Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Maxwell — A Spicy, Smart, Loyal 9-Year-Old Chihuahua Looking for His Perfect Match 💛
Maxwell came to us after spending his entire life with his original owner, and this little guy carries nine years of habits, routines, and personality. He has made HUGE progress in foster care — but he is only thriving because his foster parents have set very specific expectations and boundaries. To keep Maxwell safe, comfortable, and successful, we are looking for a home that can meet all of the following requirements:
Before You Apply, Please Make Sure You Meet Every One of These:
1. Adult-Only Home (No Plans for Kids)
Maxwell needs a predictable environment with adults who understand dog body language. Sudden movements and fast hands can scare him, and he communicates fear by growling or showing teeth. His foster parents took introductions very slowly, and once he trusted them, he blossomed. Kids would be unsafe for Max — and Max would be unsafe for kids — so an adult-only home is a must.
2. Someone Home Most of the Day
Maxwell struggles when left alone for long periods and becomes sad and anxious when his people are gone more than half a day. He is perfect for someone retired, stay-at-home, or working remotely. A traditional 9–5 schedule outside the home will not be a match for him.
3. A Quiet Home Without Lots of Visitors
Maxwell loves his people deeply once he knows them — but new people are overwhelming for him. He prefers a stable, calm household where he isn’t constantly meeting strangers. If your home is peaceful and predictable, he will absolutely thrive.
4. Only Pet or Very Slow Intro to a Very Small Dog
Maxwell wants to be the only pet in the home. He isn’t good with cats, and larger dogs scare him. A tiny, similar-sized dog might be possible with very slow integration over weeks to months, but he cannot safely live with medium or large dogs.
5. A Confident, Experienced Dog Owner
Maxwell is incredibly smart and responds beautifully to clear structure. He is improving every day with a consistent routine, firm boundaries, and someone who knows when to say “no” gently but confidently. He has already learned new skills in foster — including not snapping when his foster parents hug — and his progress has been amazing. With the right guidance, he will continue thriving.
6. Patient Potty-Training Support
Maxwell is about 90% potty trained! He always pees outside and is still working on consistently pooping outside. He is kennel trained, which helps prevent accidents, and with continued consistency he should continue to improve.
If You Meet All Those Requirements… Keep Reading, Because Maxwell Is Truly a Gem.
Maxwell is a tiny dog with a HUGE heart. He chooses one special person — usually the most confident, structured adult — as his person, and once he does, he is endlessly loyal, affectionate, and devoted. He also enjoys the other humans in the home, but he will attach deeply to his chosen human.
He loves snuggling, scratches, burrowing under the covers, and carrying around big dog toys and tennis balls… sometimes to chew, sometimes to use as hilarious little back scratchers. If he starts guarding toys, his foster parents simply remove them — he adjusts quickly.
Maxwell is active for a senior and benefits from at least a short daily walk. He is very reactive on walks and will bark at every person and dog he sees, so quieter walking times are ideal. He is highly trainable and eager to please — he just needs someone who won’t let him practice bad habits.
Maxwell isn’t a “casual pet.” He’s a relationship dog — one who rewards patience, structure, and understanding with immense loyalty and love. Experienced Chihuahua owners will adore him and appreciate every quirky, spicy, hilarious part of who he is.
If you’re looking for a tiny companion with a big personality and even bigger love to give, Maxwell might just be your perfect match. 💛
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If you’re interested in adopting, please apply online at mscrescue.org/adopt. An approved application is required before we can schedule a meet & greet. Once approved, we’ll work with you to ensure it’s a great fit—and if it’s not, no worries! We’ll help you find the right match.
All of our dogs are adoption-ready and come:
•️ Spayed or neutered
•️ Heartworm tested
•️ Dewormed
•️ Up-to-date on prevention medications
•️ Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines
•️ Microchipped
•️ With a coupon for a free Simply Dub collar from Dubdog Designs
