Chihuahua and Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption

Meet Walt!

This 3-year-old, 20-pound chihuahua is a gentle and thoughtful boy looking for a calm, patient home where he can truly blossom! Walt is currently enjoying some much-needed time in a fabulous foster home with an awesome trainer! His foster dad is helping him to become the confident, capable boy we all know he can be!

Walt may be a little shy when you first meet him, but don't let that fool you - once he feels safe, he is incredibly sweet, loyal, and deeply capable of forming strong bonds with "his" people. Walt is currently enjoying daily structured walks, which he absolutely loves. These walks have helped him build confidence, learn that "leash = follow," and strengthen his trust in his handler. He walks nicely, stays engaged, and is clearly gaining comfort in the world one step at a time.

In the home, Walt is both house-trained and crate-trained! He does wonderfully with other dogs and is respectful of cats. He tends to be more curious about other animals than people at first, and having a calm, balanced dog in his future home would likely help him continue to gain confidence (though it is not required). Walt prefers to observe, think, and approach at his own pace. He sleeps quietly through the night.

Walt is still learning that human hands, leashes, and food bowls are safe, so he appreciates slow movements, calm energy, and gentle guidance. With consistency and patience, he is making beautiful progress. When given space and time, Walt will approach for affection and is clearly beginning to enjoy gentle love and connection.
Ideal Home for Walt:

A patient, calm adopter who values structure and routine

A quieter household (ages 16+)

Daily walks and predictable boundaries

Someone willing to let Walt warm up on his own terms

Optional: another calm, well-balanced dog

Walt is searching for the right person who understands him. In return, he will offer quiet companionship, loyalty, and a truly special bond. If you're looking for a sensitive, thoughtful, and deeply rewarding dog, Walt might just be your perfect match. Walt's amazing foster dad/trainer has put together some helpful training suggestions along with a guide on how to help him acclimate to his new home.

If you'd like to be the one to show him just how good life can be, head to greatlakesdogrescue.com and submit your application for our wonderful Walt!

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.

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

The mission of Great Lakes Dog Rescue is to rescue well-tempered, adoptable dogs from animal control facilities and from owner-surrenders...