Thinking of getting an Chihuahua Puppy? Get all the information you need in our dog breed guide to see if a Chihuahua is the right dog for you.
Fast Facts:
How long will my Chihuahua live? 14-18 years
What will my dogs energy levels be like? Low - moderate
How big will my Chihuahua grow? 2-5kg
Will a Chihuahua be suitable for my family? Chihuahua's are suitable for most families
What size housing is recommended for my Chihuahua? A backyard is not essential
Chihuahua Temperament
Chihuahua’s have a fairly good temperament. They make excellent companion dogs, and are known for their lively, proud and sometimes even ‘bossy’ personalities. Chihuahua’s will both demand and give affection to anyone who they trust. They are an alert breed that likes to know what’s going on around them and relish being the center of attention.
They are generally known to be strong willed, intensely loyal and very attached to their owner. This can sometimes turn to jealousy if they are not properly socialised with other people and dogs while they are puppies, and result in an over-protective, unsociable and sometimes even aggressive Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua is a breed that doesn’t always get along with other dogs, however this completely depends on the individual dog and their upbringing. Although Chihuahua’s are smart animals, they can sometimes prove a little difficult to train due to their strong willed personalities, so the best approach is generally with treats, positive reinforcement and affection.
As Chihuahua’s are known to be quite vocal at times, it is important that they are taught from an early age that barking is not okay. If it is an issue develops it is essential that it is dealt with before it becomes a habit.
Chihuahua Health Issues
Open Fontanel: When the bones of the skull do not completely close, leaving a soft spot on the top of the head.
Patella Luxation: An abnormally shallow groove in the knee, which causes the knee cap (patella) to slip out of position.
Hypoglycemia: A drop in glucose levels which can result in a severe decrease in energy, sometimes to the point of loss of consciousness.
At Kellyville Pets, we encourage responsible pet ownership.
CARE GUIDE © Copyright 2016 Kellyville Pets - All information found in this care guide is based upon our own experience. The information provided is not the only information available. In any medical situations, you should always consult your vet, including questions regarding your pet's diet.