Chihuahua FAQ
1. How much does a Chihuahua puppy cost?
It depends if you buy from a responsible breeder or not. If you purchase a Chihuahua from a responsible breeder you will pay $700 or more. If you buy from an irresponsible breeder you may pay only $100.
2. What is the average life span of a Chihuahua?
15 years. Chihuahuas are one of the longest living dog breeds.
3. Do Chihuahuas require much exercise?
Because Chihuahuas are so tiny they can get most of their daily exercise requirement by walking and running around inside and in the backyard. But taking him for a walk a couple of times per week, or even everyday, is recommended to keep him extra fit and healthy. He will enjoy it too!
4. Can a Chihuahua live outside?
Chihuahuas are very sensitive to the cold and they crave human love and attention. They are not an outside dog and definitely need to live inside the home.
5. Do they require special food?
No. Chihuahuas can live a long and healthy life by being feed a complete and balanced nutritional commercial dog food.
6. Are Chihuahuas yappy, highly-strung dogs?
Chihuahuas are highly-strung in most social situations. They are very wary of strangers and take their time in getting to know other people. This is probably why they have a reputation of being yappy or highly-strung. However, they are not highly strung with their family at all. They are one of the most loving and loyal dogs when they are in their home with people they know.
7. Are Chihuahuas good with Children?
Yes. If you properly socialize your Chihuahua from a very young age, and ensure that you buy a Chihuahua with sound temperament, they are very gently and loving with children. However, if a rough child unintentionally harms him he may retaliate in defense. After all, would you let someone keep poking you in the eye or pulling your ear without doing anything? So young children should be supervised at all times. And your children should be trained to be extra careful and gentle with him. Also, keep in mind that some breeders will not sell a Chihuahua to someone who has children under 10 years of age.
8. Do Chihuahuas shed very much hair?
Chihuahuas are not one of the highest shedding breeds, but they are not one of the lowest shedding breeds either, they're a medium shedding breed. You will find hair on the lounge and on other items around the home. Chihuahua shed year round, but will shed more heavily once in spring and once in autumn. During these times of more heavy shedding you can step up grooming to reduce the amount hair shed around the home.
9. Are Chihuahuas good for people with allergies?
Some people claim that Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog that don't affect their allergies. But no scientific evidence exists proving this. Usually people with allergies are allergic to the dander (dry skin flakes) and hair which falls of a dog. Chihuahuas are medium shedders, so if you an allergic reaction to these allergens then you might be better off with a very low shedding breed, such as a toy poodle. If you have your heart set on a Chihuahua, but you have allergies, then the best thing to do is to spend some time around Chihuahuas before buying one. Chihuahua breeders will be all to happy to let you spend some time with their litter and the mother so you can tell whether they give you an allergic reaction.
10. Are Chihuahuas social dogs?
Chihuahuas are generally not social dogs. The are breeders who breed Chihuahuas who are social though. Chihuahuas a very wary and cautious of people and dogs they don't know. They may bark, growl, or stay at a distance until they feel comfortable.
11. Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs?
Chihuahuas get along well with other Chihuahuas. If you own two Chis, they will compete for your attention though. They aren't very social with strange dogs.
12. Can you train a Chihuahua?
Yes, you can train your Chihuahua to obey just about any command or perform tricks. However, they are not one of the easiest to train breeds. This means you will have to spend more time with them and have more patience while training them. So in other words, they do not learn as fast as other more easily trained dog breeds, such as a Papillon or German Sheppard for example.
10. What is socializing and why should i socialize my Chihuahua puppy from an early age?
Socialization is the act of introducing your Chihuahua puppy to a wide range of situations so that he is comfortable in them. Dogs need to be socialized from a very early age - especially Chihuahuas. The personality of your Chihuahua will be strongly affected by his interactions or lack of interactions with people, situations, and other dogs when he is a puppy. By socializing your Chihuahua puppy you make him familiar and comfortable with a range of situations so that he does not become fearful of these situations when he grows older - which can result in a range of behavior problems. Socializing is especially important from the time when your puppy is born up until he is 12 weeks old. He needs to be with his mother and litter for at least the first 8 weeks of his life. When you bring your puppy home you should give him a lot of love and attention and introduce him to other dogs, neighbors, friends, sounds, and so forth. You should do this a very non threatening way so that he feels secure but so that he can see that these things are going to be apart of his life. Socializing your puppy will help him to grow up with a sound temperament.
11. Why is my Chihuahua shivering?
A common character trait of Chihuahuas is that they shiver. Chihuahuas usually shiver when they are overly excited, frightened, uncertain, or cold.
12. Is it normal for my Chihuahua to love getting under the covers so much?
Yep! Chihuahuas love to burrow under the blankets. Make sure you always keep a warm blanket in his bed so that he can crawl under to feel safe and comfortable.
13. Do Chihuahuas love the sun?
Chihuahuas love to lay in the sun, the more sun they can get the happier they seem to be. But be careful he doesn't get heatstroke! He may get to much sun for his own good.
14. What is the best collar for my Chihuahua?
The best collar for your Chihuahua when taking him for walks is a body harness. This takes away any stress which pulling on a collar could place on his neck.
15. I've heard Chihuahua make good watch dogs?
Yes, Chihuahuas are very alert and because they are wary of strangers they love to bark at them - especially anyone who enters their turf.
16. Are Chihuahuas sensitive to the cold?
Yes, like all mammals Chihuahuas feel the cold. You should always ensure he has a warm and dry place to sleep and live. If the temperature is really low, then you should purchase a jumper for him to keep him warm around the home or if you take him outside.
17. Should i get a male or a female Chihuahua?
There isn't much difference between the two. Both males and females will give you lots of love and attention and demand lots of love and attention. Males tend to be a litter more rough and aggressive.