Considering a Chihuahua? 8 Essential Pros & Cons to Think About Before You Commit

Ever see a three-pound dog bossing a German Shepherd around? Classic Chihuahua behavior there. These little dogs have more personality per pound than almost any other breed. Don't let yourself be charmed by those big bug eyes and spunky demeanor just yet, though, until we discuss what it's like to own a Chihuahua.

The Bright Side: 5 Reasons Chihuahuas Make Excellent Companions

Devotion That Runs Deep

Chihuahuaswith them. These pets tend to pick one person and adhere to them like glue. Your Chihuahua will accompany you from room to room, sit in your lap whenever given the chance, and otherwise behave like your little four-legged shadow.

This intense bonding carries over to a very strong human-animal bond. Chihuahua owners frequently comment that their dogs are almost telepathic, picking up on their owners' moods and responding in kind. But this attachment comes with a warning label: Chihuahuas are prone to anxiety when left alone for too long.

Dream Apartment Roommates

Small city apartment? No problem for a Chihuahua. These dogs are designed for small-space living. They need no large backyards or extensive hours of outdoor exercise. Two short walks around the block and some indoor playtime usually meet their activity needs.

Their small stature also makes them perfect travel buddies. Most Chihuahuas can fit in with you in the cabin, snug in an approved airline carrier. Weekend trips are much less stressful when your best friend weighs less than your laptop bag.

Guaranteed Long-Term Friendship

Here's one way in which Chihuahuas are different from numerous other breeds: longevity. These tiny canines routinely live 14-18 years, with some living well into their twenties. That's potentially two decades of companionship, which makes them great options for individuals who desire a long-term pet relationship.

That extended lifespan means you'll get to see your Chihuahua grow from teeny-tiny pup to grey-around-the-edges senior dog. The relationship you form during that time is truly something special, and many owners report it as life-altering.

Unexpectedly Powerful Security Systems

Don't laugh – Chihuahuas are great watchdogs. Their natural suspiciousness ensures they take notice of all that goes on around them. That delivery truck, you say? They'll herald its coming. Stranger at the door? You've been alerted. Their piercing bark cuts through noise and gets your attention fast when there's trouble.

Though they clearly can't defend you bodily like a large dog, their high-pitched alarm barks are deceptively good deterrents. Burglars like to keep a low profile, and Chihuahuas are far from silent when they are threatened.

Low Grooming Needs

Chihuahua has two coat types: smooth (short-haired) and long-haired. The smooth-coated Chihuahua needs little grooming – periodic brushing and frequent bathing. Even the long-haired Chihuahua needs only modest grooming in comparison to other long-coated dogs.

Weekly brushing prevents the long-haired varieties from matting, but the smooth-coated variety needs brushing possibly once or twice a week. Nail trimming, teeth cleaning, and ear cleaning complete their grooming. Compared to high-maintenance breeds that demand professional styling every six weeks, Chihuahuas are refreshingly simple to maintain.

The Challenging Reality: 3 Potential Drawbacks

Physical Vulnerability and Health Problems

Chihuahuas also have some breed-specific illnesses that prospective owners need to take seriously. Because of their tiny size, they are prone to injury that would not bother larger dogs. Falling off a couch can lead to broken bones. Children need to be taught how to handle them very carefully.

Health concerns include luxating patella (dislocation of the kneecap), common in many of the toy breeds. Tracheal collapse, a weakening of the trachea, which flattens, can lead to breathing problems. Hypoglycemia is severe, especially in puppies and older dogs. Heart disease, mitral valve disease, is quite common in the breed.

These medical conditions translate into potentially hefty veterinarian expenses. Regular check-ups become necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment. Pet insurance can be an option because of their susceptibility to certain conditions.

The Barking Challenge

Let's deal with the elephant in the room: Chihuahuas bark. A lot. They bark at strangers, unfamiliar noises, other dogs, squirrels, leaves rustling in the wind, and sometimes what appears to be nothing at all. This barking is a result of their watchdog nature and sometimes nervousness or possessiveness.

Excessive barking is most effectively dealt with using patience, consistency, and, in most instances, professional training support. Positive reinforcement works better than punishment. Early instruction of the "quiet" command and rewarding quiet behavior teaches healthier habits.

Apartment residents must take their neighbors' patience levels into account. Certain living situations just aren't suitable for loud dogs, no matter how much training is attempted.

Family Dynamics and Child Compatibility

The subject of kids and Chihuahuas is one that deserves frank discussion. It is entirely possible for these dogs to coexist peacefully with children, yet several factors govern success. The dog's own temperament is enormous. Some Chihuahuas are far more patient and tolerant than others.

The children's ages and levels of maturity are extremely significant. Toddlers who may grab, squeeze, or drop small dogs by accident are real dangers. Older children who understand gentle handling and giving the dog space usually do much better.

Supervision is necessary no matter how well the children and dog are trained. Chihuahuas, like all dogs, will bite if they are cornered or scared, and their small stature means they can be injured easily by accident during play.

Chihuahua Breeds: What You'd Never Guess

Chihuahuas are not identical. They do exist in two coat lengths and several different head types. Apple-head Chihuahuas have the traditional rounded skull and shorter nose, and the deer-head types have longer faces and bigger ears. They both make great pets. Coat colors can be a solid tan, white, or black, or more complicated patterns featuring several colors. There are also Chihuahuas with distinctive markings that render them one-of-a-kind-appearing canine.

Making the Right Decision: Is a Chihuahua Your Ideal Pet?

Take your lifestyle seriously before deciding to own a Chihuahua. These pets do well with owners who can spare time for training, socialization, and interaction daily. They are not ideal for owners who need independent, low-maintenance pets. Your lifestyle also counts. Apartment-friendly, yet potentially problematic when in buildings with noise restrictions, are Chihuahuas. Extremely small children within families will need to carefully consider whether they can give these sensitive dogs the sensitive care they need. Financially, there's more to it than just initial purchase costs but also continuing costs for good food, the dog clothes，frequent vet check-ups, and even possibly emergency medical operations. Chihuahuas have 15+ year life spans and are therefore long-term financial investments.

Your Adventure with a Chihuahua Awaits

Chihuahuas offer tremendous rewards to the right owners: absolute loyalty, playful personas, and ten years of faithful companionship. These tiny canines demonstrate that good things certainly do come in small packages. Just keep in mind that their requirements, though different from larger dogs, are equally significant and need to be seriously considered before making your ultimate choice.