Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption

1,860 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 901–930 of 1,860 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.

1,860 Chihuahua dogs available — page 31 of 62

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Photo of Lucy, adoptable Chihuahua in Menifee, California

Lucy

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Meet Lucy! Just look at that face! Lucy is an absolutely adorable 2-year-old Chiweenie mix who looks like a tiny, perfectly packaged Lab! At around 20…

Friends of Orange County's Homeless Pets • Menifee, CA

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Photo of Alfalfa, adoptable Chihuahua in Yreka, California

Alfalfa

Chihuahua MaleSmall6 years

[Please insert bio information here, above the boilerplate paragraph below, (delete these instructions). Font-family: Arial, font-size 16. Microchippi…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Smidge, adoptable Chihuahua in San Jose, California

Smidge

Chihuahua FemaleSmall0 years

Meet Smidge! Six pounds of puppy. One BIG personality. And a lifetime of laughs waiting for you! At just 5 months old, Smidge is a tiny adventurer wit…

Silicon Valley Pet Project • San Jose, CA

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Photo of Vanilla, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Vanilla

Chihuahua MaleSmall0 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Ruff! My name is Vanilla and I weigh 24 LBS! ~I have that friendly, outgoing, goofy personality packed into a tiny pa…

Arizona Humane Society - Campus for Compassion • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Jamie, adoptable Chihuahua in Aurora, Colorado

Jamie

Chihuahua MaleSmall1 year

Jamie Lannister is looking to find a place to call his own! Jamie has been on a big adventure and is hoping to finally settle down in a cozy and peace…

Aurora Animal Care • Aurora, CO

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Photo of Gema, adoptable Chihuahua in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Gema

Chihuahua FemaleSmallBaby

Sweet 2.5-month-old Chihuahua mix, Gema, is a pint-sized little girl who is just shy of 4 lb., but she has no shortage of everything a puppy needs to …

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

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Photo of Gisela, adoptable Chihuahua in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Gisela

Chihuahua FemaleSmallBaby

Gisela is a 2.5-month-old female Chihuahua mix who is SO sweet, outgoing, and cuddly! Although she has not yet figured out how to pose for the camera …

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

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.