert barks at first—but don't let that fool you! He quickly melts into affection and loves leaning in for pets once he knows you're a friend. Together, they enjoy leisurely walks, taking their time to sniff, explore, and appreciate the world around them. These two are looking for a home with teens and older. They have successfully lived with cats in the past, but they made need a slow introduction since it has been a while since cohousing with any kitties. They are dog selective, so any potential canine companions should be introduced thoughtfully to ensure everyone is a good match. Rudy is also living with cataracts and blindness. While his vision is limited, he continues to enjoy spending time with his favorite people and navigating familiar surroundings with confidence. His future family should be prepared to help him adjust to a consistent environment and understand that his vision loss doesn't stop him from enjoying life—it just means he experiences the world a little differently. Jojo and Rudy have spent years building a special bond, and they're hoping to find a family willing to open their hearts to both of them. If you're looking for two loyal companions who will reward your kindness with unconditional love, this deserving senior duo is ready to fill your home with warmth, comfort, and twice the companionship. If you are interested in Jojo and Rudy, please call us here at (401)846-8276. You are welcome to stop by our Animal Care and Adoption Center here in Middletown, RI to meet with them at any time. Feel free to visit our website, www.potterleague.org, for more information on adopting from us.
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Photo of Mickey

Mickey

Chihuahua

Male, Young
Westerly, RI
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained,
Story
 ALL our cats and dogs are in the NY area but can be adopted out of state to the purrfect furever home.  In some cases, we can help transport.  Zani's al fresco Summer Adoptions  follow us on FB to find us this summer as we will try new locations to meet the needs of NYC and support the little stores:)       Handsome sweet 1yrs old 18lbs Mickey from Puerto Rico.  All dogs are located in NY/NJ area All our puppies need puppy play dates/doggy facetime so we recommend homes with other pups or daily interactions to keep them tired out, happy and social.     Facebook: Zani's Furry Friends ZFF (weekly adoption event info posted there) Twitter: zanisff  Instagram: zanisfurryfriends   Dogs are spayed/neutered, UTD on age appropriate vaccines, Rabies vaxed, and microchipped (not Lyme vaxed but we seriously recommend it!)  All are in the NY/NJ area but we will adopt out of state to the purrfect home and in some cases, we can arrange transport.  Please go to our site  https://zanisfurryfriends.org  fill out an application  Many of us (cats/dogs) will be on display on Saturdays or Sundays, weather dependent--please ask by writing us at dogs@zanisfurryfriends.org and following us on FB. If you are seriously interested in adopting one of us in particular, please fill out an application early Friday so that we can be sure to be there. Otherwise we decide based on other variables. Usually we are in our foster homes so this is a bit more stressful and a slightly artificial environment but we do want to be seen and find our furever homes too.   Please consider providing a home for more than one dog, especially if you are considering adopting a puppy. Dogs are pack animals and very much enjoy as well as need other dog company to learn to play, socialize and be good companion animals to people. The upside to this is that you won't feel as guilty leaving them alone and you get twice the love. Please come! And if you can't adopt, maybe you can foster or volunteer, and you can always donate! If you want to know about cats/dogs specifically being shown at our adoption locations, please email us info@zanisfurryfriends.org closer to the date so we know your interest and will make every effort to have that pet at the event or let you know how and where you can meet.  It is extemely helpful and speeds up adoption if the application is filled out prior to visiting us so please do that before coming to our weekend events. Our weekend locations are: Saturdays or Sundays, weather dependent  Follow us on FB, Zani's Furry Friends ZFF, for latest updates. Usually we are in our foster homes so all this is a bit more stressful but we do want to be seen and find our furever homes. Please come! And if you can't adopt, maybe you can foster or volunteer. And you can always donate:) Cats and Dogs are spayed/neutered, UTD w/ all age appropriate shots and microchipped. Cats are feline combo tested for FIV/FeLV; dogs are heartworm tested and rabies vax'd, (NOT lyme vaxed but we seriously recommend it); rabbits are spayed/neutered. Please fill out an application and email to: For Cats: cats@zanisfurryfriends.org For Dogs: dogs@zanisfurryfriends.org For Rabbits: nyc.acc.rabbits@gmail.com. Please visit our website zanisfurryfriends.org. August 31, 2026, 5:36 pm

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Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Rhode Island.

Puppies and dogs in Rhode Island cities

Shelters & rescues in Rhode Island

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in Rhode Island. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Rhode Home Rescue

Warwick, RI 02889

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Little Rhodie Bully Breed Club inc.

859 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Warwick Animal Shelter

Service Road, Warwick, RI 02886

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Another Chance Dog Rescue- RI

Warwick, RI 02886

Pet Types: dogs

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Shelter

Rhode Island SPCA

155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886

Pet Types: cats, dogs, farm animals, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

Rhode Island Pet Network

Warwick, RI 02886

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

The Greyhound Adoption Option

PO Box 8760, Warwick, RI 02888

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

PAWS NEW ENGLAND

Barrington, RI 02806

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Barrington Partnership for Animal Welfare

Barrington, RI 02806

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

Great Dane Rescue Of New England

PO Box 100083, Cranston, RI 02920

Pet Types: dogs

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Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

For a comprehensive list of all shelters and rescues, try our search page. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

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Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Rhode Island

Popular dog breeds

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel American Eskimo Dog American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Anatolian Shepherd Aussiedoodle Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Laekenois Belgian Malinois Belgian Shepherd Belgian Tervuren Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Black Mouth Cur Black and Tan Coonhound Bloodhound Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy Bluetick Coonhound Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer Boykin Spaniel Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Carolina Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cavachon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavapoo Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua Chinese Crested Chinook Chiweenie Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel Collie Coonhound Corgi Coton de Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doberman Pinscher Dogo Argentino Dogue de Bordeaux Dutch Shepherd English (Redtick) Coonhound English Bulldog English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Shepherd English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Entlebucher Feist Field Spaniel Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Flat-Coated Retriever Fox Terrier (Smooth) Fox Terrier (Toy) Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Foxhound French Bulldog German Pinscher German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer German Spitz German Wirehaired Pointer Glen of Imaal Terrier Goberian Golden Retriever Goldendoodle Gordon Setter Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greyhound Halden Hound (Haldenstrover) Harrier Havanese Horgi Hovawart Husky Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin Jindo Kai Dog Karelian Bear Dog Keeshond Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Komondor Kuvasz Kyi Leo Labradoodle Labrador Retriever Lakeland Terrier Lancashire Heeler Leonberger Lhasa Apso Löwchen Maltese Maltipoo Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog Mastiff Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Pinscher Morkie Mountain Cur Munsterlander Mutt Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Norwich Terrier Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Olde English Bulldogge Otterhound Papillon Parson Russell Terrier Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pharaoh Hound Pitsky Plott Hound Podengo Portugueso Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pomeranian Pomsky Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup) Portuguese Water Dog Presa Canario Pug Puggle Puli Pumi Rat Terrier Redbone Coonhound Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schiller Hound Schipperke Schnauzer (Giant) Schnauzer (Miniature) Schnauzer (Standard) Schnoodle Scottie, Scottish Terrier Scottish Deerhound Sealyham Terrier Shar Pei Sheepadoodle Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog Sheppit Shepsky Shiba Inu Shih Poo Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Skye Terrier Sloughi St. Bernard Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel Swedish Vallhund Texas Heeler Thai Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Tosa Inu Treeing Walker Coonhound Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier Westie, West Highland White Terrier Wheaten Terrier Whippet Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless Yorkie Poo Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier