5 Things to Consider Before Getting a Chihuahua Puppy
Chihuahuas are fierce little creatures and a great addition to any puppy lover's home. However, they can be quite a handful for unprepared owners. It’s important to do your research before settling on getting a Chihuahua (or any dog, for that matter), as unprepared owners may be overwhelmed with the breed’s personality.
To help you out, we’ve listed the most important things to consider before getting a Chihuahua puppy.
Chihuahuas bark. A lot.
It’s common knowledge that small dogs bark more than their larger counterparts, and Chihuahuas are no exception. As a result, they may not be suited for those sensitive to loud noises, as well as people whose neighbors take issues with excessive barking.
While there are ways to train a Chihuahua to bark less, it may be a bigger challenge than you think! Because…
They may be difficult to train.
Chihuahuas are famous for their stubbornness, which becomes apparent when you try to train one. They respond well to consistency in training, and they require patience.
Another reason why training a Chihuahua may prove to be difficult is because they don’t like the outdoors, especially when it’s cold, snowing, or raining. Consequently, some owners are forced to house-train, which comes with its own set of difficulties. If you want to learn some tips and tricks about training, you should definitely read our How To Train Your Chihuahua blog post, we're sure you'll learn many awesome and valuable things!
Chihuahuas tend to have health issues.
Unfortunately, the breed is associated with a number of potential health issues you need to be aware of. For example, as their eyes are slightly protruding, they are prone to injuries and infections. Additionally, Chihuahuas (especially puppies) get hypoglycemic easily, due to their fast metabolism and low body fat.
Another common health problem that Chihuahuas encounter is dental issues, simply because they have small jaws and less space between their teeth. While owners can take measures to prevent oral disease in Chihuahuas, it’s a common issue with the breed.
Finally, Chihuahuas get cold very easily, and they shiver a lot as a result. Keep in mind that Chihuahuas are accustomed to a hot climate, as the breed originates in Mexico. Before you get a chihuahua puppy, make sure you have the means to keep it warm, with sweaters, blankets, and heating pads.
Chihuahuas are very small.
It’s a no-brainer that Chihuahuas are a very small breed. However, not a lot of owners are prepared for the challenges that come with owning a small dog.
The biggest issue with a Chihuahuas size is quite intuitive – you need to be extra careful around it. It takes just one absent-minded walk to seriously injure a Chihuahua, kick it, or step on it. This is especially important for puppies, as they are even smaller. One way to combat this issue is a simple bell collar, as you will be aware of the pup’s location at all times.
Another potential problem related to Chihuahua's size is its safety outside. Unfortunately, it’s not unheard of for a Chihuahua to get snatched by birds or coyotes, as they are very lightweight and easy to carry. Remember to be extra careful when bringing your puppy outdoors.
The puppy's background.
The last, arguably the most important thing you need to consider when getting a Chihuahua puppy is its background. It’s crucial to get a puppy from a respectable breeder with a lot of experience with Chihuahuas.
Don’t be embarrassed to ask a lot of questions to the breeder about the puppy’s background and health. Be adamant about a health test. Additionally, ask whether you can see the puppy’s parents, and check if there are any issues with them.
Conclusion.
Chihuahuas pack a lot of personality in a small body. However, some people view them as a toy or an accessory, diminishing this dog’s great potential as a loyal companion. If you are serious about owning a Chihuahua, you need to be prepared with the challenges that being its owner brings.