Chinchilla is just theeeee cutest, and his beautiful fur pattern makes him one of a kind. But there's so much more to this handsome older boy than his adorable looks.
Chinchilla came to rescue as a cruelty case after being abandoned in an apartment. When he arrived, he was skinny, scared, and overwhelmed by the shelter environment. He wanted absolutely nothing to do with people and made it very clear that he needed space.
For Chinchilla, trust didn't happen overnight. It came through tiny steps, patience, and having a safe place where he could finally begin to heal. And now? Look at him! This cautious old man has discovered that people can be pretty wonderful after all.
Chinchilla can still be cautious with new people, but when his boundaries are respected, he warms up quickly. Once he trusts you, he absolutely loves pets and attention. He has also developed into a curious little old man who likes to keep an eye on everything happening around him-preferably from the comfort of his favorite kennel or dog bed.
Chinchilla has lived with children ages 2-12 and has done well with them. He especially loves the older girls in the home, ages 8 and 12. His ideal family will include children who understand boundaries and know that Chinchilla needs to be allowed to approach them on his own terms. He is not a dog who wants to be chased, grabbed, or overwhelmed. Rambunctious children would not be a good fit, but respectful kids who can give him space and let him come to them can absolutely earn his trust.
Chinchilla has some basic training and is mostly potty trained. He gets along with other dogs but isn't overly interested in playing with them. He seems like he could do well with cats, although that has not yet been tested.
Chinchilla isn't looking for a home that expects him to be instantly comfortable. He's looking for someone who understands that sometimes the sweetest relationships are the ones you have to earn. Give him a little time, respect his boundaries, and let him discover you at his own pace, and you'll get to see the incredibly loving dog hiding underneath all those cautious first impressions.
After everything Chinchilla has been through, he deserves a soft place to land, a cozy bed, patient people, and a family who will love him exactly as he is.
Chinchilla is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 9/26/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 9am 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. Visit our Foster to Adopt Program page to learn more. 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.
I just joined my foster family and we are still getting acquainted with one another. Once they learn more about me, they will add more information here!
BANANA BREAD *ARRIVING 9/12* D12287
Chihuahua
female, small, adult
Chihuahua
