As the smallest of all breeds recognized by the AKC, the chihuahua requires a few precautions to keep it from harm.
An adult chihuahua can be as small as three pounds. This makes chihuahuas especially vulnerable to household accidents as well as the weather. Their short fur makes it harder for them to regulate body temperature in cold weather. Many chihuahua owners dress their chihuahuas in sweaters or even tiny dog coats to help them stay warm.
Preventing Household Accidents
The small, fragile chihuahua can be killed in accidents at home if precautions are not taken. This is true particularly of puppies, who may weigh a pound or less. Dropping a heavy object can severely injure, of not kill, a chihuahua. With a chihuahua in the house, the best course of action is to avoid carrying anything large and heavy when possible. If this must be done, the chihuahua should be banished to another room for the duration.
A small dog bed or crate should be supplied in an out of the way place for every chihuahua. This prevents people in the home from tripping on the dog or even stepping on him and causing injury.
Falls can also be dangerous for chihuahuas. Their small size and light weight makes them vulnerable to falls from furniture or from the hands of an owner. A chihuahua puppy should be held securely to prevent dangerous falls. They should also be prevented from sitting on furniture by themselves. Blocking a piece of furniture to prevent a fall can keep a young chihuahua from injury.
The Long Lifespan of the Chihuahua
Someone adopting a young chihuahua as a puppy should be prepared to have the dog for more than a decade. Chihuahuas live much longer than many dog breeds. It's not unusual for a chihuahua to live for 15 years or longer. Chihuahuas are generally given a life expectancy of 17 years if there are no health complications.
A Big Dog Personality
It's sometimes said that chihuahuas don't know they're small. And when faced with a big dog, it can be true. Chihuahuas are couragous and confident and will challenge a dog as large as a Doberman Pinscher. Chihuahuas should be kept close to the owner when there are other dogs around, or one of those dogs may just accept the challenge.
The big-dog personality also means that chihuahuas make effective guard dogs. They become highly attached to their owners, and often just one or two people in the household. When anyone else gets near the home, a chihuahua will alert everyone to the newcomer.
The copyright of the article Raising Chihuahuas in Dog Breeds is owned by Lizz Shepherd. Permission to republish Raising Chihuahuas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I have 2 long-haired chihuahuas and I had no idea this was such a sweet and
loving breed. I will never own another breed. They are like Lays Potato
Chips--- You Can Never Have Just One!!
Aug 18, 2008 9:55 AM
Guest :
I had a 1yr. old and she made a Great Dane Four times her size turn and
run the other way...
Sep 30, 2008 5:51 PM
Guest :
I am getting a puppy chihuahua, i have a 4 year old black lab, and im
hoping they will get along....
Oct 5, 2008 6:07 PM
Guest :
I have had my chihuahua for 4 years. he is the love of my life. i take him
with me everywhere, even to work and i am a nanny for three boys. my
chuihuahua (bruiser) is great with the kids but he isnt with other dogs. it
takes him a long time to warm up to another dog, and when it comes to being
in bed nobody can come near his domain. i tried getting another chihuahua a
lil girl this weekend and he wasnt having it. chihuahuas sure get attached
and they need someone who is going to love and care for them as a child
almost. its def no a dog for everyone.
Dec 24, 2008 7:40 AM
Guest :
I just bought a Chihuahua and he is the smartest thing I have ever see. I use to have a Shetland and she was amazing after a couple of year of
training. With Rocko Malone, he is just so good and remembers where he
has to go do his pipi and caca. He is just the best and I love him :)
Apr 12, 2009 9:29 PM
Guest :
I personally hated Chihuahuas at first. I always heard they were sooo
vicious! Well, that didnt stop me...i had to get a small precious animal
like this! It became so attached to me after two days. It totally amazed
me. Although he was very protective of me around strangers, he would settle
down after just a few minutes. I actually still have him after three years
(and hopefully more to come). I love him so much, so me and my girlfriend
are making the decision to get another one. We excpecially love these
beautiful dogs because they truely do need cared for like a child and since
we are both women we cant have children! oh well, our babies are so sweet!
Apr 12, 2009 9:33 PM
Guest :
I have always kind of been that odd ball...but my chacha doesnt mind she
loves me! thats why i am finally buying another pure breed male to breed
chacha with (i mean she does deserve it). i cant wait! i already have
clothes for the puppies!
Oct 18, 2009 4:00 PM
Guest :
I recently adopted a 10 week old chi... my little "Tonka". He is
amazing... had him for over a week with only ONE pee accident on the
carpet! He is superloyal - wont leave my side, and he is AMAZING with my 1
year old son... they tug of war with blankets and toys and he licks my son
to death! And Tonka is absolutly tolerant when my son grabs his
tail/leg/face and drags him around the house. He's never even barked or
nipped @ him once! What a perfect pal for a toddler with a mommy who's not
ready to make him a sibling yet! They even take naps together! I recommend
this breed for anyone who has little ones, for sure!
