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A feisty companion who thrives on love and attention
The world’s smallest dogs, Chihuahuas make good companions. They bond strongly with their owners, are quick-witted and easily trained – as long as you start early. They can be prickly around strangers as they like to have all of their owner’s attention for themselves.
Vital Stats
| Size: | Small |
|---|---|
| Coat: | Either smooth or long-coated, both requiring weekly brushing |
| Exercise: | Up to 30 minutes a day |
| Life span: | Usually 7+ years, although they can live as long as 20. |
| Breed group: | Toy |
| Temperament: | Devoted, lively, alert |
Size 15cm
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22cm Coat short/
long
coat Exercise up to30mins Life span 7+years
Chihuahua Temperament & Personality
Chihuahuas are loving and loyal and make good pets for first-time owners.
- These little dogs have big personalities and range from feisty and outgoing to shy and timid.
- Intelligent and fiercely loyal to the people they love, Chihuahuas will happily accompany their owners anywhere and everywhere.
- Prone to separation anxiety, Chihuahuas will be happiest in households where there’s always someone around.
- A big dog in a small dog’s body, a Chihuahua can be protective and vocal if not well socialised.
Chihuahua Temperament & Personality
Chihuahuas are loving and loyal and make good pets for first-time owners.
Chihuahua Training & Exercise
As small as they are Chihuahuas are energetic and need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Training tips
- Chihuahua training should begin from around four months old, and will help them grow into a well-rounded, social dog.
- Clever and independent, this breed can prefer to take things at their own pace, but give them time and be patient and they’ll soon respond to commands and even tricks.
More puppy training tips
Keeping them happy
- Chihuahuas benefit from mental stimulation and plenty of play.
- This loyal breed will be happiest right by your side – Chihuahuas crave human interaction and too much time alone could lead to unwanted behaviours such as barking, whining, scratching and chewing.
Exercise
- Until they’re about three months old short bursts of play will help your growing Chihuahua puppy build up endurance, and ensure their growing bones and joints aren’t overexerted.
- From about four months old you can introduce walks to your dog’s routine. Experts recommend using a harness when walking Chihuahuas to avoid any damage to their delicate spine and windpipe.
Game ideas
- Try a game of hide and seek to challenge their intelligence – hide their favourite toy and let them sniff it out.
Chihuahua Training & Exercise
As small as they are Chihuahuas are energetic and need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.
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Find out more about the conditions that we see most in Chihuahuas throughout their lifetime.
More Health Information
Chihuahua Grooming
Chihuahuas can be long or short haired, with both types requiring weekly brushing.
- There is no need to bathe your Chihuhua more than once a month, and you can wait longer if your dog stays inside most of the time.
- Use grooming time to also check your Chihuahua for any lumps or signs of parasites.
- Also check your dog’s eyes for redness and weepiness, and inspect their eats for any signs of infection such as a strange smell or black or brown wax.
Chihuahua Grooming
Chihuahuas can be long or short haired, with both types requiring weekly brushing.
Chihuahua Nutrition
Due to their small size, Chihuahua’s weight can creep up easily so a high-quality pet food is recommended.
- Chihuahuas should be fed twice daily, following the recommended portion size on their food packaging.
- Vets also advise keeping food rewards and treats to a minimum.
Chihuahua Nutrition
Due to their small size, Chihuahua’s weight can creep up easily so a high-quality pet food is recommended.
FAQs
Why do Chihuahuas shake?
Do Chihuahuas shed?
Are Chihuahuas smart?
Are Chihuahuas good with kids?
Can Chihuahuas swim?
Are Chihuahuas aggressive?
FAQs
Why do Chihuahuas shake?
Do Chihuahuas shed?
Are Chihuahuas smart?
Are Chihuahuas good with kids?
Can Chihuahuas swim?
Are Chihuahuas aggressive?
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Chihuahua insurance considerations
Choosing the right insurance for your Chihuahua can help keep them happy and healthy whatever happens. When choosing insurance make sure you check carefully the range of conditions and types of treatment covered. Examine whether the full cost of diagnostics like MRI scans or CT scans is included. Look at any limits on the cost of individual treatments and whether dental illnesses and injuries are covered especially as we see Chihuahuas are prone to mouth and teeth issues. With Petplan’s Covered for Life® dog insurance we have no additional limits for specific conditions or diagnostic tools.
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