People all over the world LOVE their little dogs, and bringing home that super tiny chihuahua puppy has never been more exciting than it is now. Even at its largest, your chihuahua will only grow so big, and you can take your new best friend to the store in your purse if you want to. Chihuahuas have become an all-time favorite due to their small size, playfulness, and low maintenance/exercise requirements. How much a chihuahua will cost depends on its breed specifications, where you get them, and what type of chihuahua you choose to bring into your home.
Why are people picking small dogs?
Picking a small dog to bring home with you has many benefits. The smaller the dog, the smaller the poops, so that’s a plus. Aside from that, these dogs don’t require as much maintenance and exercise as big dogs. Just a short walk will tire your chihuahua because they have short little legs, so they make the perfect apartment dog or dog for someone who requires low maintenance. Good News! Experts say that a Chihuahua only needs less than 30 minutes of exercise daily, much less than other breeds of dogs.
How to find a reputable breeder
Finding a reputable breeder is imperative to stopping the overpopulation of pets in the United States. Finding a breeder who cares about the health, behavior, and physical well-being of the dogs in their care means that fewer dogs will be relinquished to the shelters and improves the breed as a whole. Reputable dog breeders will do genetic testing on both dog parents. They will let you see where they are bred and allow you to see the parents. If they don’t allow any of these, it can be a huge red flag that this person has a backyard breeders /puppy mill operation
. Many people breed genetically unsound dogs just for the cash, so you will want to ensure that the breeder you find does all genetic and health testing. They will not have their puppies available until 8 weeks. A sign of a reputable breeder is high prices, long wait lists, and deposits because these people only do 1 litter at a time, keep their dogs inside, and really put time and money into improving the breed. For a first-time owner, it’s a good idea to use a breeder.
American Kennel Club breed standards
The breed standard for a well-bred Chihuahua includes them not exceeding 6 pounds because they want them to be compact little dogs. They are bred to be swift-moving and graceful, and have a temperament similar to a terrier. They were originally bred as companion animals and seemed to get very attached to one person.
Common health problems
Though Chihuahuas do have their fair share of health problems, there is insurance you can get to help cover any large vet bills. A Chihuahua’s most common health issue is patellar luxation, where the knee cap rides on the wrong part of the knee, causing pain and discomfort. For this reason, chihuahua breeders will tell you to use portion control when feeding your dog because if this does arise, being overweight can exacerbate the situation. Other health conditions commonly found in Chihuahuas include tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia, obesity (heart disease), and dental disease. For the first year of ownership, purchasing pet insurance is a good way to save on medical expenses if they arise
Purebred versus chihuahua mix
Chihuahua mixes are great because they usually have the same temperament as a purebred chihuahua (nervous, attached to one person, a little yappy). Still, their temperament can vary because they can be mixed with any other breed. They are usually small, so they can be an all-time favorite. Once you get one, you may end up with 3 of them…just saying!
Due to higher genetic variation, many of the health issues purebred Chihuahuas have can be weeded out when getting a chihuahua mix. Whether you find one on Craigslist or get one from the animal shelter, you will want to ensure their temperament fits your situation before bringing them home. Due to the craze, animal shelters and rescues are flooded with chihuahua mixes that would make the perfect companion.
Types of chihuahuas
Deer Head Chihuahua
These pups are called Deer Head Chihuahuas because their head is shaped like little baby deer. Apple-head chihuahuas are the breed standard, not deer head; therefore, these dogs cannot be used in shows recognized by the AKC.
Average cost
This makes them the cheapest Chihuahua to buy, ranging from $300-$1200, or less than $150 from a rescue or shelter.
Teacup Chihuahua
Teacup Chihuahuas were bred to be smaller than the average chihuahua and are TINY! They average only about 3 pounds and get only around 6 inches tall, so they are perfect for carrying around! Because this is a specialized variation of a chihuahua, they will cost more!
Average cost
They range from $500-$2,000, which is a lot of money, so if you want one, you’ll need to start saving your pennies!
Apple head chihuahuas
These pups have a super broad head resembling an apple’s shape.
Average price
When you get one from a breeder, they usually cost about $500-$1000, but at your local shelter, you can get one for less than $150. A teacup that is also an apple head will cost you a lot more. If you are looking for a puppy only, try petfinder.com! They are a website for all rescues in the US, and they commonly have puppies!
Short-haired versus long haired
Most of the Chihuahuas you see in the media have super maintainable short coats, but did you know they can also come with a long coat? Most prefer the short coat because it will eliminate a dog’s grooming needs, and the dog will only need to be groomed once every 2 months or so. Regardless, some people still love the look of a long coat on a Chihuahua. Having a long coat doesn’t make them a different breed. It’s just a specification of a fluffier chihuahua. Long-haired chihuahuas can cost more based on their look, ranging from $500-$1200, sometimes more!
Temperament
Chihuahuas make great in-home pets and are perfect for first-time dog owners. This is because they are small, easy to clean up after, and low maintenance compared to other dogs. They are tiny dogs with HUGE personalities, and their temperament can range from being super shy to relatively aggressive. Socializing them at a young age is key to having a well-adjusted Chihuahua.
They are considered devoted, alert and lively and will gladly accompany you on all your errands. They can do well with young children, but will need training and socialization from a young age. Chihuahuas can be nippy if provoked, and they are a very small breed. They can be hurt easily, so teaching your child to be gentle and read the dog’s body language is a must! Chihuahuas will benefit from positive reinforcement training when introduced to a new family member and will learn quickly what to do and what not to do in the home. All they need is some patience and structure, and they will be on their way to being an amazing family pet.
Conclusion
Dogs are a lifelong commitment and can be our very best friends. When considering whether to bring a Chihuahua into your home, it’s important to take a look at your lifestyle, your budget, and your companion’s needs. Chihuahuas can make great companions and can fit almost any budget. You can get your new friend from rescue groups, animal shelters, or a reputable breeder.You will be happy you brought home a loyal companion and adorable member of your family to enjoy life with.
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