is the chihuahua the right pet for you?
the chihuahua, with its apple-head skull and large luminous eyes, can wear a remarkably human expression at times and will want to be with you most, if not all of the time.
warning: don’t buy a chihuahua if you don’t have the emotional real estate in your heart or the time for the complete love and attention of this furry little pet. they are like children.
chihuahuas can be smooth coat or long coat, apple head or dear head, blue coat or merle coat, there is no chihuahua breed standard distinction made between the two in the united states since both smooth coat and long coat can occur in a litter. experienced chihuahua owners say that each dog of this breed has their own unique personality; this is a very individualistic breed.
a few generalizations can be made. chihuahuas are graceful, energetic, and swift-moving canines. they have often been described as having “terrier-like” qualities; that is, the qualities of being alert, observant, and keen on interacting with their masters. they are extremely loyal and get attached to one or two persons.
these tiny and sometimes teacup size dogs are certainly unaware of their diminutive stature: they can be bold with other dogs much larger than themselves, and protective of their masters. they are fiercely loyal to their masters and wary of any strangers or new guests introduced into the household, which the chihuahua considers to be its personal domain. for these reasons, chihuahuas make good watch dogs (not guard dogs!).
the chihuahua needs a great deal of human contact: touching, petting, and general attention. if the chihuahua does not get this, she or he will use various attention-getting tricks until you give her/him attention. like using paws to lightly scratch the hand, a signal that says, “pet me now!” some owners who have had other, more independent breeds may find the chihuahua too needy. however, they give a lot of love and affection in return for your care.
keeping more than one chihuahua can greatly ease the dog’s stress when left alone each day if the owner works. they will compete for your attention when you get home though. because they are by nature gentle, loyal, and sweet-tempered, chihuahuas are ideal for single people, the elderly, the handicapped, and shut-ins.
chihuahuas will keep you company for hours by lying on your lap or beside your torso if in bed, and treat you like royalty. no one with a chihuahua in their household will ever be truly alone. they are quite happy in apartments, as long as there is enough to play with and explore.
opinions differ on how to bathe a chihuahua. some say that bathing too often removes the natural oils from the coat, and thus dandruff will result and the coat will look dull. others say that shampooing on occasion with certain brands of shampoo can actually enhance the sheen of the coat. chihuahuas should be bathed at least twice a month, otherwise they develop an unpleasant smell. this is actually due to the skin cells that humans sloth off onto the chihuahua! so humans are the main contributors to that smell that can develop.
when bathing, take care not to get water into their ears, as an infection can develop. you will need to trim their nails at least once a month too. on the smaller dogs, cat claw trimmers can be used. it’s good to start a nail trimming routine early on so that your dog becomes accustomed to your handling its paws not to mention getting used to the clippers. owners should also be aware that chihuahuas are prone to knee problems like luxating patellas or “weak knees.” this can occur as they get older. if it causes difficulty in walking, take your dog to the vet.
if a chihuahua pup has its american kennel club official certificate papers, a new pup can run up to $600.00. the papers (which the breeder provides) mean that the parents of your chihuahua pup is registered with the akc and that the puppy is registrable.
additionally, some chihuahua breeders provide pedigree papers which trace the family history beyond the immediate parents. these papers are vital if you plan to enter your new dog into exhibitions and competitions. these certificates and papers ensure that the dog is a purebred; however, just because a dog has papers, doesn’t mean it is any more special than a pup bought from a friend.
toy breeds live the longest of any size dog. expect a life-span of 11-18 years.
when buying a leash for your chihuahua, remember that its neck is rather small and delicate compared to other dog’s necks. you cannot (and, indeed, should not) yank your dog around by the leash. a body-harness for small dogs is recommended for two reasons: safety and comfort. if fitted right, it will give your pet a secure and comfortable walk, and harnesses also ensure your dog cannot run into traffic or a bigger creature.
chihuahuas also prefer several small meals per day, rather than one big meal. they are high-strung dogs. “high-strung” can be defined as: barks easily, does not adapt easily to change in environment, is suspicious of strangers and will growl at them, and flips in circles and jumps around when excited (like when you come home after a five-minute absence, for instance). your friends will see the worst side of them and never believe you when you tell them that your little buddy is really a gentle, sweet-natured dog.
are chihuahuas good with children?
generally, no. however if you socialize them with children at an early age, chihuahuas will go out of their way to love, protect and accept children.
do chihuahuas need clothing?
owners must be very sensitive to the fact that short-haired chihuahuas, and even long-haired ones, are vulnerable to the cold. in temperatures of 35-40 degrees fahrenheit, it is recommended that you dress your chihuahua in a warm dog sweater for brief walks. walking your chihuahua in temperatures below 35 degrees fahrenheit is strongly discouraged, especially when there is a wind-chill factor.
in this, as in other aspects of dog maintenance, keep your dogs’ health top priority, not your own desire. it is a characteristic of the chihuahua to prefer to sleep under a cloth or blanket. they will even get under pillows in order to feel snug. if you are raising a pup, be sure to provide them with a soft towel or blanket in their sleeping area so they can burrow underneath it. don’t be surprised if your chihuahua scrambles under your blankets at night, even though your house or apartment may not be particularly cold.
chihuahuas are quite the sun-worshipers. they prefer to bask in the sun for hours and have been known to lie in a spot of sun no larger than the size of a half-dollar! unfortunately, they are not sensible in this regard and will stay in the sun even when panting begins.
watching your chihuahua in hot weather to be sure that they don’t suffer from heat stroke is a genuine chihuahua health concern. chihuahuas do shiver when they’re cold, but they also shiver when they are wary, excited, unhappy, or frightened. this is a result of having a high metabolism, and is a normal characteristic of this breed.
the amazing ebook, caring for chihuahuas made easy, breed information, health care and nutrition teaches you about chihuahua ownership and shows you how to properly care for such a small dog! every chihuahua owner should have it!
below is a sample page from the section on chihuahua facts!
make your chihuahua famous! send us your chihuahua picture!
Comments 164
I have 7 chihuahuas at home and I want to know how to make my aunts chihuahua stop attacking my doggy
My chihuahua had baby’s on the 17 what can i do to care for them and the mom aka foxy
My Fuzz was a great friend. He obeyed me we had a great time. Then I got a roommate and it is all bad now. I told my roommate over and over and over how to disapplane Fuzz she never would, I always had to be the bad guy. I got tired of being the bad guy and said I’ll let her handle it. Biggest mistake I ever made!!!! Now Fuzz tries to bite me when I try to correct . He is protective of my roommate and snaps at me if I go near her. I lost my dog. I don’t have money to take him to any kind of classes. She is getting ready to go back with her husband. I told her she should take Fuzz , she said she doesn’t want her chihuahua getting any bad habbits. I want my dog back. He is only 8 months, I had him for 6. I love my Fuzz so much… Him fighting with me for leadership is breaking my heart!!!!! Does anyone know what I an do? Please any advice!!!!
Thank you.
I’d say this article is right on target. My chi and I have been together for all of his 6 years and he is the the most perfect thing in my life. He is a little big for a chi at about 8lbs, but has long red hair and the most adorable, expressive face. Most of my friends have been surprised at just how chill he is, after he gets his mandatory few growls in! He never barks unless someone is at the door and only occasionally when he’s excited that I’m home from work. I tend to be a homebody on the weekends and he just lays next to me on the couch with his head on my lap while we catch up on our television shows (Grey’s Anatomy is his favorite. I’ve caught him actually watching it more than a few times.) When we go for walks, it’s hars to get him to come back inside, especially if it’s sunny and warm. Surprisingly enough, he loves the snow in the winter. I usually have to pick him up, shivering, to get him back inside. Since he refuses booties, I try to limit him to the time it takes to potty plus an occasional extra couple minutes to frolic. He loves to sleep under the covers, right up next to me year round. He sure does keep my feet warm in the winter! I never thought of myself to be a small dog guy until I fell in love with my little guy. He’s my whole world and he just loves me so much. I can’t imagine my life without him.
My chi keeps losing her hair on her back she also has little bumps on her head she is a teacup chi so is this normal for her breed
I have a Chi and her name is Pooka short for Pochahantas. She is the best dog I have
ever had. I have had many but Pooka came to me on mothers day and has been with
me everyday and night since. She is very close to me and watches me constantly. She also is a great watch dog. Doesnt bark a lot though just when someone comes to the door. She doesn’t seem to like children but wouldn’t hurt them just stays away from them. Doesn’t like other dogs to go near me, she thinks I belong to her. Yes, she does get tears in her eyes when she is upset with me. I couldn’t want for a better dog. She is everything to me.
I have a 3 year old chihuahua and he is having behavior problems.He had bitten our family in different occasions.What should I do?
I have two chi’s they are sisters from the same liter. My husband and I adore them. We received them right after they were weened from mommy. They are a joy to be around. They are very protective of me and they love to travel. The thing I love most about them is the fact that they know when I’m sick and they make sure daddy knows. They are very loving. They just turned 8 on August 24,2015. They love to lick a lot. They are both bed hogs though. Tinker bell is a long hair chi and her sister Southernbelle is a short hair chi. Their mommy had three in the liter. Southernbelle was first then there was a boy who only lived two days then Tinkerbell who is the runt of the liter. When we first got them they would have to be touching each other to sleep and now they don’t sleep touching each other but they do have to be touching me. I’m so glad that I was able to get the girls because they have helped me get through some tough times in my life. I wasn’t allowed to have a dog growing up and I can’t have cats cause of my allergies. I would not trade these girls for anything especially since I can’t have children. So I get to spoil them instead. They are sisters but they are both different as far as attitudes and actions. They have very different personalities about them. Southernbelle is the friendliest and Tinkerbell is my protector. I do have one question though I noticed that a lot of chihuahuas like to sleep with part of their tongue hanging out what’s that about???
I was never much of a dog person, though my sister has a dog I always loved. Then I inherited a young chi from a friend who became ill and I just love the little guy. He’s very well trained and affectionate. Now I am that person who coos endlessly over my dog and will do anything to make sure he is safe and happy. He gives me so much love and companionship. And being such a small dog he’s like my other baby. If you get a great chi it’s a gift.
I was very reluctant to get a Chi as I always had larger dogs. But to put it mildly, my Chi (Layla) is the best investment I have ever made as far as pets go. And my boyfriend, who was not a pet lover to begin with, has fallen in love with her and she to him. Sometimes I feel left out of the picture. But she is our baby and we treat her as such. She has been like therapy to us and has helped us to overcome some of the problems we have had in our pasts. She is very protective of both of us.
My current long hair is Sadie. Rescued at 6 mo & is now 6 yrs. Typical chi. Barky, territorial, spoiled. Always ravinous and inhales her food. Very vocal for my attention. Hates riding in vehicles. Doesn’t like strangers or other dogs initally. Has started relieving herself indoors instead of asking to go out so I’m being challenged with paying closer attention to her. In short, she can be a royal pain. So why do I love her so much unconditionally? She is so beautiful, funny beyond words, a great snuggler, listens to all my woes, trusting and loves me back unconditionally. I can go on & on. Suffice to say her shortcomings are my fault not hers and since its said we’re never to old to learn we are both working on making each other better. What a fun trip its been with her & I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
I finally got the OK to have a dog in my condo. I went to a rescue I have used for my cats and they showed me this little chi shaking and scared and I went to the things I had heard about chi’s and was a little hesitant. I try to adopt “older” dogs because everyone wants the puppies, I prefer the one who are at least house trained! I saw a couple others but they were telling me about him and how he was with a family from a pup and at seven years they couldn’t takecare of him anymore so sad, how could I say no. I kept thinking about the barking, biting, aggressive behaviors I had been told the breed has and they convinced me to give him a try. I did and I am madly in love, he is the sweetest most affectionate well behaved dog I have ever had. He rarely barks, has an major bladder, not one single mistake, loves to play but is just as happy sleeping on my lap for hours. I cannot tell you what a surprise this was to me. I’m sure he is somewhat an exception but I’m thinking of getting him a little friend. He is the perfect companion, I have had many dogs in my life, I am 67 and always had a dog so that’s a lot of incredible dogs but he is the best of all in every way!!!
My chihauhua growls and snaps at my husband whenever he is affectionate towards me especially when he kisses me goodbye and kisses me upon his return. During the rest of the time she loves him to death. Is there something i can do to stop this behavior?
I have a long and short hair chihuahua. i agree with most of the article. But my girls show no sign of distress with cold weather. They jump out the door to do their business even when below zero with no indication it bothers them. but I don’t let them stay out very long, it bothers me more than them. they are fabulous companions.
I have had chihuahua’s since I was a kid. I currently have 4 while my parents have 3. Mine are 2 that are nearly 13 (next month), 1 who is 10 and another who is 3. They are all good with my granddaughter (4). However 1 prefers to stay away. They have different personalities. They do require teeth brushing, we get teeth cleaning once a year and it is not enough. They are very clingy, but soooo loving. They are the best dogs, but require a lifetime commitment. They will give you a lifetime of love. I wouldn’t have my life any other way.
hi my pupu is 3 wks old and is weezing and seem to be hving problem breathing n crying.i gave it a drop of pain medication she stop crying.should she have any antibiotics for this?
I have 3-Chi’s and they love children. It is not fair to make such statements about these lovable dogs!
Very interesting column. I have had two chi’s, and both have been as advertised. Do not have a chi if you do not have patience, and can’t share EVERY activity, including bathroom visits.
I don’t know what I would do, if I couldn’t have my chihuahua.
Does anyone know the best way to get rid of the circles around my white chihuahua’s eyes?
WE HAVE A 15 MONTH FEMALE CHI, WHO HAS JUST HAD 3 MALE PUPS, HER LITTLE FACE / HEAD HAS CHANGED COLOR DRAMATICALLY, IS THIS NORNMAL? OR IS SHE VITAMIN DEFICIENT ? APPRECIATE INPUT SOONEST
bRENDON
i have a 15 month old female chi, who has just had a litter of 5 pups and her face / head has changed color, not really grey but very very light tan, is this normal ? or is she vitamin deficient…suggestions welcome.
THANK YOU
bRENDON
I just finished reading your article, and really enjoyed it, thank you. You can see some fun Chihuahua dog books at http://www.fun2readbooks.com where you can also hear the dog stories for the same price as a paperback book, and they are fun to listen too.
I LOVE MY LITTLE TURD BUTT SO MUCH. DONT WORRY HER NAME IS SOPHIE BUT I CALL HER TURD butt SOMETIMES. SHE’S SLEEPING ON ME AS I TYPE THIS. DONT FART OR CRAP ON ME TURD BUTT!
I have a chihuahua. She is 4 yrs old now and I got her when she was just a baby. she is my little girl, and she loves my 3 boys too. My best friend has her sister and so they get to play and be with each other regularly. They love each other so much. She enhances my life in every way. She sleeps in my bed with me. She loves r
To snuggle and give kisses. We spoil her and she loves every minute. She is very healthy so we look forward to having her with us for a very long time. Her name is zoe and we call her zozo lol. Love her with all my heart!
We absolutely adore our chi’s! Our first chi, waggers was adopted from our local vet. 9 years ago. He is a apple head chi and is our whole world! His characteristics fit all the above article. I never thought to do any research on his shivering, I just knew they shivered for various reasons. I was more interested in his licking and crying. I think he set a record licking my sons arm for, like 297 licks! Lol! We thought it was just him. I never knew a chi to lick like that. We had one growing up and that’s something I or we never noticed. And crying goodness gracious, it’s the sweetest thing. I never knew them to cry. Waggers went everywhere with me he loved going to his mema’s house ( my mommy’s) and the first time I noticed his tears were when we were leaving and he’d hide under the table not wanting to leave. I’d scoop him up and mommy would walk us to the car, guaranteeing him he will come back. That is when I first noticed him crying. Awe my mommy couldn’t believe it either. It was the sweetest thing ever!! We had always contemplated getting another but was always concerned about how waggers would react to not being the only one, because of his sensitive feelings, lol. Well, My mommy passed in April 2012 with a massive heart attack. dealing with my loss and the emotions that go with it, my fiancé thought it would be good therapy for me to have another chi. So for Christmas he surprised me with a deer head chi, we named her Molly. She has been the best therapy for me in dealing with my loss! When Molly turned 1 last Christmas I noticed the perfect shape heart on her chest when she sits, it’s just the way her hair lines up but kid you not it’s a perfect heart! It was meant to be that Molly came into my life! Guess what, she too is a licker and crier. Lol! As far as waggers taking to her, it took just a little while, and before I knew it they were/are best buds!! I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world!! They are the perfect lap dogs, very loving, very territorial, the best bed buddies. However my two are not very fond of children.