Every Dog’s Chance

Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption

1,874 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 811–840 of 1,874 below.

About adopting a Chihuahua

Do not let the size fool you: a Chihuahua carries a full-sized personality, and the ones waiting in shelters are often bold, opinionated, and fiercely loyal to whoever earns their trust. Many arrive from crowded homes or breeding situations and are cautious with strangers at first.

Young Chihuahuas are quick learners when handled gently. House training can take patience because of their small bladders and dislike of cold, wet grass, and many owners find a consistent schedule and indoor options helpful. Socialization to new people, larger dogs, and handling keeps a puppy from becoming a snappy adult. Exercise needs are modest but real; a brisk walk and play indoors go far.

Chihuahuas often bond tightly with one or two people and may guard them from others, so a calm adult household or older children tend to suit them better than a house full of toddlers. Many do well in pairs. Dental issues are common in tiny dogs and worth asking the shelter and your veterinarian about. Ask the shelter or rescue about the individual dog's background and how it has responded to training so far.

1,874 Chihuahua dogs available — page 28 of 63

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Photo of Ryan, adoptable Chihuahua in Sarasota, Florida

Ryan

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 6 years

Ryan is a shy with people does well with his pack friends. Ryan was left out side when his owners moved. He was on his own for about 11 months when an…

FurEver Home Rescue Inc • Sarasota, FL

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Photo of Poppy, adoptable Chihuahua in Lewistown, Pennsylvania

Poppy

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 5 years

Mr. Poppy This adorable little fella is a spitfire to say the least. He came from a hoarding situation with a lot of other dogs. When he came in he wa…

One Dog at a Time ODAAT • Lewistown, PA

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Photo of Lyle, adoptable Chihuahua in St. Peters, Missouri

Lyle

Chihuahua • Male • 3 years

~ L Y L E ~ Lyle thinks he’s a 5lb velcro lapdog. It must be the chihuahua in him. Believe it or not this hunk is a chihuahua/bulldog mix. He is SO sw…

STRAY PAWS RESCUE • St. Peters, MO

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Photo of Sparkle, adoptable Chihuahua in Princeton, Minnesota

Sparkle

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 6 years

I just joined my foster family and we are still getting acquainted with one another. Once they learn more about me, they will add more information her…

Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN

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Photo of Daisey, adoptable Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Daisey

Chihuahua • Female • Small • est. up to 8 yrs

Daisey (Kailetta) is an 8yrs young Dachshund/Chihuahua mix currently weighing 13 pounds. Daisey was rescued in Puerto Nuevo, Mexico and taken to a loc…

Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Daria, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Daria

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 3 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Daria and I weigh 8 LBS. ~I might be a little shy at first, but once I warm up we are sure to be bes…

Arizona Humane Society - Campus for Compassion • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Starsky, adoptable Chihuahua in Clinton Township, Michigan

Starsky

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 0 years

Meet Starsky! Looking for a little puppy to fill your home with love, laughter, and plenty of puppy antics? Then you need to meet Starsky! Starsky is …

Macomb County Animal Shelter and Animal Control • Clinton Township, MI

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Photo of Sage Prairie, adoptable Chihuahua in Wakefield, Rhode Island

Sage Prairie

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 0 years

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…

Save One Soul Animal Rescue League • Wakefield, RI

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Photo of Blanca, adoptable Chihuahua in Polson, Montana

Blanca

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 2 years

Looking for your new cuddle buddy? Blanca is a young adult spayed female chihuahua ready to share the couch, take over your bed, help with your chores…

Life Savers Animal Rescue • Polson, MT

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Chihuahua dogs by state

California662Texas269Arizona160Florida93North Carolina50Nevada49New Jersey48Colorado47Illinois42New York41Minnesota40Georgia39

Other breeds

Pit Bull Terrier6801Labrador Retriever3878German Shepherd3737Mixed Breed2751Terrier1954Staffordshire Terrier1726Australian Cattle Dog1202Siberian Husky1071Shepherd972Husky797Boxer733Hound698

Adopting a Chihuahua — FAQ

Are Chihuahuas good with children?

Chihuahuas are often better suited to homes with older, gentle children than with toddlers, because they are small enough to be hurt by rough handling and may snap when frightened. With respectful kids and clear rules many do fine. Ask the shelter about the dog's history with children.

Why do Chihuahuas shake?

Chihuahuas shake for many reasons, including cold, excitement, nervousness, and simply being small with a fast metabolism. A sweater and a warm bed help in cool weather. Persistent shaking paired with other changes is something to mention to your veterinarian rather than assume is normal.

Are Chihuahuas hard to house train?

Chihuahuas have a reputation for being hard to house train, mostly because they are tiny and dislike bad weather. A firm schedule, frequent trips out, and rewards for success work as well as they do with any breed. Adult Chihuahuas from rescue are often already reliable.

How do I adopt a Chihuahua?

Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.

Are Chihuahua dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Chihuahua dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.

How much does it cost to adopt a Chihuahua?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Are Chihuahua dogs good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.

Can I foster a Chihuahua instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Chihuahua gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.

What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Chihuahua?

Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.