Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the most iconic dog breeds in the world. Many know them for their sassy side, but that’s because these dogs live for the attention and love of their favorite human. They are such one-person dogs that can be an ideal dog to adopt for Missouri residents looking for an only dog in a family with no young children.

As with any other breed, however, it is essential to understand the Chihuahua breed’s characteristics before adopting one. It will enable prospective adopters to set realistic expectations about what it is like to have a Chihuahua at home.

When it comes to the adoption process, it can prove to be challenging. Chihuahuas are purebreds, so they don’t always end up for adoption. If you know where to look, you will find many Chihuahuas for adoption in Missouri, which is exactly what Dog Academy can help with.

Read on to get your guide for how to adopt a Chihuahua in Missouri. We will cover the entire adoption process and share our tips for training these dogs and finding one that’s going to be the perfect fit for you.

Chihuahua Adoption in Missouri

Chihuahua adoption in Missouri is easier than many initially think, especially if you’re flexible on your preferences and would accept adopting an older dog. Many Chihuahuas in shelters and foster homes in Missouri are waiting to be adopted, which you can find through our adoption portal. Dog Academy’s adoption portal is one of the biggest in the nation, with Chihuahuas listed for adoption all over Missouri.

The adoption process for a Chihuahua, on the other hand, is typically more demanding than finding one to adopt. This is because shelters and rescues want to make sure your household and life circumstances are a good match for these dogs.

For example, as mentioned above, Chihuahuas don’t make great dogs for families with young children. If you have young kids, the shelter or the rescue will be reluctant to approve you for adoption. The same applies to families with large dogs due to the Chihuahua’s petite frame. These will be a big influence on the shelter or the rescue’s decision to let you adopt the dog.

As the final step of the process, you will go through a house visit to ensure your details are correct and you have proper space to care for a dog. When you’re approved for the Chihuahua you’d like to adopt, you will need to do a couple of things before taking your new dog to your Missouri home, such as signing the adoption agreement and paying the fee, which we cover below.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Adopt MeJax

Jax

St. Louis, MO
Breed: Chihuahua
Sex: Male
Age: 10 yrs 1 mo
Chihuahua

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chihuahua in Missouri?

Adopting a Chihuahua isn’t costly in Missouri, just like the ongoing expenses for these dogs, making them a particularly good choice for those looking for an affordable dog to adopt and own.

The cost to adopt a Chihuahua is anywhere between $150 and $400, depending on the shelter/rescue’s pricing and the dog you’re adopting. Younger Chihuahuas tend to have higher adoption fees compared to older dogs. Some organizations even waive adoption fees altogether for older and special needs Chihuahuas to promote adoption.

How Should I Train a Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are notoriously difficult to train, not because these dogs inherently don’t want to be trained, but because most owners have wrong expectations. These dogs might not be as trainable as, say, golden retrievers or collies, but they can be trained for a variety of skills and commands.

This only happens if the owner/trainer follows the right training technique for a Chihuahua, which is positive reinforcement training. With their love for their favorite humans and affectionate nature, Chihuahuas tend to be quite sensitive. They only respond to reward-based training techniques. Any harsh correction will not only work but also reverse progress.

To learn more about training a Chihuahua, check out our online courses. We offer a variety of courses for obedience training, trick training, crate training, and fixing behavioral issues like excessive barking and reactivity, which are present in many adoptable Chihuahuas. All our training courses are affordable and offer the most value compared to hiring a professional to do the job for you.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Chihuahua

Find the Right Chihuahua in Missouri for You

With everything covered above, you now have a complete understanding of how to adopt a Chihuahua in Missouri. In case you can’t find the right Chihuahua to adopt for you in Missouri at the moment, consider bookmarking this page to come back to it later and see adoptable dogs in your city, whether you’re in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, or the smaller cities.