Small, cute, and lovable, a Chihuahua puppy can pull on your heartstrings. Unfortunately, the Chihuahua dog breed is subjected to several negative stereotypes, stemming from misconceptions and misinformation.
For instance, these tiny dogs have been described as aggressive ankle biters who don’t get along with other dogs. Whilst Chihuahuas can indeed be aggressive, it’s not because they are predisposed to such bad behaviour.
Just like any other breed, how a Chihuahua puppy turns out depends on genetic temperament, socialisation, and training. Don’t let myths and misconceptions discourage you from getting this small dog as a furry companion.
Knowing the truth about Chihuahua puppies can help break stereotypes, thus here are 7 things you need to know before getting one.
1. A Chihuahua Puppy Loves to Pick a Favourite Person
Chihuahuas are known to be one-person dogs. They tend to bond strongly with their owners only. However, being a pack animal, they can also warm up to other family members.
Doing this affirms and reinforces a Chihuahua puppy’s fear, which can lead to the development of behavioural issues like aggression, territoriality, and excessive shyness.
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2. A Chihuahua Puppy Can Live a Long Life
Small dog breeds are often known to outlive larger ones. Thus, a Chihuahua puppy can live for many years, up to 12 or 14 years of age depending on how well he is looked after.
For this reason, routine wellness checks are essential in detecting underlying ailments at their early stage. Thus, make sure that your Chihuahua puppy is taken to a vet for a health check every 3 to 4 weeks from the age of 6 weeks old up to 20 weeks old.
Once he reaches adulthood, it should be done annually. During his senior years, his wellness checks must be carried out every 6 months.
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3. Housebreaking a Chihuahua Puppy Can Be a Challenge
Due to his small size, a Chihuahua puppy also has a small bladder, meaning he cannot hold his pee longer than larger pooches. His fast metabolism also contributes to this conundrum.
The most effective way to housebreak small dog breeds is to constantly keep an eye on them. It should be paired with consistent guidance to prevent indoor soiling accidents and cultivate good bathroom habits.
Work with your family members at home when toilet training your Chihuahua puppy. Everyone should be informed about his potty schedule and the right cues to use.
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4. A Chihuahua Puppy Can Excel in Guard Dog Duty Upon Adulthood
Many pawrents can attest to the superb guard dog skills of Chihuahuas. These canines may be small but they are not easily intimidated.
However, the protectiveness and fearlessness of a Chihuahua puppy can be disadvantageous if not controlled at an early age. He might become distrustful of any person he comes across who does not belong in his pack.
Thus, it is important to socialise and train a Chihuahua puppy at an early age. By doing so, he will grow up to be accurately discerning of other people’s intentions towards his human companions.
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5. A Chihuahua Puppy Is Fragile-Bodied
Chihuahuas are generally a healthy breed and their long lifespan can attest to that. Because of their small size, they are more prone to injuries, especially when young. Their safety depends largely on how careful their owners are in handling them.
Thus, owners of Chihuahua puppies must keep a close eye on their canine companions. Choosing a doggy playmate roughly the same size as their small pooch decreases the danger of injuries.
For the same reason, only older children who understand the fragile constitution of a Chihuahua puppy should be allowed to hold him.
6. Chihuahua Puppies Come in Different Varieties
Chihuahua puppies may have different variations when it comes to certain physical traits, such as:
- Head Types
A Chihuahua puppy with a large, round skull is called an apple head. Those with a flatter top instead of domed are called deer heads. - Body Types
A Chihuahua puppy with a cobby build is chunky and short-legged. He has an apple head and a short snout.On the other hand, a Chihuahua puppy with a deer build is slim and long-legged, resembling a tiny Greyhound. He has a longer muzzle, larger ears, and a sloping forehead. - Coat Types
A Chihuahua puppy has two types of coat: short and smooth or long and fluffy. Both these types can be double-coated or single-coated, which determines the amount of shedding you have to clean up come springtime.
7. A Chihuahua Puppy Sheds All Year Round
Because of his small size, a Chihuahua puppy sheds less compared to larger dogs. However, make no mistake as his coat sheds throughout the year much like any canine. The intensity of shedding will depend on the type.
Short-haired Chihuahua puppies tend to shed less than longer-haired ones. They can be brushed once a week for good hair control. On the other hand, long-haired Chihuahua puppies will require 2 to 3 times of brushing each week.
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FAQs About the Chihuahua Puppy
1. Is the Chihuahua Puppy Hard to Train?
A Chihuahua puppy can be a bit hard to train since he has a shorter attention span due to his young age. The stubborn streak of the breed may appear once in a while as well.
Thus, when training a Chihuahua puppy, one must be a firm yet patient leader. Keeping training sessions short can help retain his focus and learning. Follow a positive reinforcement training style to ensure that he stays motivated.
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2. Does the Chihuahua Puppy Bark a Lot?
A Chihuahua puppy has a propensity to bark a lot due to the nature of his breed. Thus, training to curb this behaviour must be done as early as possible to prevent it from becoming an undesirable habit.
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3. Is It OK to Leave a Chihuahua Puppy at Home?
Leaving a Chihuahua puppy at home for several hours is highly discouraged. He might have potty accidents whilst you are not around, which can set back his housebreaking training.
Additionally, if left alone for long periods, a Chihuahua may become bored and lonely. To keep himself entertained, he might end up committing mischief, such as tearing at the furniture and incessantly barking.
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4. Is the Chihuahua Puppy Prone to Biting?
A Chihuahua puppy can be prone to biting since he uses his mouth to explore and understand his surroundings. It is a common behaviour young canines indulge in.
Pawrents can minimise mouthiness and nippiness in Chihuahua puppies by teaching them to have a soft mouth. Providing them with a variety of chew toys is also useful, especially when they start teething.
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Conclusion
A Chihuahua puppy is great to have as a family pet. However, just like any type of pooch, he might not always be a perfect fit for dog-loving households.
Getting to know the breed at a much deeper level can help you gauge your readiness and capacity to take care of a delicate breed.
Have you done your research and decided that the Chihuahua is the best match for you? We have a for sale and adoption section where you can browse for your ideal canine companion.
