Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption

1,769 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,501–1,530 of 1,769 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.

1,769 Chihuahua dogs available — page 51 of 59

Photo of Carmelita, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Carmelita

Chihuahua FemaleSmall3 years

Why I'd make a great companion: ~Woof! My name is Carmelita and I weigh 21 LBS. ~I may be a little cautious at first, but once I love you, you’ll have…

Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ

Photo of Luis Miguel, adoptable Chihuahua in Mundelein, Illinois

Luis Miguel

Chihuahua MaleSmallBaby

Luis Miguel is a handsome 3-month-old little guy who is ready to find his forever home! He’s a fun-loving puppy who is curious about everything around…

REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL

Photo of Cookie, adoptable Chihuahua in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Cookie

Chihuahua FemaleSmall0 years

Cookie is very timid, She has had a rough 1st year. She'll need someone that's home alot and can give her alot of attention. Cookie loves to walk, she…

Whimpers to Wags Rescue, Inc. • Colorado Springs, CO

Photo of Little One, adoptable Chihuahua in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Little One

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Little One is a Chihuahua mix. She is adorable and very small. Please no small children. She will need a fenced yard. Her adoption fee is $425 which i…

Whimpers to Wags Rescue, Inc. • Colorado Springs, CO

Photo of Sophia, adoptable Chihuahua in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sophia

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Sophia is a Chihuahua mix. She is quite timid and please no small children. She is very affectionate and loves attention. She will need a fenced yard.…

Whimpers to Wags Rescue, Inc. • Colorado Springs, CO

Photo of Slick, adoptable Chihuahua in Albemarle, North Carolina

Slick

Chihuahua MaleSmall3 years

Slick was an owner surrender with 3 other chiweenies. He is 4 years old and has an anxiety disorder that makes him shake. He is sweet and loves to cud…

Stanly County Humane Society, Inc • Albemarle, NC

Photo of Couri, adoptable Chihuahua in Ellijay, Georgia

Couri

Chihuahua FemaleSmallYoung

Meet Couri Couri is about 2 years old and weighs just 10 pounds, but this tiny girl has already overcome so much. Couri was one of six dogs rescued fr…

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Inc. of Gilmer County • Ellijay, GA

Photo of Riggins in TX, adoptable Chihuahua in Cranston, Rhode Island

Riggins in TX

Chihuahua MaleSmall2 years

Age: approx 2 years old Weight: 12 lbs My adoption fee is $550 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adopting, …

Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI

Photo of Ricky Bobby, adoptable Chihuahua in Benton, Louisiana

Ricky Bobby

Chihuahua MaleSmallest. 7–2026 yrs

Video link: https://youtu.be/YytVnNTYu0U FOR ADOPTION! Taking applications NOW! Note: Only those with a responsible dog ownership history and excellen…

Ninna's Road to Rescue • Benton, LA

Photo of Dottie in TX, adoptable Chihuahua in Cranston, Rhode Island

Dottie in TX

Chihuahua FemaleSmall4 years

Age: approx 4 1/2 years old Weight: 9 lbs My adoption fee is $575 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adoptin…

Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI

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.