www.petfinder.com

Most rescue/shelters I have volunteered with use petfinder to list their pets available for adoption.

Rescue groups might charge $200 for a puppy, but at least it will be UTD on shots and "fixed". I got my last puppy at an adoption event but I fostered dozens of them over the years. Check with your local shelter and rescue groups - Petfinder is a great place to start.

Good luck!

Also agree about adopting from a local rescue. There are a couple of animal rescues in my area that specialize in small dogs. Google local animal rescues and your zip code.

Yes for what you want a little rescue may be just the ticket. If you want a nice well bred chi go to the breed club site and check out their breeders list and start there. Expect a good breeder to give you the third degree. These are their babies and they want to make sure they go to a good home that fits the puppy's personality. They will also have contracts, records of shots the puppy has been given and will be only a phone call away should any problems arise.. MOST will also rather you sent their puppy back to them or rehoming if for any reason it doesn't work out. Expect to be starting a 12 to 15 year relationship if you get a puppy from a good breeder.

Thank You all for the recommendations. I have been watching Petfinder but they are usually too big or to old lol...

Here in the LA area most of the shelters are full of Chihuahua/mix or Pitbulls/mix. Too small or too large!

I would look for a dog closer to 15 lbs, so you get a dog that is a bit more sturdy.

No I can't get larger than 10 pounds. This is for my daughter who has serious medical issues, there's no way she can lift or hold more than 10 but thank you.

Petfinder pets are often those not immediately adopted, as many rescue/shelters are staffed by volunteers, who have limited time to take pics and upload the information. Many get adopted before that happens.

You may want to identify a few nearby rescue/shelters and make frequent trips to meet the avaiable pets. Bringing a donation of pet food, bedding (old towels, blankets), or toys helps them remember you. Some have "wish lists" on their website.

To really get "first pick," volunteer at the rescue/shelter. When they "know" you and the pet you are looking for, they are motivated to call you when that type of pet comes in.

Most places I volunteered asked for a minimum of 2hrs/week or 8hrs/month. There are usually many volunteer "jobs" including, brushing dogs/cats, walking dogs, and washing bedding. Maybe they have a "job" Aimee may be interested in. Also a GREAT way to meet and make feiends with some really nice people. I met my 2 BFF's volunteering at a feline rescue/shelter.

Good luck.

Another option, breed specific rescues. Google "chihuahua rescue" to find them. Here are two (disclaimer: I know nothing about the groups). http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/

http://chihuahua.rescueme.org/Illinois

Have you thought about Pomeranians Papillons, or one of the other toy breeds as almost anything in that group will fit your weight limit. I know many well bred Toy Poodles would be heavy at 10 pounds.

I work for a dog rescue organization and agree with mdin's comments-"insiders" often get first dibs on available dogs. I would suggest contacting them directly and asking if they have any with your specifications. Recently, one of our rescues gave birth to eight puppies and potential adopters were already waiting to take them home at eight weeks of age. Also, check your local pet stores for adoption events.

Mdln thank you for the links I will read them.

Dorothy, I haven't checked other breeds only chihushuas and mixed chi's at least not yet. I'm trying to get the breed my daughter wants. LOL.

I think possiably a vol. Job at a shelter is in the future for Amiee and me. And I have tons of detergent I can donate. Think 100 pounds to start will help grease the wheels.. lol.

I have a chihuahua and a pure bred toy poodle (not well bred tho!) that I got when I volunteered at our humane society. It does happen. Backyard breeders at times get caught and are made to surrender their animals.

Volunteering is SO rewarding! Even if you don't find a dog there, I think you will both love it.

Have you had a puppy before? They are adorable, of course - but a LOT of work. Please be prepared to spend many hours a day caring for and training a puppy - on the pup's schedule, not yours. And they grow up fast - that adorable puppy stage can quickly turn into a rebellious teenager stage.

Yes we've had a puppy before, actually she's all grown up now lol she will be 8 in December. Her name is Little Lil she is a chi/yorkie and the love of my life. It took many months to potty train her but in the end it all worked out. Lil does use a indoor potty pad at night or in the winter when its too cold. These small dogs can't hold it long with their tiny bladders when they gotta go they gotta go lol.. It does require dedication and these small dogs more often than not even more so. I think were ready for a new addition to the family, another baby to love...well find her/him eventually. Thanks everyone.

I agree that volunteering at a shelter is a great idea. It may be that chihuahuas are more plentiful in certain regions, I know that shelters here and Craigslist have ads constantly. The little 4 pound ones can be pricey and maybe not often found at shelters because 'purse dogs' are in demand, but at 8-10 pounds there are many at very reasonable prices.

I've had chis and I currently have a mini poodle in the dog household and they are both wonderful small dog breeds.

As far as larger dogs, at the puppy stage one often has to pick them up to take them outside as one teaches them to be housebroken, but after that they go themselves to the door. Many assist dogs are larger, labs or German Shepherds or the like, helping their humans. There are medium to huge breeds that are working dogs on farms, very smart. They never need to be picked up. If they are allowed on furniture or beds for company or cuddles, they hop up themselves with alacrity.

Even the tiny dogs can be taught to do all the necessary dog things without being carried around. (I'm not trying to change your mind, if y'all love chis, then chis you should have), but I'm just saying that with plenty of attention and training at the lightweight puppy stage, most dogs of any size can be great family members.

Mamapinky, how close are you to north central texas, just barely south of dallas? one of my Facebook friends has a little female Chihuahua puppy she needs to find a home for. Puppy was abandoned.

Mamapinky, how close are you to north central texas, just barely south of dallas? one of my Facebook friends has a little female Chihuahua puppy she needs to find a home for. Puppy was abandoned.

Awwww...just my luck Sylvia..I'm in Pennsylvania. LOL...But thank you so much for thinking of us.

Dang!

Go to shelters and look for yourself, because a lot of times the pictures shelters have posted online are not up to date (because they are under staffed and out of time). I found my Molly and Sophie (chi mix and pom mix), in the shelter. Molly was only 13 weeks old when we adopted her! :) Good luck!

Mamapinky, I just saw a video on FB from "Tracy's Dogs"... they rescue dogs from high kill shelters in Texas and then transport them to various PetSmart locations. There's one coming up in a few months in PA, not sure how far from you it would be. But currently they are showing 2 chi's on their website for adoption. I'm sure they would be gone before the PA event but it looks like they tend to rescue smaller types.