(Smooth Coat) Chihuahua – Small in size but large in stature
Chihuahua Training, Care and Ownership
Breed Introduction
The Chihuahua is renowned for being the world's smallest dog and certainly has an enormous personality stashed inside its tiny body. Completely unaware of their diminutive stature, these bold little fellows will happily stand up to other dogs much larger than themselves. However, this does mean that 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. They develop deep affection for their owners, following them wherever they go. But they aren't so sociable with other pets, making them better kept as a single pet. They tend to be a little jealous when their owners spend time with other people and can become very demanding if overindulged. Being very observant and territorial, the Chihuahua is a great watchdog. However, be aware that for some the high pitched bark may be somewhat overwhelming. Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with small children as they hate rough playing. Also, they tend not to take very well to strangers and can appear nervous, yappy and even snappy with 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 (Smooth Coat) be a suitable dog for my family?
- Yes, if you want a tiny dog (less than 15lbs-35lbs)
- If your back yard is small or you have no back yard at all
- Whether or not your back yard is secure
- As long as you have at least 45-60 minutes in total per day for the feeding, exercising, training, and grooming of your dog
- Yes, if you want a double coated dog
- As long as you're prepared to put up with a dog that sheds all year round
- The Chihuahua is best in a home that has no person in your home less than 18 years old
- If you want a dog that needs average housebreaking time – (around 6-12 weeks)
- It's ideal if you want a dog that's quite sedentary and spends a lot of time lying quietly
- As long as you don't mind a dog that's a little on the stubborn side when it comes to training issues
- If you want a dog that will bark to warn you of odd noises or strangers
- The Chihuahua is an ideal dog for the first time owner
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) 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: Once a week
Coat length: Short
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