Last Updated on August 26, 2021
Sometimes Chihuahuas get a bad reputation. Some say they’re yappy little dogs that are impossible to train. But is that the truth? Let’s discuss the good and bad and determine are Chihuahuas really that bad?
Chihuahuas are pretty popular dogs because of their size. They are cute and easy to pick up and they can be great lap dogs.
However, there can be problems with dogs of any size and we will go into them today regarding Chihuahuas.
Table of Contents
Are Chihuahuas really that bad?
There are pros and cons to any dog breed. It’s important to keep that in mind when deciding which breed is best for you and your family.
Also, remember what works for your family might not work for another.
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Health Issues in Chihuahuas
Fragile bones especially in dogs under 3 lbs can be an issue because of the chance of breaking a bone. The smaller the dog the smaller their bones will be.
Chihuahuas have small mouths that could be too small for all their teeth. This can pose an issue and affect their overall health.
It’s very important to visit your veterinarian regularly to make sure your Chihuahua’s dental health is taken care of.
Chihuahuas need to eat small frequent meals. They tend to suffer from low blood sugar so when they go too long in between meals the sugar level in their blood can drop dangerously low.
They also have a tendency to be cold. Having small sweaters for them to wear will help, as well as blankets to cuddle in. Often they like to sleep in tent-type beds to keep them extra warm at night. Of course, they’d prefer snuggling up to you under the covers!
Behavior Issues in Chihuahuas
Have you ever heard of little dog disease? It’s when the little dog thinks they are the size of a larger dog and can become ill-behaved or aggressive.
Unfortunately, some Chihuahuas have a tendency towards this behavior. This could make it difficult when bringing in another dog to the household or adding a Chihuahua to an existing dog household.
And they have a propensity to bark at everything. Noises, cars, people, sunlight dancing across the floor – you name it and they are likely to bark at it.
Chihuahuas also have a tendency to choose one person in the family to make “their person”. If anyone comes near that person they can become aggressive.
It’s important to establish boundaries with your Chihuahua against this behavior. And equally important to teach other people what to expect with your Chihuahua, so they don’t create an incident.
One of the best things you can do with any new addition to your family is investing in training. Just because Chihuahuas are tiny dogs and it’s easy to scoop them up doesn’t mean they don’t need to learn proper behavior.
The Best Family for a Chihuahua
Chihuahuas can sometimes be an issue for families with young children. Kids younger than 6 often do not understand they shouldn’t be picking up a small dog. They may grab the dog in the wrong way or even drop the dog.
Also, Chihuahuas sometimes don’t really like the noise and energy level of children this age. However, am I implying that if you already have a Chihuahua and are now having a baby, you should get rid of your dog? Absolutely not.
This is where the training comes in. In fact, training is a valuable asset and tool with any family bringing a dog into the home with children or a family having a new baby.
That being said, here are some qualities that will make owning a Chihuahua the perfect match for you.
- If you live in an apartment then the Chihuahua might be a good dog for you. Larger dogs require more exercise and if you don’t have a lot of room then a smaller dog would be a better fit.
- They are good watchdogs. Because of their tendency to bark you will definitely know if someone is coming near your home.
- Chihuahuas are easy to groom, even the long-haired breed.
- Chihuahuas are smart dogs and can be trained to use a pee pad. If you can’t be home during the day to let them out they can have a place to go potty.
- Because of their size, they are easy to transport. They make great travel companions.
- They also tend to have longer life spans. As a general rule the smaller the dog the longer they tend to live.
As you can see there are several great qualities to a Chihuahua that lend them to be great family pets to millions of families.
Summary: Are Chihuahuas really that bad?
I stated earlier that there are pros and cons to every dog breed. It’s all about knowing your lifestyle and what qualities will be a good match for you.
Are Chihuahuas really that bad? No – they can be amazing pets for many years. Any dog can be “that bad” if you don’t socialize them, take care of their health and train them. But if you do all these things then a Chihuahua can be your next best friend.
And for more on Chihuahuas:
Are Chihuahuas High Maintenance?
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