The smallest breed of dog, the Chihuahua is a playful and loyal companion. Don’t underestimate this dog’s capabilities because of their size. They can compete with other dogs in terms of agility, endurance, and speed.
Are Chihuahuas Good Family Dogs?
Chihuahua Personality:
- Curious and alert
- Active and lively
- Makes a good watchdog
- Good for families with small kids
The American Kennel Club describes the Chihuahua as:
“Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that come in many different colors and markings and can have either long or short coats, but they all have large, alert ears, big moist eyes, and huge personalities. Inside each little Chihuahua is a miniature king or queen ready to rule their realms, so they need to be taught what is acceptable in human kingdoms. They are intelligent and enthusiastic, so they usually don’t need extensive training.”
Lively, courageous, active, and alert, the Chihuahua is the perfect family dog. Despite their small size, the Chihuahua can easily cope with other dogs. They might look postured when faced with a larger dog, barking their hearts out. However, they get along pretty well with other dogs, their humans, and even other Chihuahuas.
Some Chihuahuas, however, are shy and timid while others are curious and loud. The good thing is, they’re extremely loyal to their human family. For those who love dressing up their dogs, Chihuahuas can tolerate being dressed up, especially when it’s cold during the winter season.
Often described as terrier-like, their alert nature and suspicion of strangers make them a good watchdog. In fact, when you meet a Chihuahua for the first time, they might seem mean. This only means they’re quite protective of their family.
With their small size, Chihuahuas are ideal for apartment living and for first-time dog owners.
Size & Color:
- Smallest dog breed
- Has many varieties and colors
- Two-coat lengths
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed weighing just about 1.5 to 3 kilograms and stands at approximately 15 to 23 centimeters.
There are six types of Chihuahuas:
- Smooth-coat
- Long-coat
- Apple Head
- Deer Head
- Teacup
The Smooth-coat Chihuahua is the short-hair variety of their dog breed. It’s the other officially recognized variety of Chihuahuas. They come in various color combinations like:
- Chocolate
- Fawn
- Black
- White
- Brown
- Cream
- Gold
The Long-coat Chihuahua has long hair, which makes them look more like a Collie. Their coat is long and it also comes in the same varieties of colors. The Apple Head has a head that resembles the shape of an apple and the Deer Head Chihuahua’s shape is like that of a deer. A Teacup Chihuahua, meanwhile, is used to describe a Chihuahua that is very small.
Health:
- Need exercise and mental stimulation
- High energy
- Prone to patella and heart problems
- Prone to shivering in the cold
Just like any active and playful dog breed, the Chihuahua needs much exercise and mental stimulation. Walks in the park, playing fetch, and running around are the ideal activities you could let your dog do. Since they have high energy, let them be active! This will prevent your dog being grumpy.
When it’s cold, it’s important to put your dog in a sweater, especially when going out of the house. Chihuahuas do not tolerate the cold that much.
Like any other dog breeds, a Chihuahua is at a greater risk of developing certain genetic health conditions. However, the most common ones they might have are patella dislocation and heart problems. They are also prone to having obesity, teeth or gum problems, hypoglycemia, and hydrocephalus.
Feeding A Chihuahua:
Chihuahuas are prone to being overweight and obese so it’s important to feed your pet accordingly. The amount of food you give your dog depends on their weight and age. Puppies, which are six months and below, need to be fed three to four times a day. Puppies need plenty of calcium, protein, and calories.
When a Chihuahua is older than six months, you should feed your dog about 2-3 times a day. An adult Chihuahua needs to be fed about just two times a day. This will prevent overeating which can eventually lead to obesity.
RELATED: 7 Essential Dog Diet Tips To Keep Your Furry Friend Healthy
The Lifespan Of A Chihuahua:
A Chihuahua is among the dog breeds that can live long, up to 20 years. Generally, small dog breeds like the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire terrier live longer than medium and large-breed dogs. The factors that most likely can impact the lifespan of your dog are diet, weight, healthcare, genetics, neutering, activity levels, vaccines, and oral care.
Chihuahua Grooming:
- Wash-and-go dog
- Sheds small amounts
- Regular brushing
The Chihuahua breed is one of the dogs that do not need much grooming. They are considered a wash-and-go dog because you don’t need to do much to keep them looking their best. They shed small amounts all year round but tend to shed a little more during the spring or fall.
With regular brushing, your dog shouldn’t need baths more than every month or two. The long-haired type may need more baths and brushing.
Just like any other dog, cleaning the ears and trimming the nails are also necessary when taking care of Chihuahuas.
Price Of A Chihuahua Puppy:
Normally, a Chihuahua puppy is priced between $400 and $1,200, with most puppies sold at $500 to $800. There are many factors that affect the price of a puppy such as disposition, size, sex, and intelligence.
History Of A Chihuahua:
Known to have originated in Mexico in 1800s, the Chihuahua has a pretty long history. Though its exact origin is still unclear, it is said that the Chihuahua descended from the Techichi, a dog of the Toltec civilization in Mexico. Today, they are one of the most loved small dog pets in many households.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that the Chihuahua has one of the largest color combinations of any breed and one of the oldest registered dog breeds? There are 30 AKC recognized colors and 11 markings.
Know more about the Chihuahua breed in this video by the Animal Planet:
When you’re looking for a great and loyal companion, with moderate grooming needs that fit sin your tiny apartment, the Chihuahua is a great option. They are the smallest breed but can get along with almost anyone, though they can be a little mean to the people they first meet. It’s important to make sure you choose based on the guidelines we’re provided, and we hope this will help you decide on getting a Chihuahua.
What are the other dog breeds you considering to get? Please share us your reasons why in the comments section below!
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