Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption

1,824 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,141–1,170 of 1,824 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.

1,824 Chihuahua dogs available — page 39 of 61

Updated recently
Photo of Canela, adoptable Chihuahua in Forestville, Maryland

Canela

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD

Updated recently
Photo of Cheesy Quesadilla, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Cheesy Quesadilla

Chihuahua MaleSmall1 year

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Cheesy Quesadilla and I weigh 8 LBS! ~ I may need a little time to warm up, but once I trust you, I’…

Arizona Humane Society - Campus for Compassion • Phoenix, AZ

Updated recently
Photo of Lucky, adoptable Chihuahua in Orlando, Florida

Lucky

Chihuahua MaleSmall4 years

Lucky A599311 has a prior bite when running at large, has shown under-socialization and fear, needing slow introductions to new people and proper deco…

Orange County Animal Services • Orlando, FL

Updated recently
Photo of Anahi, adoptable Chihuahua in Fargo, North Dakota

Anahi

Chihuahua FemaleSmall6 years

_________ B I O ______________ Name: Anahi Size: ~Small: Up to 25 lbs Adoption Donation: $250 (applicable sales tax included). Adoption fees may be pa…

4 Luv of Dog Rescue • Fargo, ND

Photo of Pearl, adoptable Chihuahua in Santa Clarita, California

Pearl

Chihuahua FemaleSmall3 years

Pearl is a sweet 3 year old Long Haired Chihuahua. She may have other breeds in her, idk. She weighs about 10 lbs and is very sweet to everyone and ot…

Rescues On The Runway • Santa Clarita, CA

Photo of Sunny, adoptable Chihuahua in Menifee, California

Sunny

Chihuahua MaleSmallYoung

Meet Sunny ☀️ Sonny is a 9‑month‑old Chihuahua/Dachshund mix weighing about 10 pounds. He’s playful, curious, and full of happy energy — the kind of l…

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