Chihuahua Dog
Don’t be fooled by the mere size! The loveable Chihuahua certainly has a considerable personality packed into a small-sized dog. A popular pup for apartment dwellers, this adorable breed is well-known for its loyalty, affection and guard dog qualities.
Chihuahua At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-20 years |
| Temperament | Feisty, devoted small dog |
| Suitable | This breed requires a lot of love and attention. |
| Health | This breed can suffer from various health conditions but is generally a healthy wee dog. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $14,957.15 |
| Ear Conditions | $11,172.11 |
| Eye Conditions | $6,476.74 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $12,652.40 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Conditions | $7,451.21 |
| Arthritis | $6,930.56 |
| Neoplasia | $15,443.90 |
| Mass Lesion | $14,980.00 |
| Allergy/Infection | $5,811.07 |
| Skin Conditions – lumps | $4,777.40 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
If it’s a pint-sized sports dog you are after, look no further. Regardless of their small stature, the Chihuahua is celebrated for their achievements in the world of dog sports, including agility. They are effortless to train and adore making their owners happy. However, don’t be fooled. Like all dogs (big or small), they need training to ensure their doggy etiquette and manners are in check. Chihuahuas are very intelligent and fast learning, so keeping your training fun and light is essential. Adding variety is the key to keeping your Chihuahua entertained and eager to learn. Early socialisation with other dogs and humans is a must, the more, the better. They are known to be fierce little guard dogs, so ensuring they are trusting towards family members, friends, and other dogs will prevent any problems. Many positive interactions during puppyhood are necessary, as are enrolling in group dog training and puppy preschools. Being a very sensitive breed, only ever use positive reinforcement training. Harsh training (for any dog) will not benefit your pup and will only invoke fear.
Grooming Requirements
Chihuahuas need very little grooming, regardless of whether they are a long-coated or smooth-coated variety. A good regular brush will avoid matting and keep the coat in good condition. A pin-head brush is best for the longer coats, and for the smooth coat, go with a rubber mitt. This breed will shed, particularly during seasonal changes, however, increasing your grooming regime will help prevent a build-up of hair on your clothes and furniture. Your Chihuahua will also require a monthly bath to keep them smelling and feeling sensational. As a companion and loving breed, they will adore this one-on-one time with you. Start young to get your pup used to all the lovely attention a grooming session provides. It’s also a good idea to take careful note of the ears. If you notice any build-up of wax or a sickly smelling scent, it’s best to have a veterinarian rule out any yeast infections that may be present. Clean the ears weekly with a soft, damp cloth.
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Common Health Conditions – Chihuahua
As a tiny dog breed, the Chihuahua is undoubtedly well-known and well-loved. A dog of the celebrities, the Chihuahua is one of the most distinctive breeds worldwide. As tiny as they may be, the breed is still known to suffer from health problems such as:
- Patellar Luxation: This is a common condition where the kneecap or ‘patella’ slips out of place, leading to lameness and pain. A common problem in smaller breeds. Treatment includes weight management, physiotherapy, and medication. In many cases, surgery is required.
- Upper Respiratory Problems: Tracheal Collapse is a progressive condition when the windpipe (trachea) becomes weak and collapses. This can lead to difficulty in breathing. Care must be taken with collars and walking to prevent pulling around the neck area. Reverse sneezing can also be a problem in Chihuahuas. Treatment for Tracheal Collapse can include anti-inflammatories and cough suppressants. Surgical intervention is also sometimes required. Reverse sneezing is usually treated with calming methods such as gently stroking their necks, but in severe cases, anti-inflammatory medication be prescribed.
- Dental Issues: As with many small dogs, their tiny mouths are particularly prone to dental problems. This can include overcrowding of teeth and periodontal disease. Regular dental care is crucial to keep your wee Chihuahua’s smile in tip-top condition.
- Hypoglycemia: Also known as low blood sugar levels, this can be a significant issue for Chihuahuas. It can cause lethargy, tremors, and seizures. Treatment involves intravenous dextrose solutions and oral steroids like prednisone.
- Heart Problems: A common problem that can affect smaller dog breeds is Mitral Valve disease, which can lead to heart failure. This is caused by the thickening and prolapse of this vale, preventing it from closing correctly. Treatment involves medication.
- Hydrocephalus: This is more common in apple-headed Chihuahuas. It is caused by a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Symptoms can include a dome-shaped head, seizures, blindness, and difficulty walking. Treatment usually includes medication, including anti-seizure and corticosteroids. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
- Eye Problems: Those bulgy, beautiful eyes can lead to eye problems in the Chihuahua, making them more susceptible to eye issues such as corneal ulcers, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Treatment can include eye drops and medication. In some cases, surgery may be required.
- Chihuahua Molera: Also known as ‘soft spot’, this is a condition where there is a soft area on the skull. With most puppies, this area typically closes after birth. While it is not an emergency, it can make your dog more susceptible to injury.
- Hip Dysplasia: A hip joint malformation that causes discomfort and lameness. Typically, this condition will lead to surgery for correction. Other treatments include weight and exercise management.
- Obesity: Those adorable eyes can lead to over-treating and consuming too much human food. Keeping your wee dog in its optimal weight range is paramount for a healthy, happy dog.
Exercise Requirements
Your pint-sized barrel of fun will thoroughly enjoy any activity that involves working with their favourite human…AKA, you. They thrive on human companionship, so a good play session or a daily walk is paramount in keeping them fit and healthy. Being a brilliant breed, they benefit hugely from enrolling in a weekly dog sport, so consider signing up your Chihuahua in your local agility club. It’s a great way to burn off energy and keep your training sessions up while having bucket-loads of fun.
Intelligence
Chihuahuas are a very intelligent breed. Because of this, they need variety and fun during training sessions. The breed does not like to spend lots of time alone. Being a loveable companion dog, they can become lonely very quickly. Giving your Chihuahua a ‘job’ when you are away is an excellent way to stave off boredom. Consider treat balls and rotating toys daily, or your wee friend may find exciting ways to keep entertained (cue the pillow fluff).
Family Friendly
The breed is incredibly affectionate and simply loves those with the time to play and cuddle. This makes them the perfect addition to any loving family. However, like with all dogs, care must be taken around small children to prevent injury and accidents. As the Chihuahua is so tiny, they can easily become hurt by a child. Teaching your children how to handle a small breed is vital. Sitting cuddles is best, and avoid encouraging your children to carry the dog. The breed adores children and other pets when socialised correctly from a young age.
Indoor/outdoor?
The breed does not like being left alone for long periods and, due to their size, can feel the cold quickly. This makes them the perfect indoor dog. They love spending time with their family and will become your little shadow. Their small size means they fit with any living environment and will easily adapt to life in an apartment or a mansion.
Breeding
Sourcing your Chihuahua from a reputable breeder is imperative to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary conditions and ask to see Mum and Dad. It’s also advised to contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have paperwork to prove that they test their dogs for genetic issues and to ensure the dogs they are breeding have sound temperaments. It may take much more time and energy than a quick online purchase, but it can save you and your family from the considerable heartache and pain a sick puppy can bring.
Contact PIA for Chihuahua Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Chihuahuas. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
