Are you looking for a small dog that is an excellent companion? Have you ever thought about chihuahua dogs? These questions are very common among people who are about to open their homes to new dogs. For those who are in doubt about chihuahua dogs, this post will talk about the pros and cons of having a dog of that breed.
Chihuahua pros and cons
Chihuahua dogs are adorable and full of peculiarities. Just like any other dog, Chihuahuas have pros and cons about owning a dog of this breed. Below we will mention some of the positive and negative points of the Chihuahua breed and we will describe the physical and behavioral characteristics of these dogs.
Chihuahua pros
The Chihuahua is a small dog and can adapt to small environments such as apartments. Nowadays most of the population lives in very small environments which makes it difficult to have a dog. However, dogs like Chihuahuas can adapt very well to this type of environment.
Small dogs like Chihuahuas can be low-cost dogs. They are dogs that feed on small amounts of industrialized food and even a natural diet. Because they are healthy animals, there is no need for constant visits to the vet, in addition to medicines and exams. So having a chihuahua dog can save on health and food expenses.
They are varied animals and can suit people who wish to have a short-haired or long-haired dog. In addition, they can be used as companion dogs and when well-trained they can be used as guard dogs and even as service dogs.
Chihuahua cons
As for the downsides, Chihuahua dogs can be louder, thus barking at just about everything and everyone. Some animals may not be so receptive to strangers and are a bit aggressive. However, these behaviors can be inhibited through good training.
They are dogs that don’t like to go for a walk so they may require more time from the owner who should stimulate the animal with toys and games. If the energy of a chihuahua dog is not spent, the animal can become anxious and even stressed, thus developing behavioral deviations.
Just like any dog, chihuahua dogs may require dedication from the owner to keep the environment always clean, requiring periodic cleaning of the animal’s environment. Hairy Chihuahuas, on the other hand, may need their owners to brush their fur periodically.
About the Chihuahua breed
One of the theories about the origin of the Chihuahua believes that these dogs lived wild in Mexico. These small dogs were captured and domesticated by the indigenous people of the region.
Physical characteristics
The head is very round and small, and the eyes are round. The ears are large and are always on alert. It is a dog with a compact body, short and muscular limbs, its tail is moderately long, carried high, arched or in a semicircle.
The Chihuahua’s coat can be short-haired or long-haired and can be found in many shades and combinations except for the merle color.
Behavior / Temperament
Chihuahuas have a strong personality. They are small dogs but agile, alert, restless and very courageous. It’s a dog that can bark a lot. They can react to any strange movement, always calling the tutor’s attention. Therefore, it is considered a good guard dog.
Breed health
Chihuahuas are very healthy animals, but they need to do physical activities such as playing and going for walks to burn off some energy. This breed can have some genetic diseases such as:
- Patellar deviation;
- Cryptorchidism;
- Hydrocephalus.
Patellar deviation is a disease where the animal may limp and feel local pain, as the patella leaves the anatomical place, which may lead to injuries from temptation and other complications.
Cryptorchidism is the disease present in males where one or both testicles are not observed in the scrotum. The puppies are born with the testicles in the cavity and until 8 months these testicles tend to be in the scrotum.
After 8 months of the absence of one or more testicles the animal is considered a cryptorchid. In these cases, castration of the animal is indicated, since the testicle in the cavity has a greater predisposition to become a tumor that can worsen the health of the animal.
Hydrocephalus, on the other hand, has no well-described causes. It is the disease that happens in the intra uterine life where there is a large accumulation of liquids in the puppy’s skull. Thus, the bitch may have difficulties when giving birth to the animal in a natural way, being a necessary cesarean section. Puppies often die due to neuronal complications generated by hydrocephalus.
Dogs with these genetic disorders are discouraged from breeding. And there must be veterinary monitoring for better resolution of the cases.
These animals do not have so many reproductive problems, but gestational follow-up with a veterinarian is advised due to the high incidence of hydrocephalus, which can lead to dystocia, resulting in the mother and the offspring’s death.
Animals must have a routine of being vaccinated and dewormed. In addition to care with ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. When these preventive cares are not applied, the animals can present health problems.
Illness, happiness, excitement, or fear can cause the animal to shiver; this same sign can be seen when they are cold. If constant tremors are observed, a veterinarian should be sought.
Conclusion
Chihuahuas are excellent buddies and can be an excellent companion dog. Its size, physical aspects and the softness presented by this breed make these dogs good animals to live in apartments and even in small houses. However, these dogs can be very restless, and without expending their energy, behavioral problems can result. In addition, these dogs, due to their history as a guard dog, can be very noisy dogs, which can annoy some owners and neighbors. Before having an animal, it is important to seek help from a veterinarian, so that all doubts can be resolved, and according to the tutor’s profile, the veterinarian can help people choose a good breed as a pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Chihuahua pros and cons
How heavy is a chihuahua?
The Chihuahua’s weight should be between 1 and 3 kg.
How long does a chihuahua live?
Chihuahuas usually live between 12 and 20 years, depending on their genetics and general care.
Do the chihuahua bark a lot?
Yes, because they are dogs that have great hearing and any noise they find suspicious they will bark. Thus making them good dogs to guard.
Reference
CBKC – Brazilian Canine Confederation, 2015 Official Breed Standard: chihuahua. Available at: https://cbkc.org/application/views/docs/padroes/padrao-raca_187.pdf, accessed January 22, 2022.
Pictures from pixabay.com
