Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption

1,820 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,321–1,350 of 1,820 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.

1,820 Chihuahua dogs available — page 45 of 61

Photo of Sprinkles, adoptable Chihuahua in Moreno Valley, California

Sprinkles

Chihuahua FemaleSmall2 years

Sprinkles walks well on leash* Sprinkles is shy but sweet* Sprinkles did well on her temperament test with a female Dachshund• While we strive to prov…

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA

Photo of Nano, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Nano

Chihuahua MaleSmall0 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Nano and I weigh 17 LBS! ~I’m the perfect combination of adorably compact and full of personality! ~…

Arizona Humane Society - Campus for Compassion • Phoenix, AZ

Photo of Lazer, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Lazer

Chihuahua MaleSmall3 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Lazer and I weigh 11 LBS! ~I’m always happy to make new friends, especially when there are tasty sna…

Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ

Photo of Pal, adoptable Chihuahua in Moreno Valley, California

Pal

Chihuahua MaleSmall1 year

Pal is a shy boy* Pal loves treats* Pal appears to be potty trained* Pal knows sit* Pal did well with the reporting party's young child* Pal did well …

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA

Photo of Eugene, adoptable Chihuahua in Tracy, California

Eugene

Chihuahua MaleSmall1 year

THIS PET IS A FOUND PET**Date Found: 8/23/26Location Found: W Eaton AveStatus of Pet: In FINDERS HomeMicrochip Status: scanned, no chip**This pet is w…

City of Tracy Animal Services • Tracy, CA

Photo of Lucy, adoptable Chihuahua in Wheaton, Illinois

Lucy

Chihuahua FemaleSmall5 years

Lucy is a 5 year old female long haired Chihuahua who weighs in at 13.6 pounds. This dog's adoption fee is $400. If you are still interested, please r…

Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF-IL) • Wheaton, IL

Photo of Lizzie, adoptable Chihuahua in Osteen, Florida

Lizzie

Chihuahua FemaleSmall3 years

Lizzie is an approx. 3-year-old, 10 1/2 lb. snuggle bug. This long-hair chihuahua is a super chill and loving dog who enjoys hanging out with her pers…

Lil Rascals Dog Rescue • Osteen, FL

Photo of Cersei, adoptable Chihuahua in Aurora, Colorado

Cersei

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Cersei is a tender hearted and gentle girl looking for a place to call her own. Cersei takes time to warm up to new people and in new environments, bu…

Aurora Animal Care • Aurora, CO

Photo of Lite Brite, adoptable Chihuahua in Denver, Colorado

Lite Brite

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

This little shy pup is as sweet as can be! She is calm and quiet as she learns about this big giant world. She arrived with other dogs just like her. …

Denver Animal Shelter • Denver, CO

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.