Chihuahua Puppy For Sale on Craigslist: Your Complete Guide to Adopting or Buying This Adorable Small Breed Dog Online

PETSIDI – Are you looking to add a new furry friend to your family and think a Chihuahua puppy might be the perfect pet? Adopting or buying a pup on Craigslist can be an affordable way to find your new canine companion. This pint-sized breed makes a fabulous companion dog and thrives when showered with love. Here is everything you need to know about finding a Chihuahua for sale on Craigslist.

Why Choose a Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and make ideal pets for people looking for a tiny, portable companion. Here are some of the best things about this adorable toy breed:

• Small size – They weigh just 4-6 lbs fully grown making them easy to transport and fit in small homes.
• Cute – With their large round eyes, perky ears and apple shaped head, these pocket-sized pups are undeniably adorable.
• Lively – Chihuahuas are very energetic, alert and curious little dogs.
• Loyal – They bond very strongly with their owners and don’t like to share their affections.
• Low maintenance – Their tiny tummies mean they don’t eat too much. Grooming is easy too.
• Long living – With an average lifespan of 15-20 years, you get to enjoy their company for a long time.

If you want a devoted miniature companion that will be by your side at home and on adventures, a Chihuahua could be the perfect match!

Finding Chihuahua Puppies for Sale on Craigslist

Craigslist can be a great place to find Chihuahua puppies for sale directly from breeders or owners at affordable prices. However, you need to be cautious of puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. Here are some tips for safely buying a pup on Craigslist:

• Search for “Chihuahua” or “teacup Chihuahua” in your local Craigslist pet section.
• Use filters like “puppy” and the closest locations.
• Contact sellers who provide lots of photos and details about the puppies.
• Ask questions about lineage, health, temperament and early socialization.
• Meet the puppy and its parents in-person before buying.
• Avoid sellers who have multiple litters available, seem evasive or rush the sale.
• Watch for red flags like underweight, timid or dirty puppies.
• Expect to pay $200-$600 depending on age, color, lineage and location.

Taking these precautions helps find a happy, healthy Chihuahua puppy and avoid supporting irresponsible backyard breeders.

Questions to Ask the Seller Before Buying

When you find a promising Chihuahua puppy listing on Craigslist, make sure to ask the seller these key questions before buying:

• How old is the puppy?
• Is it a purebred Chihuahua? Mix? Show lineage papers.
• What is the puppy’s current diet? Feeding schedule?
• Is the puppy housebroken yet? Using a crate?
• What vaccines and vet care has the puppy received so far?
• How has the puppy been socialized? With dogs/people?
• Why are you rehoming this puppy?
• Can I see where the puppy has been living? Meet the parents?
• Do you have a health guarantee? What if I can’t keep the puppy?

Thoroughly vetting the seller helps avoid health and behavior issues. Responsible sellers readily share this info. Beware if details are sketchy.

What to Look for When Meeting a Chihuahua Puppy

When you go meet a prospective Chihuahua puppy in-person, check that:

• The puppy has a glossy coat, clear eyes and is lively/alert.
• The puppy is housed in clean conditions. No signs of illness in littermates.
• The puppy seems well socialized and comes readily to you. Not fearful or aggressive.
• The puppy appears a healthy weight – not too thin or chubby.
• The parents (mother at minimum) should be on-site and healthy.
• The seller genuinely cares about puppies’ welfare and finding good homes.

Avoid any puppies that seem sick, injured, unsocial or from dirty/unsafe housing. Keep looking for the right fit!

Bringing Your New Chihuahua Puppy Home

Once you’ve found the perfect pocket-sized pup, it’s time to bring them home! Be sure to:

• Puppy-proof your home by removing dangers and securing valuables
• Purchase essential supplies like food/water bowls, collar, leash, bed, crate, toys
• Child-proof electrical outlets and secure cords out of reach
• Find a trusted veterinarian and schedule first vet visit
• Begin housebreaking, crate training and socialization right away
• Set up a safe, confined area like a pen when you can’t supervise
• Start implementing a consistent daily routine with schedule for feeding, playing, training
• Give your new puppy lots of love, patience and positive reinforcement!

With the right prep, you’ll help your Chihuahua settle into their new home quickly and comfortably.

Tips for Owning a Chihuahua Puppy

Bringing home a Chihuahua puppy is just the start of your journey together. Here are tips for being the best dog owner:

• Enroll in puppy obedience classes for training and socialization
• Chihuahuas thrive on routine – stick to regular schedules
• Give them 30+ minutes of playtime and walks daily
• Teach children safe petting and handling to avoid injury
• Gently discourage dominance, barking and separation anxiety
• Reward good behavior with praise and healthy treats
• Feed high-quality puppy food 2-3 times per day
• Groom every 1-2 weeks with a soft brush to remove loose hair
• Schedule annual vet checks and update vaccines/preventatives
• Travel with a carrier, collar tag and leash for safety
• Dog-proof your home e.g. no small choking hazards
• Be patient – potty training takes 4-6 months of consistency

Owning a Chihuahua is very rewarding but requires time, training and dedication. Do your research to prepare!

Adopting a Chihuahua from a Rescue or Shelter

If buying a puppy from Craigslist doesn’t appeal to you, adopting an adult or senior Chihuahua can be extremely rewarding. Here are tips for adopting:

• Search for local Chihuahua or breed-specific rescues to adopt from
• Fill out an adoption application with your info, lifestyle, expectations
• Ask about the dog’s health, personality, experience with kids/other pets
• Schedule a meet-and-greet to ensure the new dog is a good match
• Prepare your home then bring your adopted dog home!
• An adult dog has a known personality and size which makes matching easier
• The adoption fee of $100-$400 typically covers initial vet care

With a rescue Chihuahua, you skip the puppy stage and give a deserving dog a loving forever home!

Top Tips for Finding the Perfect Chihuahua

Follow these top tips as you search for your perfect pocket-sized pup:

• Take time researching the breed to ensure it’s a good fit
• Be prepared for an enthusiastic, vocal and assertive petite pup
• Set a min/max budget you can afford for the purchase or adoption fee
• Save a couple hundred dollars for initial vet bills and supplies
• If buying a pup, find an ethical, responsible breeder you can trust
• Adopting a rescue allows you to skip the puppy phase!
• Meet any prospect dog multiple times before making a commitment
• Bring someone knowledgeable along when first meeting a potential pet
• Trust your instincts – you’ll just “know” when you’ve found “the one”!

With research and preparation, you can find the ideal tiny furry friend to complete your home!

| Compare: Buying a Chihuahua Puppy vs. Adopting an Adult | |-|-| | Buying a Puppy | Adopting an Adult | | You get to experience raising a puppy | Personality and needs are predictable |
| Can train a puppy from a young age | Skips challenging puppy behaviours | | Puppies thrive after adoption if treated well | Ready for immediate companionship | | Must wait for full vaccination schedule | Typically housetrained already | | Will likely bond very strongly with puppy | Adjustment period still required | | Higher cost for purchase price | Adoption fee of $100-$400 | | Must puppy-proof entire house | Less supervision required | | More patience required during puppy behaviors | Often calmer energy | | Could support irresponsible breeders if not cautious | Gives a shelter dog a home! |

Both have pros and cons, so reflect on your lifestyle, experience and goals before deciding!

Final Tips for Finding a Chihuahua on Craigslist

We’ve covered a lot of key advice for finding your perfect Chihuahua puppy or adult dog on Craigslist or through adoption and bringing them home. Here are a few final tips:

• Finding the right pet is worth the effort – don’t settle!
• Take time making the right match for personality and care needs
• Create a safe, welcoming home before bringing your new dog home
• Puppy-proof thoroughly and keep smaller objects/dangers up high
• Invest in training and socialization from day one
• Schedule vet care in advance to stay on top of vaccines and preventatives
• Stock up on essential supplies like food, bowls, collar, leash, bed, toys
• Shower your new fur baby with lots of love and you’ll be rewarded with years of companionship!

With the right research and preparation, you can find a wonderful new canine companion to complete your home. I wish you the very best of luck and many happy memories in your journey to adopt or buy the perfect Chihuahua puppy or dog. Please reach out if you need any other tips!