Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption

1,860 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 961–990 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 33 of 62

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Photo of Ellie, adoptable Chihuahua in Arlington, Virginia

Ellie

Chihuahua FemaleSmallYoung

Meet Ellie, a sweet little Chihuahua who is learning just how wonderful life can be. Ellie was rescued from a breeder who was having trouble selling h…

Worthy Dog Rescue • Arlington, VA

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Photo of Susie, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Susie

Chihuahua FemaleSmall6 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Arf! My name is Susie and I weigh 10 LBS! ~ I’m a friendly, happy-go-lucky dog who believes pretty much every person …

Arizona Humane Society - Campus for Compassion • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Robin, adoptable Chihuahua in Riverside, California

Robin

Chihuahua FemaleSmall0 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Rosalina, adoptable Chihuahua in Denver, Colorado

Rosalina

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Rosalina is the sweetest girl! Volunteers have noted that she loves to zoom around and play and then cuddle up in your lap. Come meet her today!

Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO

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Photo of Peanut, adoptable Chihuahua in Houston, Texas

Peanut

Chihuahua MaleSmall2 years

City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX

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Photo of Canelita, adoptable Chihuahua in Martinez, California

Canelita

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Acording to her foster, Canelita is great at home, potty trained and really well behaved. She gets along with other dogs and pets. She is shy with peo…

Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA

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Photo of Roo, adoptable Chihuahua in San Bernardino, California

Roo

Chihuahua MaleSmall0 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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Photo of Chewy, adoptable Chihuahua in Bellevue, Washington

Chewy

Chihuahua MaleSmall0 years

Meet Chewy! This adorable scruffy little guy is as sweet and fun as can be. He has settled into his foster home very well over the last couple of week…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

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Photo of Lulu, adoptable Chihuahua in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Lulu

Chihuahua FemaleSmall2 years

A Momma Who Deserves Her Retirement! Lulu’s story began in Puerto Rico, where she was living on the streets and doing everything she could to keep her…

Island Dog Adoption Network • Virginia Beach, VA

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Photo of Mabel, adoptable Chihuahua in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Mabel

Chihuahua FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Mabel! She is one of 7 Chihuahua puppies that came to us from Alabama. These are the sweetest puppies. Two of the pups look like they might be mi…

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue • Mechanicsburg, PA

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Photo of Cream, adoptable Chihuahua in Houston, Texas

Cream

Chihuahua MaleSmall2 years

City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX

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Photo of Peachette, adoptable Chihuahua in Denver, Colorado

Peachette

Chihuahua FemaleSmall4 years

Peachette is a very sweet, affectionate girl who loves getting attention and being around her people. She’s incredibly friendly and would love to find…

Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO

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Photo of Winnie, adoptable Chihuahua in Bellevue, Washington

Winnie

Chihuahua FemaleSmall2 years

Meet Winnie! Winnie is looking for a patient, loving family to call her own. She can be timid when meeting new people, especially men, but once she fe…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

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Photo of Silver, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Silver

Chihuahua FemaleSmall0 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Arf! Arff! My name is Silver and I weigh 6 LBS! ~I am currently navigating a world that is roughly 400 times my size,…

Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Naomi, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Naomi

Chihuahua FemaleSmall0 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Naomi and I weigh 5 LBS! ~I'm gentle, playful and full of puppy love! I'm always on the move, lookin…

Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Mikey, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Mikey

Chihuahua MaleSmall0 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Wuff! My name is Mikey and I weigh 6 LBS! ~I'm a tiny baby who will be stumbling around the rug, conquering tiny door…

Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ

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Photo of Flip Flop, adoptable Chihuahua in Martinez, California

Flip Flop

Chihuahua MaleSmall4 years

Flip Flop has the classic chihuahua personality: he may act big and tough, but once he knows he is safe he absolutely melts in your arms. He is a tota…

Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA

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.