Chihuahuas - Everything You Need To Know About Them 2024

Loved by their owners and hated by everyone else chihuahuas are some of the most well-known dog breeds around the world. Whether you love them or hate them though there is no denying that they are some of the most unique dog breeds out there. But where can you find one for yourself? How long do chihuahuas live? How can you train your chihuahua puppy? Is it even worth it owning a chihuahua in 2023?

Let’s get a deeper look into this tiny, yet fierce dog breed.

Description

Chihuahuas look more like something out of a cartoon with their tiny bodies and heads that look way too large for their bodies, but don’t let that fool you. They are much fiercer than they look. They possess a tiny snout with small sharp teeth and pointy ears.

What really sets them apart though and is often portrayed in memes on social makes them are their large round black eyes which captivate your attention.

Weight and Height

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, if not the smallest. They weigh no more than 6 pounds and reach a maximum height of 5 inches.

How Long Do Chihuahuas Live?

A chihuahuas lifespan normally ranges from 14 to 18 years. Despite their size, chihuahuas have some of the longest lifespans in the dog kingdom.

Obviously not all of them can grow to live up to 18 years old. The age they will reach depends on the treatment and care your dog receives so if you wish to maximize your chihuahuas lifespan make sure to regularly do check-ups at the vet, feed it good high quality dog food, and play with it or take it on enough walks.

Chihuahuas Dog Price

Chihuahua puppies normally sell anywhere from 300 to 1500 dollars depending on the breeder.

If you are thinking of getting a chihuahua puppy for yourself, then by far the best way to get your hands on a chihuahua is to find a friend, family member or acquaintance that owns one and ask for a puppy should one of their chihuahuas give birth. If you do not know anyone who owns a Chihuahua, you can always visit the dog shelters closest to you and see if there is one to adopt.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

They Are Loyal Dogs.

Chihuahuas are the type of dog that easily connect with their family. They will always be at your side (both metaphorically and literally) so don’t be surprised if they tend to follow you everywhere you go inside your house. While they connect with the entire family it is common for them to bond more with just one family member and form a closer relationship with him.

They Are Excellent Watchdogs.

Don’t confuse watchdog with guard dog, chihuahuas will obviously not scare most people away, but they will always let you know if someone is approaching or watching your house. These dogs will bark nonstop when they feel, hear, see, or smell someone who they feel is a threat. This can obviously be irritating sometimes, since they can also bark at your friends or guests, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

They Don’t Require That Much Space.

It is common to see chihuahuas living in cities and urban areas. This is because chihuahuas are some of the best apartment dogs you can find. Their small size minimizes the damages they might cause inside the house, and they also do not require that much exercise. All you need to do is play with them a little inside the house and take them on a short walk in the nearest park.

They Love Cuddling.

Chihuahuas are really loving towards their owners and express their love by constantly wanting to be with their owners and spend time together. They are great dogs for cuddling since they enjoy it just as much as we do if not more. They are, however, best suited for people who spend time at home and will not constantly leave them alone.

They Are Great Travel Companions.

One of the benefits of being having a 5 pound 6-inch-tall dog is the fact that you can practically travel anywhere with it. Its small size makes it easy to carry with you on your next flight in a bag or pet carrier.

They Are Easy To Potty Train.

Chihuahuas can easily be potty trained something that will prove especially important for owners who do not have large yards and live in small apartments, in large cities. Anyone can train their chihuahua to not make a mess by using puppy pads to teach them how to properly do their business.

Cons:

They Bark A Lot.

This is one of the most unpleasant things a dog can do and unfortunately chihuahuas are some of most persistent barkers there are out there. They will bark for attention, food, walks, playtime, at other dogs or at strangers and it seems to be pretty much impossible to stop. Living in an apartment with a dog that barks nonstop can be quite frustrating for you and your neighbors so make sure you are prepared for that. If, however, you want to try to make the barking cease make sure you read our article on why dogs bark and how to stop them.

They Are Prone To Health Issues

Like most other dog breeds chihuahuas unfortunately are particularly sensitive to some diseases and run high risk of getting them. Health issues that they most commonly face are heart problems, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, lung problems, idiopathic epilepsy, and patellar luxation. This means you must do regular check-ups at the vet to ensure your chihuahua lives a happy and healthy life.

They Aren’t Tolerant To Extremely Cold Weather.

Chihuahuas do not have a high threshold for cold since their fur is not ideal for snowy or cold environments and leaves them unprotected. Therefore, if you live in an area where it snows most of the year, then perhaps chihuahuas are not the dog for you.