One of the unique and most loved dog breeds is Chihuahua. They, as pets, are comical, entertaining, expressive, and loyal little dogs. The cute little pet will burrow under blankets, dance on their hind legs, wave their paws in the air, and lick everything in sight.
Small and mighty is the most accurate way to describe Chihuahuas. These petite pups have larger-than-life personalities. This dog breed is the perfect pet choice for those who live in small apartments and do not have big backyard spaces.
Chihuahuas are extremely variable, and you will find two different extreme moods in different individuals. The tiny pets are either lively or placid, bold or timid, feisty or mellow, confident or nervous, stubborn or eager to please. If you are making up your mind to get a Chihuahua as your new pet, hold on and explore more about this animal first.
Diving deep will make you realize that there are both pros and cons to pet parenting in Chihuahua. Depending on your scenario, you can analyze whether or not it is a good pet choice for your home. To make your analysis easier, we have listed down Chihuahua pros and cons, which will help you make the right decision. Let’s dive in to uncover the details.
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Chihuahua Pros And Cons
Chihuahuas are the 33rd most popular dog breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. These toy-sized dogs make great companion pets and watchdogs, but they’re not without some potential issues.
Chihuahuas can trace their origins back to Mexico, even though they’re popular dogs worldwide in the 21st century. They are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder and have a weight of 3 to 6 pounds. The majority of the Chihuahua enjoy a life span of 10 to 18 years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small size | Fragile and delicate |
| Low exercise requirements | Can be happy and bark excessively |
| Portable and easy to travel with | Prone to certain health issues |
| Affectionate and loyal | Requires early socialization and training |
| Suitable for apartment living | May be wary or aggressive towards strangers |
Chihuahua Pros
Dogs, in general, are well known for their loyalty. Chihuahuas take a long time to become attached to their dog owners, but once they get attached, they are not going anywhere. Chihuahuas are little but these Mexican dogs are loyal.
The little pet is smart and can learn not just obedience commands but also may be a great trick dog. They do benefit from early training and socialization. They are easy to pick up and come in different coats and colors.
They don’t need much exercise and cherish warm, sunny weather. The little pet usually lives a long time and doesn’t need much room to get out all of their zoomies. It is an ideal pet for those living in an apartment. They can be fantastic watch dogs because they’re usually alert to movements and sounds outside the home.
Both coat styles are fairly easy to maintain, but smooth-coated Chihuahuas are even easier than the long hair varieties, which may require more frequent trips to the groomer. Chihuahuas grow to a size between five and eight inches, while these Mexican dogs can weigh up to six pounds.
Chihuahua Disadvantages
The little pet is physically fragile and demands continuous supervision and monitoring. Chihuahuas are prone to some breed-specific health issues. These can include epilepsy, mitral valve disease, and patella luxation.
The little pet is labeled among noisy dogs because they bark a lot. To prevent the barking from becoming bothersome, make sure your dog is getting enough attention, as well as mental and physical stimulation.
They’re small dogs with huge personalities, which can prove challenging to dog owners sometimes. This dog breed has a reputation for being sassy characters. Chihuahuas don’t do well in cold temperatures, which can often lead to these Mexican dogs shaking or trembling. This is a relatively delicate breed of dog that isn’t accustomed to being poked or roughhoused.
Who Should Own A Chihuahua
If you live alone in a small apartment and would like to pamper a delicate dog breed, then Chihuahua is the perfect pet choice for you. They are prone to barking and will not let you feel lonely as your house will keep sounding with their strong bark.
You will stay engaged as they demand continuous monitoring and are quite sensitive when it comes to handling and grooming. But they are easy to groom and very adaptive, too. You can easily train them according to your mood and living style.
Who Should Not Own A Chihuahua
If you can’t monitor your pet continuously and can’t ensure proper handling, then this dog breed is not a good choice for you. If you have children in your home then you should avoid pet-parenting a Chihuahua.
This dog breed is prone to several diseases and can cause great distress in your home. They are also quite noisy and prone to barking, which destroys the peaceful decorum of your living space.
Chihuahua Quiz
Is a Chihuahua Right for Me?
Chihuahua Owners Personal Experiences
Below listed are the top two reviews of the community members sharing their experience of living with a Chihuahua in their home.
Ten years ago I was volunteering at a shelter and they had a long haired Chi that they kept in a cage because he was too small and mean to keep with the bigger dogs. After a few weeks, I brought him home because I couldn’t stand the situation he was in. Long story short, I now have three. The first Is now about 12, one is around 13 and the female is around 7. If I had room, I’d have more. They are incredibly loving and loyal and can be very silly.
MamaLeet
They’re pretty great dogs but you have to be quite scrupulous about how you train them as puppies, because they have big personalities and can be real little assholes if you aren’t persistent and clear in your goals of teaching them discipline. For example they will go through a phase of yapping territorially at everyone which you have to be firm and consistent in discouraging, or it will become an annoying life habit. Always treat it like a normal sized dog, don’t treat it any differently just because it’s tiny.
Lucy