Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption

1,769 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1,651–1,680 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 56 of 59

Photo of Tigger, adoptable Chihuahua in Wetumpka, Alabama

Tigger

Chihuahua MaleSmall1 year

ADOPTION APPLICATION: https://elmorehumane.org/adoption-application-online-form2.html . We respond via email to your apps so please add hselco@bellsou…

The Humane Society of Elmore County • Wetumpka, AL

Photo of Bitsy (bonded with Itsy 83568), adoptable Chihuahua in Oakland, California

Bitsy (bonded with Itsy 83568)

Chihuahua MaleSmallYoung

Itsy (8 pounds) and Bitsy (10 pounds), the Black Widow Boys, are a pair of strongly bonded Chihuahua boys. Much like nature, they are more afraid of y…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

Photo of Leni, adoptable Chihuahua in Seattle, Washington

Leni

Chihuahua FemaleMedium5 years

Animal Information: Leni is a 8-pound, curly-coated sweetheart who came into the Stanislaus Shelter after being found wandering the streets by a good …

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

Photo of Flossy, adoptable Chihuahua in Cranston, Rhode Island

Flossy

Chihuahua FemaleSmall1 year

Age: approx 1 year old Weight: 12 lbs My adoption fee is $ 575 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. Hi, I am Flossy. I'm 1 year old…

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

Photo of Itsy (bonded with Bitsy 83571), adoptable Chihuahua in Oakland, California

Itsy (bonded with Bitsy 83571)

Chihuahua MaleSmallYoung

Itsy (8 pounds) and Bitsy (10 pounds), the Black Widow Boys, are a pair of strongly bonded Chihuahua boys. Much like nature, they are more afraid of y…

Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA

Photo of Carl, adoptable Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Carl

Chihuahua MaleSmallYoung

Carl is 3-4 years old and weighs 22 lbs. He’s playful and active, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Carl and Sylvester were relinquish…

Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA

Photo of Pepper, adoptable Chihuahua in Phoenix, Arizona

Pepper

Chihuahua MaleSmall0 years

Meet Pepper! This adorable puppy is approximately three-months-old and some sort of Chihuahua mix. Pepper and his brother Salt were taken in from a pr…

Chi Town Rescue • Phoenix, AZ

Photo of Glandis, adoptable Chihuahua in Cranston, Rhode Island

Glandis

Chihuahua FemaleSmall0 years

Age: approx 9 months old Weight: 14 lbs My adoption fee is $ 599 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. Small Dog Rescue is thrilled …

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

Photo of Brody, adoptable Chihuahua in Nashville, Tennessee

Brody

Chihuahua MaleMedium2 years

Meet Brody! Brody is an approximately 2-year-old pup weighing 26 pounds with a sweet nature and a heart ready to learn. Life is still full of new expe…

Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue • Nashville, TN

Photo of Ty, adoptable Chihuahua in Dana Point, California

Ty

Chihuahua MaleSmall6 years

Meet Ty! Ty is a 6 year old chihuahua mix. He’s a very loving pup, playful, and the sweetest boy you’ll meet. He likes to go on hikes or to the beach …

Love All Animals • Dana Point, 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.