Chihuahua and Australian Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption

Meet Claire!

A spirited seven-year-old Miniature Australian Shepherd and Chihuahua mix currently in Los Angeles, CA, whose essence is a joyful swirl of affection, sass, and soft-as-silk chocolate brown fur with the sweetest white accents.

Claire is the kind of pup who makes every moment feel like a celebration! Whether she's trotting proudly on a walk or cozying up at home, she brings playful charm and heartfelt loyalty to every interaction. At about 20 pounds, she’s the perfect size for lap snuggles and car rides, and let’s just say, she thinks everyone she meets is already her best friend. Strangers? No such thing! Claire is convinced the world is full of potential belly rubs.

This smart cookie already knows commands like sit, stay, lie down, shake, drop it, leave it, and even “touch” and “be nice”. Yep, she’ll delicately take a treat from your hand like a true lady. Her favorite things? Walks (with treats on hand to help her stay focused), squeaky toys, and keeping close to her favorite humans. She’s a classic velcro dog, always nearby, always devoted, and always ready to brighten your day!

Claire thrives with structure, consistency, and someone who understands dog behavior. While she can be reactive on leash, especially when unfamiliar dogs are around, this is easily managed with positive reinforcement, and when walking with dogs she knows, she’s a total pro. Off-leash, she’s relaxed, social, and loves a good zoom around the yard. Indoors, she’s gentle and calm, especially with familiar pets.

She’s also had a unique health journey: as a puppy, she was diagnosed with kennel cough, but later x-rays revealed she had bronchitis. While this doesn’t affect her daily life or require active treatment, her breathing can become slightly heavier when she’s excited. To keep her comfortable, she wears a harness instead of a collar, and it suits her perfectly!

She’s friendly with cats (especially playful ones!) and gets along with other dogs once she has a little time to warm up. Because of her bouncy nature, she'd do best in a home where toddlers are supervised, but she’s joyful around kids and thrives in an attentive, present household. A yard would be a dream for her, and she'd flourish in a home where someone is around for most of the day.

Claire’s affection knows no bounds, just be warned, she might try to sneak a surprise kiss when you least expect it!

Are you ready to welcome this sweet, silly girl into your heart and home?

If you're interested in providing Claire with a loving home, please email adopt@joyfulpets.com for more information on adopting her! Please note that Claire will remain with her current family until a suitable new home is found for her.

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog known for its loyalty and work ethic. Originating in the United States, despite its name, this breed is prized for its agility, trainability, and versatility in various dog sports and activities. Australian Shepherds have a distinctive medium length coat that comes in different colors, often with unique merle patterns. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, these dogs make excellent companions for active families and individuals seeking a devoted and playful four legged friend.

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.

Joyful Pets Rescue is a non-profit, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) public charity. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving families...