Chihuahua

Coat & Grooming: Chihuahuas are great companions because you don’t have to do a lot of hard work to keep them happy and healthy. They need similar care to other dogs: brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and teeth cleaning. Dental treats and chew toys can help keep their teeth clean and gums healthy. The long-haired Chihuahuas need more care than their short-haired cousins, but these are not labor-intensive pets by any means.

Coat length: Various
Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: Chihuahuas shed twice yearly during spring and winter. Some believe that the long-haired variety sheds more than the short-haired one, but others say that individual genetics plays a much bigger role. The best defense against a shedding Chihuahua is regular brushing. No matter what variety of Chihuahua you have, it’s important to keep their coat in good shape with brushing and bathing on a consistent schedule.

Training: Chihuahuas are not difficult to train, although some owners report difficulties with house training. They are sassy and stubborn if you give them the opportunity, but these little dogs are smart and ready to learn under the right circumstances. Most training guides recommend a focus on positive reinforcement such as treats and milk bones and other valuable educational tools. They also suggest you keep your training sessions limited to 15 minutes at a time. This technique helps to keep your dog focused and interested in learning. Don’t wear them out or you’ll risk losing your training progress for the day! Professional obedience training for young Chihuahuas is practically a must.

Barking: These sassy dogs aren’t afraid to speak out when they feel the need. The best time to start training to minimize barking is early in the life of a Chihuahua. As they grow old and set in their ways, it’s difficult to correct their excessive barking later in life. Barking is a common problem for many Chihuahua owners. Many Chihuahuas will bark at strangers and visitors to the front door, but some owners report their dogs barking at televisions, brooms, stereos, and inanimate objects. Too much barking is a nuisance for everyone, so you should consider the age and temperament of any Chihuahua that you might want to bring into your quiet neighborhood.

Temperament & Behavior: Chihuahuas are alert and energetic most of the time. They have an air of self-confidence despite their tiny size. Don’t tell a Chihuahua that he’s short – he doesn’t know his height. With lots of confidence and a protective demeanor, Chihuahuas may choose one person in the household to protect 24/7 as a guard dog. They love to make dens and bury themselves in blankets and pillows. If you own Chihuahuas, you’ll often find them tucking into your covers at the bottom of the bed. They like the feeling of a deep, dark, and warm place to relax.

Behavior with Kids: This breed is really not ideal for families with young children. They need supervision not only because the Chihuahua is small and frail, but also this breed can be a little too protective when it comes to meeting new acquaintances. If you have older, more responsible children, Chihuahuas can make great pets as long as everyone plays by the rules.

Protection: Chihuahuas are territorial and will try to protect their home despite their diminutive size. They are highly alert and will often bark at the presence of strangers. Don’t let their small size fool you. Chihuahuas are proud, loyal, and ready for action.

Life Span: Typically, Chihuahuas live to be about 15-20 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: Chihuahuas are known to have certain genetic diseases. Make sure that you discuss genetic testing with any breeder you are considering buying a puppy from in order to feel more confident that the puppy that you buy comes from a pair that has been tested to see which genetic problems they might pass on.

These are some of the most common health conditions in Chihuahuas: pulmonic stenosis, cancer, atlantoaxial subluxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, corneal dystrophy, urinary stones, cryptorchidism, dystocia and tracheal collapse.

Preventive Care: Being overweight can have devastating consequences for tiny dogs like the Chihuahua. Always monitor weight closely, and visit the vet for regular weigh-ins to make sure your Chihuahua is staying at an appropriate weight. Your veterinarian can help you determine what that means for your individual dog.

Every dog deserves high quality, consistent preventive care to ensure that he lives a long and happy life. Click here to understand exactly what is recommended for keeping your dog healthy, from puppyhood to senior living!

Because Chihuahuas may be prone to urinary stones, always make sure to have plenty of fresh water available. Feed a good quality small breed dog food, and keep a close eye on portion size. Remember that treats have calories too!

Daily Consumption: An adult Chihuahua eats ¼ to ¾ cup of dry food per day

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: One thing that you should know about Chihuahuas is they love to sleep. Adults can sleep up to 15 hours a day. They love to nap, whether it’s lying in the sun or cuddling into your lap. They demand love as well as give out affection with people in their inner circle. Some exercise is good, but don’t overdo it.

Chihuahuas don’t need a lot of exercise. They are typically very animated but don’t need a big backyard or long sessions in the dog park to stay in shape. Chihuahuas will run and play around, but they don’t do well with rough play or too much manhandling. Keep them away from small children to avoid injuries to their fragile frame. They are easy to keep clean and don’t require a lot of maintenance overall.

Climate: Chihuahuas are sun loving Mexican dogs that don’t shy away from a little beach time. Like lizards, you can often find a Chihuahua sitting in the sun, catching the rays. They don’t do well in the cold since they are low to the ground and don’t have much natural protection from low temperatures.

Living space: Chihuahuas are small dogs that don’t require a lot of space or exercise. While they are perfectly suited to a small apartment, they do need regular exercise and fresh air to promote health and happiness. They like to bark, so make sure you have understanding neighbors and permission to keep dogs in your building.