(Long Coat) Chihuahua – A big dog in a tiny package
Training and care of the Chihuahua
Breed Introduction
Well known for being the smallest dog in the world, the Chihuahua has a big personality stashed inside its tiny body. These bold little dogs are quite unaware of their diminutive stature and can stand up to other dogs much larger than themselves. This means Chihuahuas need vigilant supervision in new situations or environments. Aptly described as cheeky and with a saucy expression, the Chihuahua is curious, lively and highly intelligent. Though not very sociable with other pets, they are deeply and constantly attached to their owners and love to follow them everywhere. They tend to be a little jealous when their owners spend time with other people, and can become very demanding if overindulged. The Chihuahua is alert, observant and territorial and thus excels as a good watch dog. However, some people may find the Chihuahua’s barking excessive. Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with small children as they hate rough play. They don't take to strangers that well and can appear nervous, yappy and even snappy to the uninitiated. Chihuahuas must be socialized from a very early age otherwise they will become very anxious in new environments.
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Will a Chihuahua (Long Coated) be a suitable dog for my family?
- Yes, if you want a very small dog (less than 15lbs or a little more)
- This is a good choice if you have a small back yard or do not have a back yard at all
- It does not matter if your back yard (if you have one) is securely fenced. However, a well fenced garden is preferable, whatever breed of dog you choose
- If you are able to spend at least 45-60 minutes total per day for the feeding, exercising, training and grooming of your dog
- The Chihuahua is a good choice if you want a dog with a double coat
- Be aware that this breed sheds its coat on a year round basis
- Chihuahuas are best suited in a home that does not have any children under the age of 18 (or any that visit regularly)
- If you want a dog that needs an average amount of time to housebreak – (approx 6-12 wks)
- A good choice for those who want a dog whose activity level is sedentary (e.g. a dog that is happy simply lying around most of the time)
- Be aware that the Chihuahua can be a little on the stubborn side when it comes to training
- If you want a dog that will bark to warn you of odd noises or strangers
- A good choice if this is to be your first dog owned as an adult
Chihuahua (Long Coated) Stat Chart
Rating System:
Ease of training: 1 is hard to train, 5 is easy
Ease of grooming: 1 is hard to groom, 5 is easy
Sociability: 1 is not social, 5 is very social
Guarding: 1 is not a good guard dog, 5 is very good guard dog
Suitable for Apartments: 1 is not suitable, 5 is very suitable
Noisiness: 1 is quiet, 5 is loud
Biting and Nipping: 1 is doesn’t nip/bite, 5 high chance of biting/nipping
Energy Level: 1 is low energy, 5 is high energy
Shedding: 1 is low energy, 5 is high shedding
Affection: 1 is not very friendly, 5 is very friendly
Exercise Requirements: 1 is low exercise needed, 5 is a lot of exercise
Breed Stat
Size: Small,Toy or Tiny
Life span: Over 12 Years
Exercise: Up to 30 minutes per day
Grooming: More than once a week
Coat length: Medium
Coat sheds?: Yes
Home Size: Large,Small,Flat
Rating System:
Ease of training: 1 is hard to train, 5 is easy
Ease of grooming: 1 is hard to groom, 5 is easy
Sociability: 1 is not social, 5 is very social
Guarding: 1 is not a good guard dog, 5 is very good guard dog
Suitable for Apartments: 1 is not suitable, 5 is very suitable
Noisiness: 1 is quiet, 5 is loud
Biting and Nipping: 1 is doesn’t nip/bite, 5 high chance of biting/nipping
Energy Level: 1 is low energy, 5 is high energy
Shedding: 1 is low energy, 5 is high shedding
Affection: 1 is not very friendly, 5 is very friendly
Exercise Requirements: 1 is low exercise needed, 5 is a lot of exercise