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Important health issues regarding chihuahuas- Chi Health Info
Learn more about Wormer and Vaccines, including our own vaccine protocol- Vaccines and Wormer
Each dog of this breed has their own unique personality; this is a very individualistic breed. However, a few generalizations can be made. Chihuahuas are graceful, energetic, and swift-moving canines. They have often been described as having “terrier-like” qualities; that is, the qualities of being alert, observant, and keen on interacting with their masters. They are extremely loyal and get attached to one or two persons.
These tiny dogs are certainly unaware of their diminutive stature: they can be bold with other dogs much larger than themselves, and protective of their masters. They are fiercely loyal to their masters and wary of any strangers or new guests introduced into the household, which the Chihuahua considers to be its personal domain. For these reasons, Chihuahuas make good watch “alarm” dogs (not guard dogs, though!).
The Chihuahua needs a great deal of human contact: touching, petting, and general attention. If the Chihuahua does not get this, she or he will use various attention-getting tricks until you give her/him attention. (My own uses her paws to lightly scratch my hand, a signal that says, “Pet me now!”) Some owners who have had other, more independent breeds may find the Chihuahua too needy. However, Chis give a lot of love and affection in return for your care.
Keeping more than one Chihuahua can greatly ease the dog’s stress when left alone each day if the owner works. (They will compete for your attention when you get home, though!)
This breed is easy to train, although they enjoy doing tricks more than obedience. Shake, beg, dance and play dead are some Chi favorites. We can help you if you are interested in teaching your new baby some tricks! House training is much harder than teaching tricks with this breed. We always recommend being prepared to hire a trainer to come in and do a couple sessions in your home. Every home situation is different and a professional can make a big difference in having lots of positive potty experiences and cut down on stress for the two and four legged family members.
Because they are by nature gentle, loyal, and sweet-tempered, Chihuahuas are ideal for single people, the elderly, the handicapped, and shut-ins. They will keep you company for hours by lying on your lap or beside you if in bed, and treat you like royalty. No one with a Chi in their household will ever be truly alone!
Chihuahuas are quite the sun-worshipers. They prefer to bask in the sun for hours and have been known to lie in a spot of sun no larger than the size of a half-dollar. Even the most spoiled house dog will give you the evil eye if you try to bring them in early on a sunny day. Sure, you just put them outside to potty, but they are busy now!
It is a characteristic of the Chihuahua to prefer to sleep under a cloth or blanket. They will even get under pillows in order to feel snug. If you are raising a pup, be sure to provide them with a soft towel or blanket in their sleeping area so they can burrow underneath it.
So don’t be surprised if your Chihuahua scrambles under your blankets at night, even though your house or apartment may not be particularly cold.
Chihuahuas shiver when they’re cold, but they also shiver when they are wary, excited, unhappy, or frightened. This is a result of having a high metabolism, and is a normal characteristic of this breed.