How to Take Care of a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the most petite companion dogs in the world. The pet may pass by weight into the aircraft cabin, sit quietly next to the owner in public places, and be kept in any, even the tiniest studio apartment. Most Chihuahua owners do not even have any previous experience.

We tell you what problems in caring for, feeding, and walking you can face, and if the Chihuahua character is so obstinate, as they say about it in open sources. After all, the most common opinion about dogs of this breed is that they are prone to barking and aggression, are poorly trained, and are fastidious in food.

What does a Chihuahua look like

A Chihuahua is a dog with a compact, almost square body, an apple-shaped skull, a short muzzle with large, wide-set ears, and a high set tail of medium length.

Chihuahuas move with a sweeping springy step with the energy inherent in a dog. The head is held high. According to the standard, the dog can be smooth-haired and long-haired. 

Chihuahua walking / by @anna_ostanina from Freepik

When it comes to the Chihuahua breed, opinions often differ. Some argue that these are affectionate energetic dogs, everywhere following the owner. Others - that Chihuahuas are capable of showing aggression: barking and even biting. This fact is not traced in the breed standard and the reviews of the overwhelming majority of owners. But to say that all dogs are alike is also wrong.

If the owner is in the mood, the dog will have fun inviting him to play and infecting him with positive emotions. If the owner is upset or tired after a hard day, it will lie down calmly and not even ask for a walk. However, any behavior is the result of socialization and upbringing.

Behavior features

A Chihuahua is a dog for one owner. However, this does not mean that the pet will not love the rest of the family. 

Contact and emotional, Chihuahuas are genuine companions. The animal loves to accompany the owner: on a jog, lunch in a cafe, and even on travel. Due to its low weight, the animal can be taken into the plane or train. This largely determines the possibility of transporting a pet over long distances.

Contrary to popular belief, well-bred Chihuahuas do not bark. Therefore, it is safe to take them to public places - the dog will behave quietly and not disturb anyone. If the pet barks at people and acts anxiously, it is probably a matter of insufficient socialization or health problems.

The only trait that can spoil the impression of the breed is the craving for manipulation. Chihuahuas are intelligent and quickly understand where you can cheat and achieve what you want, bypassing the owner's will. For example, a dog may refuse food that is not tasty, in its opinion, and beg for treats instead. If the dog gets hungry and has not received what it wants, it will agree with what was initially proposed.

Behavior with strangers

Despite its small stature and fragile constitution, this breed considers itself a guard. Chihuahua fearlessly rushes to defend the owner, which is often mistaken for unmotivated aggression or mental instability.

To get rid of anxiety at the sight of strangers, invite guests to the house more often and do not limit your pet to walks in crowded parks. While a puppy, walk-in quiet yards with one or two random passers-by. But as you get older, be sure to move to crowded places and dog grounds.

Behavior with other animals

Chihuahuas can be very friendly. The dog does not divide congeners into large and small ones. Therefore, it can fearlessly run to a much bigger dog or even invite them to play.

Chihuahua on the beach / by @kapinosovalk from Freepik

To reduce the risk of aggression from large breeds, communication with congeners must be controlled. Do not allow your pet to approach any oncoming dog freely. Look for dwarf species such as pugs when choosing playmates.

Behavior with children

Chihuahua dogs that live in families with children are always busy. Dogs sleep with children in the same bed, play outdoor games, and even learn new commands together, which is atypical for most breeds: larger dogs do not see sufficient authority in children and are too stubborn or difficult to train.

But there is an age limit for interacting with a Chihuahua:

Be careful if you have a Chihuahua in a family with preschool children. Due to its fragile constitution and long healing fontanelle, the dog is vulnerable when falling from a height. And it is very easy to drop a nimble puppy of this breed.

Chihuahua on the leash / by @pixel-shot.com from Freepik

To avoid serious injury, communication between dogs and children should be supervised by an adult. However, a competent breeder will try to dissuade you in most cases and suggest that you should wait until the children grow up.