Are you thinking of getting a Chihuahua? They are a sought-after small dog breed and it’s probably because of their adorable looks, tiny size, and sweet nature. Apart from their popularity, Chihuahuas could be a good fit if you’re ready to handle some of their special needs. These tiny dogs are prone to injuries and require careful monitoring while playing or jumping off furniture. So, before you bring a Chi home, think about the following pros and cons of owning a Chihuahua.
1. Chihuahuas are Small but Big in Personality
If there’s one standout quality that every Chi owner will agree on, it’s the personality of this breed. While every pooch has its own character, Chihuahuas can be sweet and graceful, but they can also be stubborn and bossy. They don’t allow their tiny size to get in the way, and they’ll quickly take the lead if you don’t provide consistent training. The Chihuahua personality can range from fierce to timid, but what they all have in common is their loyal nature. Chihuahuas love to follow you around and keep you entertained, and their little quirks will leave you in stitches.
2. Chihuahuas are Intelligent and Need Little Exercise
To stop your Chi from ruling the household, they must be trained. Chihuahuas are very smart dogs, but many Chi owners allow them to get away with bad behavior because of their small stature. Chihuahuas tend to have a “big dog” mentality, which can be a problem with other pets, particularly at the dog park. You don’t want your Chi to give all the wrong signals that could potentially lead to a fight around larger dogs.
The good news is that early training and socialization can prevent problems such as shyness and aggression. Most importantly, it encourages them to come when called, walk well on lead, and get along with other dogs. They’re perfect apartment dogs, and they do well with a moderate amount of exercise to keep them stimulated and out of mischief.
3. Chihuahuas are Easy to Maintain
Of course, it’s easier to clean the shedding hair, food bowls, and bedding of Chihuahuas because of their size. This small breed has two coat varieties. The smooth and short coat requires minimal grooming, while the long-haired Chi needs regular trimming around their legs and paws to prevent matting. You’ll have to keep their claws trimmed to avoid overgrown nails that would make it hard for them to walk. Outdoor activities on hard or rough surfaces should help to keep their nails short. Cleaning up after these tiny dogs is a breeze; just make sure you train them to potty outside!
4. Chihuahuas Have a Long Lifespan
When you introduce a dog to your home, you want a companion to share many years of your life with. We know that dogs don’t have very long lifespans; however, the Chihuahua has a life expectancy of more than 15 years. Astonishingly, a Chi mix by the name of Spike has surpassed 23 golden years as of 2022 and is recognized as the world’s oldest dog. It might surprise you that Chihuahuas can reach such a ripe old age but remember that you will be responsible for their care. Be prepared for the longer lifespan of the Chihuahua in terms of keeping them comfortable should they develop arthritis, declining eyesight, or dental disease.
5. Chihuahuas are Tiny and Fragile
Now that we’ve looked at a few pros of owning a Chihuahua, it’s time to consider the limitations associated with this breed. Their miniature stature makes them easier to pick up out of convenience, and they’re not a high-maintenance dog breed, provided you make provisions for their size. Chihuahuas are more prone to injuries than disease. They may be stepped on or leap off high furniture, resulting in a fracture or broken leg. These little dogs can suffer from concussions should objects fall on their heads or they’re accidentally dropped on a hard surface.
Many Chi owners have lost their tiny puppies to hawks and owls. If you have these aerial predators in your area, only allow puppies to play under a shelter where they can’t be caught. They’ll need monitoring while playing with other dogs or when handled by children because they get hurt very easily. If you’re prepared to keep a close eye on their activities and how they’re handled, you could be ready to bring a Chihuahua home.
6. Chihuahuas are Excessive Barkers
If there’s one bad behavior that this little breed is known for, it’s non-stop barking! When Chihuahuas bark excessively, it might be a sign of boredom, but it could also be connected to a health issue. Some dogs will start barking because they’re in some type of physical discomfort. Others will whine and woof when you leave the house because they’re experiencing symptoms of separation anxiety.
But once they’re given the all-clear by their vet, increase their exercise and introduce dog toys to keep them busy. These are ways of addressing pent-up energy that could be the root cause of the problem. Don’t be afraid to be firm either. As soon as they bark for no reason, stop them with a firm “no” or “stop.”
7. Bad Habits Can Develop Quickly
We know that Chihuahuas are intelligent, but they’re also stubborn and tend to pick up bad habits quickly. From constant barking and growling to nipping and using your home as their potty, it’s tough to get them to unlearn bad habits. Some find them incredibly hard to train as adult dogs, but all it takes is perseverance and consistency. Don’t allow their cuteness to get in the way of rules, boundaries, and structure in your home. Even these tiny tyrants are happier and more balanced when they live by a set of rules.
Chihuahuas can be a joy because they’re more affordable to care for than large dogs, and they have endless love to give. On the downside, they need supervision during playtime and adjustments to furniture to stop them from leaping off and risking an injury. Overall, a well-trained Chi and a prepared owner make for an incredible match based on love, trust, and loyalty.
