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Any experience of rehoming a Chihuahua?

(13 Posts)
beachcomber76 Sun 07-Jun-26 20:09:47

I've the opportunity to give a quiet home to a 12 year old, [seems to be healthy] neutered house trained male Chihuahua.

I'm not sure how this breed accept new owners and wouldn't want to stress him out by such a big move. But where he is is too busy and noisy. Children are stressing him now he's older.

I can offer a peaceful life with a walk every day [a dog stroller when he needs one!] but wonder how long it would take for him to settle in.

Your thoughts are welcome.

twiglet77 Sun 07-Jun-26 20:12:30

I think he’d appreciate the quiet life you can offer.

J52 Sun 07-Jun-26 20:17:51

They’re certainly little characters. We had one when I was a child, a very mild biddable little love.
I’m sure you’ll be the perfect owners.

V3ra Sun 07-Jun-26 20:21:59

We rehomed our dog, a Jack Russell/Yorkie cross, when he was about 8 and his elderly lady owner had to go into a home.
For the first week he didn't make a sound.
After that he obviously decided we needed his protection and would yap loudly at everything.
He's very settled, the only problems we had were because he had been thoroughly spoiled which is not our way!

I imagine your little chihuahua will breathe a sigh of relief to have a calm home with you.
You sound perfect for each other.

sankev Sun 07-Jun-26 20:43:12

I agree with twiglet . He will appreciate the companionship and care in his twilight years as I’m sure you will enjoy him. It will probably take him a couple of days to find his way around his new home but within a couple of weeks it will be like he was always there. Good luck 🐶🤞

Cossy Sun 07-Jun-26 20:46:52

Think you should go for it, I truly believe both you and this little dog will really adore and appreciate each other flowers

MissAdventure Sun 07-Jun-26 21:04:55

The chihuahuas I've known (not many, admittedly) seem to be one man dogs. So it could work beautifully.

foxie48 Sun 07-Jun-26 21:41:15

A friend has a couple of chihuahuas and they are little dogs with huge personalities. If I outlive my lovely border terrier (which I probably will) I'd happily take on an older chihuahua. My friend says hers are loyal but can be a bit feisty with strangers if they feel threatened, so make friends carefully!

Delila Sun 07-Jun-26 21:54:06

You sound the perfect owner for this little dog, and if it is anywhere near as loving and funny as my daughter’s three rescue chihuahuas you won’t regret letting it share your life. They love to cuddle up as close to her and each other as possible at home, then outdoors on their walks they are full of beans.
By the way, they love to be warm (hot in fact). Very interesting, loveable little characters.

Macaydia Mon 08-Jun-26 08:11:10

How long? About one week I am guessing. Be sure to take him for walks in the first day or two so that he sees his previous owners are not anywhere nearby. Give him his own space, an open door crate or indoor house where he can find comfort in solitude, perhaps in a closed door room and then when you open the door after he has been one hour alone, he will be so happy to see you and give him his favorite treat. He will catch on very quickly that you are the one who saved him but keep it quiet and personal for the first two weeks. Only praise. (Good luck with the house training). Let us know how you two get on.

Macaydia Mon 08-Jun-26 08:21:44

Wait a minute...I'm sorry to say but I think him being elderly and being a small dog, he is going to widdle on your rugs and the sides of your sofa. Keep a crate with a closed door and let him out to do his thing and then let him be free to socialize afterwards until you are sure he is house trained otherwise he will do it when you are not looking and it will be costly to remedy the damage.

Greyduster Mon 08-Jun-26 08:30:21

Funnily enough, DD and I ran into a lady in a park yesterday who has just given a home to a chihuahua. She was a sweetie but terrified of everything and barked furiously at us, bless her. She was trying to get her used to being around people because in her previous home, she had never been outside. How can you do that to even a tiny dog? She asked if we would mind trying to feed her a dog treat. The dog eventually came near enough not to see us as a threat and accepted them daintily. Yes, I know; she could have bitten us, but she was wagging her tail by then.

LaCrepescule Mon 08-Jun-26 10:28:36

Chiahuahuas are the longest living dog breed so you potentially have years with him. They’re adorable and very importantly, portable. If he has no known health issues and is house-trained, you should have no problems.
I already have a 7 year old terrier cross and am looking to rehome a chiahuahua and am very happy for you.