Border Terrier and Chihuahua Dogs Available for Adoption

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.
Tess is a sweet little pup with a big personality! She is friendly with everyone she meets and gets along well with both big and small dogs. Tess is playful, affectionate, and loves being near her people — she’s happiest when she has someone to interact with and a fun routine to follow.

Tess is fully house-trained and walks nicely on a leash. She’s a great car rider and enjoys exploring and playing outdoors. While she doesn’t like crates (she has some past history with being left in them too long), she does well without one and is a very clean, well-mannered girl in the home.

She’s had a tough few transitions, as her original family had to rehome her due to health issues, and her second home wasn’t able to keep up with her activity needs. But Tess is ready for her next chapter and would thrive in a loving, active household that can give her the attention and playtime she deserves.

Tess is a truly sweet and adorable pup who is ready to bring joy and love into her forever home. Tess would do best in a home with active people who can play with her regularly. She is friendly with adults, and while we don’t yet know her experience with children, she would do great with someone who wants a loving, energetic companion.

Tess is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 02/07/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 8:30am and noon. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame. Since they haven’t arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start’s Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program. Click here to learn more about the FTA program. Once they get to Minnesota, they might require further veterinary care. Ruff Start’s veterinary suite is located in Princeton, MN, and, as the foster, you will be required to transport your dog to and from these vetting appointments.

If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract.

To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page.

If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.

The Border Terrier is a small, fearless, and affectionate breed known for their devotion to their families. With a wiry, weather resistant coat and an otter like head, they were originally bred for hunting foxes and vermin along the Scottish border. These energetic and intelligent dogs excel in various canine activities, including agility and obedience. Their friendly and playful demeanor makes them wonderful companions for active families, especially those who enjoy outdoor adventures with their loyal four legged friends.

The Chihuahua is a small breed famous for its confidence, loyalty, and big personality, despite its tiny size. Originating from Mexico, these dogs are known for their large, expressive eyes and alert, curious nature. Chihuahuas make excellent companions, forming strong bonds with their owners and displaying a protective nature. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, with both long and short coats, making them a diverse and adorable addition to any family.

Our vision is simple: We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home...