Chihuahua and Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption in Hillsborough, North Carolina

Meet Nila — a 3‑year‑old, 7‑lb Chihuahua–Terrier mix with a big spirit in a tiny body!

Quick Facts:
Name: Nila

Breed: Chihuahua/Terrier Mix
Age: 3 years old
Weight: 7 lbs.
House-Trained: Almost there!

Crate-Trained: No

Good with Dogs: Yes – most dogs

Good with Cats: Not tested

Good with Kids: Yes (kids 7 and older)

Energy Level: Medium
Fence Required: Yes

About Nila’s Breed:
Our best guess is that Nila is a Chihuahua/Terrier Mixed Breed. A Chihuahua–Terrier mix is a small dog with a big personality — affectionate, curious, and full of charm. They bond closely with their people and love being part of daily life, whether that’s snuggling on the couch or exploring the yard. With a mix of Terrier spunk and Chihuahua loyalty, they thrive in a home that offers patience, routine, and plenty of companionship. A secure yard, gentle guidance, and confidence‑building time help them shine. With the right family, this little mix becomes a devoted, joyful companion who brings heart and personality to every day.

What to Love about Nila:

Nila is happiest when her human comes home — it’s one of the only times she barks, and she celebrates with the cutest, craziest zoomies! She’s a champion food‑sniffer, a determined little explorer, and absolutely not afraid of hopping across furniture to get where she wants to go!

Nila is a world‑class snuggler who loves to wiggle her way right beside her person. With time and trust, she’d make a wonderful adventure buddy for a family who wants to bring her along. She can be a bit hardheaded about coming inside when called — curiosity usually wins — and she’ll whine at the window if she spots something interesting outside. (Her foster mom jokes that she misses the sunshine because the curtains stay closed during work hours!)

She’s doing great with her potty training and is almost fully there. Nila isn’t crated because she can escape from them — but she does perfectly fine when left loose in the home. She’ll need a fenced yard where she can safely explore, sniff, and burn off her energy. She’s done well with everyone she’s met and would likely be a good fit for school‑aged kids over 7 who understand gentle interactions.

Nila is selective with dogs — she’s okay with some, unsure about others — so any future dog siblings should meet her slowly to ensure a good match. She hasn’t lived with cats, but she’s very curious about the neighbor’s outdoor cats, so a careful introduction would be needed. With a medium energy level, she enjoys her leashed walks and is a more submissive, easygoing playmate once she feels comfortable.

Nila is looking for a patient, loving family who can give her time to decompress, build confidence, and let her sweet, curious personality shine. She’s a tiny girl with a big heart — ready to find her forever home!

Nila’s Noteworthy Highlights:

3‑year‑old, 7‑lb Chihuahua–Terrier mix with a big, joyful spirit
Gives excited zoomies and happy barks when her human comes home
Expert food‑sniffer with impressive determination (and furniture‑hopping skills)
Loves to snuggle and wiggles her way right beside her person
Curious explorer who sometimes ignores recall when she’s busy investigating
Almost fully potty trained and does great when left loose in the home
Needs a fenced yard to safely burn energy and explore
Good with people and likely best with calm, school‑aged kids 7+
Selective with dogs — slow introductions help her feel comfortable
Medium‑energy, leash‑friendly girl who thrives with patience, routine, and confidence‑building time

Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. to ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!

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 terrier is a spirited and intelligent dog breed known for its feisty personality and boundless energy. Terriers come in various sizes and coat types, but they all share a common heritage as fearless and determined hunters. These dogs are typically highly trainable, making them versatile companions for active individuals and families alike. With their loyalty and playful demeanor, terriers are beloved for their endless enthusiasm and affectionate nature.

CrisisDogsNC is a foster-based, 501 (c) (3) non-profit founded in 2016 by journalist and author Judith Texier, whose magazine articles...