The Playful Little Chihuahua

Dog breed info
Chihuahua
Weight: 2 — 6 lbs
Height: 5” — 9”
AKC Rank 2008 #12
Lifespan: 15—18 yrs
Group: Toy
Origin: Mexico

• Dog Health, Dog Illness, Medical Problems

Dog Breed Info – The Chihuahua

The Odd Couple
A Chihuehua and a frog.

Breed Overview

This little dog is one of the smallest of the breeds. They have big round eyes and huge ears, almost out of proportion for the rest of the dog. This dog looks extremely fragile like it will tip over, but in fact it is strong for its size. The breed comes in a long and short hair version. You’ll see the short hair most often.

The breed comes in mostly various shades of brown to tan to light tan and sometimes a silverish tone as well as black and white mixes are found.

Not the easiest dog to train. Be patient, keep trying. Try using a clicker with positive reinforcement. Try clicker training and see a difference in how fast they learn. Get a clicker for around $3 at a pet store.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Chihuahua? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

The Chihuahua and puppies can sometimes be difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

The Chihuahua needs to be heavily socialized from birth and continuously from that point forward. Basic training should start at around 4 to 5 weeks of age. They can be aggressive and nippy if not handled right as puppies. This dog will be highly protective of his owner and will “tolerate” other people, generally, Some can be temperamental if not well socialized.

If well socialized and trained as puppies, this little dog can grow up to be an absolute delight to own.

If you happen to get a Chihuahua with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Did you ever see such a fancy collar on a little tiny dog?

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Gets along very well with other household dogs, but leery of strange dogs.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Gets along very well with other household dogs and cats.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Will accept strangers, generally, but can remain aloof to some. Not really a party dog.

Playfulness

Very playful. These little wonders can be frisky with their owners and kids.

Great little family dogs. Not totally a lap dog, but close, as these dogs have quite a lot of energy. Your Chihuahua may prefer a few romps around the living room to a nap on your lap.

Not always. They are fragile and not always tolerant of childrens’ antics, noise, poking and pushing.

Good with seniors over 65?

The Chihuahua is an EXCELLENT choice for seniors. This breed is easily paper-trained and can become a total indoor dog. Some play time in the house will suffice for the exercise, or, if possible, an outdoor walk would be even better. Chihuahua’s are loyal and eager to please their keeper and make ideal senior citizen pets. A senior would have the time to play with the dog and help it expend pent up energy! Locate a Chihuahua rescue for a mature pup if longevity might be a problem.

Living environment

Perfect for apartment, urban, or farm… anywhere you want but NOT outdoors.

A yard is not necessary for the Chihuahua. They can do well in a house or apartment as long as they get out for a walk.

Energy level

Fairly high energy.

Some play time around the house will suffice; they love walks too but not necessary.

Brush the short-hair dog once a week.
Brush the long-hair dog 2 to 3 times a week to prevent matting. Top

3rd book from the left – “101 Dog Tricks” is great mental stimulation for your Chihuahua. There is stuff in this book I never thought of but sure would keep a dog moving!

Book on the right is by the American National Red Cross and deals with dog health, dog illness, emergencies and injuries. It’s a valuable reference manual for all dog owners. ________________________________________________ Top

In the event you decide to go looking for Chihuahua puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Chihuahua Breeders with Puppies For Sale.

Chihuahua Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Chihuahua and are looking for a Chihuahua rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Dog Rescue – (Nationwide) If you adopt, try to get the dog health records for reference.
Adopt A Pet There are other Chihuahua rescue groups listed online, mostly by state. Don’t forget to check local pounds and rescue kennels too.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog health and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Pulmonic stenosis—Mal-formed Pulmonic valve (Pulmonic valve dysplasia) in the heart causing partial obstruction of blood flow from the heart to the lungs. The heart has to pump harder to force blood to the lungs and back. In severe cases the dog can develop congestive heart failure due to the overworked heart.

Other health problems could occur with your Chihuahua. If you notice any problems with your pet, take it to the vet immediately. This website is for general information only and is not intended to, in any way, be a medical guide.

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