Chihuahua rescue is a great way to give a dog an opportunity for a new life. Chihuahuas often bond very closely with a single human companion. They have a tendency to be somewhat snappish and are generally not recommended for homes with small children. Some Chihuahuas are also aggressive around other breeds of dogs. This may be part of the reason that there are unwanted Chihuahuas waiting at shelters and with rescue groups. You won't have to look far to find Chihuahuas who have been abandoned by their owners, and are just waiting to be rescued by loving human companions with the patience to train them properly.
Many rescue groups deal specifically with the rescue and adoption of Chihuahuas. The Internet can be a great resource to locate rescue groups like this. A simple search can be performed by typing the words "Chihuahua" and "Rescue" into an Internet search engine. There are many national and regional groups listed on the Internet. Your local vet may also be a good resource for locating groups or individuals who have Chihuahuas for adoption.
Doing your homework before deciding to rescue a Chihuahua is very important. A small breed with a big attitude, Chihuahuas can be fiercely loyal and rather noisy. Although they are very intelligent dogs, Chihuahuas may be stubborn about training. They require firm and consistent training. Try to learn as much as you can about how the Chihuahua was raised to this point, to help identify any particular training needs the dog may have.
Be prepared to take your time going through the process of rescuing a Chihuahua. A decision like this should never be spur-of-the-moment; always be sure you, your family, and your home are ready for a new
dog. Be prepared to fill out applications and possibly go through interviews and even home visits as you work with a rescue organization. Matching adoptable Chihuahuas and interested owners can take some time. Rescue groups want to make sure they are placing each Chihuahua in a truly permanent home.
Some rescue groups charge a small fee for processing the adoption, others ask that you make a donation to their organization. Some rescue groups require you to spay or neuter the animal. Overall, the expense of taking in a rescue Chihuahua is usually much lower than the cost of buying one outright, and saves the life of an abandoned dog.