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The Chihuahua may have found fame as the perfect purse dog — looking at you, Paris Hilton — but don’t let their portrayal in mass media mislead you. Despite their tiny size, the Chihuahua is proud, fiery, and packed full of sass! They can make an incredibly devoted family dog for the right families and individuals.
Chihuahuas are particularly well-suited to Oregon. They can handle the hot summers and will happily adapt to both spacious homes and apartments. They’ll also love to accompany you as you explore Oregon’s endless (and pet-friendly) miles of coastline, forests, and scenic lakes.
Adopting a Chihuahua means you’re saving the life of a dog in need (and what could be better than that?). You’ll also be helping to tackle Oregon’s relentless overcrowding crisis by alleviating some of the strain. Below, we’ll provide an overview of how to adopt a Chihuahua in Oregon and what to expect in terms of fees and policies.
Chihuahua Adoption in Oregon
Chihuahuas are commonly rehomed in Oregon and are readily available in shelters and rescues. However, let’s make this clear: This is at no fault of their own. Many people sadly purchase these dogs, misled by their portrayal as “cute purse dogs.”
In turn, they fail to provide them the care, time, and home life they need to thrive, and eventually surrender them when they come to terms with this.
With the right owner in Oregon, the Chihuahua makes for a loving, bold, and courageous best friend. If you feel you’re the right match for this larger-than-life pup, here’s what you should expect from the adoption process.
As a first step, carry out research to find Chihuahua puppies available for adoption from reputable sources. Speak to breed-specific rescue groups, visit local shelters in Oregon, and browse online listings on platforms like Adopt a Dog. Every Chihuahua will have their own unique temperament, so find out as much as you can about each rescue dog to help you narrow down your options.
Once you feel you’ve found a good match, the process is fairly easy, even if it can take some time. You will submit an adoption application form to the rescue agency of your choosing, wait to hear back, and if approved, you’ll be invited to a meet and greet with the pup.
Some rescues, particularly breed-specific groups in Oregon, may have additional screening protocols like home checks. Others may ask other household members to meet the Chihuahua before letting them go home with you.
If the rescue staff are satisfied with the checks, and you both feel the Chihuahua is still the perfect match, you will fill out the relevant paperwork to gain ownership. You may be able to take your Chihuahua home with you on the very same day, or within a couple of weeks if there’s a mandatory waiting period.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chihuahua in Oregon?Buying a Chihuahua from a breeder in Oregon can set you back thousands, but when you choose to adopt, you’ll be saving on those initial upfront fees significantly. Most shelters and rescue groups in Oregon rehome Chihuahuas for $50 to $350, and some even waive fees entirely if they’re experiencing overcrowding. Reputable shelters will always be transparent about their adoption fees and what the cost covers. Usually, they will also pay for expenses like the first round of vaccinations and neutering/spaying. The fee can also fluctuate based on the dog’s health needs and age. You’ll often need to pay more for a Chihuahua puppy due to increased demand and less for a senior. |
How Should I Train a Chihuahua?No matter your Chihuahua’s age or background, you should begin their training and socialization as soon as they’re settled into your Oregon home. The earlier you start, the better chance your rescue Chihuahua has of picking up the basics and building a strong, trusting bond with you. The Chihuahua is intelligent, but they are known to have a stubborn streak. You can help them strive by sticking to a consistent training schedule and using a reward-based (positive reinforcement) approach. Whenever your Chihuahua shows a good, desirable behavior, reward them with something they value, like their favorite toy or a tasty treat. Training a Chihuahua can be challenging at first, and remember, there is help out there if you’re struggling at any point. An online dog training course, like our Basic Obedience Program, is affordable and can help you get to grips with the fundamentals from the comfort of your own home. We also have online courses that can help you tackle specific behavioral concerns. Chihuahuas are often prone to reactivity, so consider checking out our Curbing Reactivity Course if you live in a crowded, busy area (e.g., central Salem). |
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Find the Right Chihuahua in Oregon for You
Chihuahuas are some of the best companions you can choose in Oregon. They can handle its warm summers, are small and versatile enough to live in any housing type, and will love frequenting Oregon’s state parks like South Beach State Park.
To find the very best possible Chihuahua in Oregon for you, research reputable shelters and breed-specific groups, familiarize yourself with the breed’s care needs, and meet as many rescue dogs as you can in person to gauge their personalities.
This can take some time and effort on your part, but remember to be patient and trust the process. It ensures that by the end of your journey, you’ll have the perfect canine companion!
