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6 Things To Know Before Buying A Chihuahua

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chihuahua puppy kiss

Now, let’s be honest, everyone loves Chihuahuas.

There’s the Taco Bell Chihuahua, the…uh.

Is there seriously only one famous Chihuahua?

There’s like twenty famous golden retrievers but only one Chihuahua?

And no, I’m not counting Paris Hilton’s.

The Taco Bell Chihuahua earned its fame.

I can’t say the same for the Hilton hound.

Well I, for one, believe the noble Chihuahua deserves a bit more praise.

They’re compact, they’re adorable, and they think they’re much tougher than they actually are. Which, not to sound redundant, is pretty cute.

However, if you’re thinking of getting one soon, you should be aware of a few things.

For example, did you know that Chihuahuas can not only stand on their hind legs but dunk on a standard ten-foot basketball hoop?

That’s actually not true; I was just trying to see if you were paying attention.

Let’s take a look at six things you should know before you buy a Chihuahua.

 1.  Chihuahuas Love To Be Warm

chihuaha puppy slipper cute adorableThis probably won’t come as a shock to you, as Chihuahuas are essentially naked.

Unless you put a small sweater, vest, or letterman’s jacket on them.

Which I sincerely urge you to do right now.

Because your new Chihuahua will love warmth, it helps to leave your window blinds open whenever possible.

They enjoy laying down in the sun, stretching out, and reading a trashy romance novel.

However, Chihuahuas don’t love all types of weather.

While they love the sun, they are not at all fans of cold, rainy days.

Because of that, Chihuahuas could have never contributed to the Seattle grunge scene.

Which is a real shame, because I would’ve gotten tickets for Chihuahuas in flannel and ripped jeans playing miniaturized instruments.

Oh well.

2. Chihuahuas Are Not Easy To Housebreak

If you’re getting a Chihuahua soon, I hope you’ve got plenty of patience and don’t care too much about your carpets.

Chihuahuas are notoriously difficult to housebreak, much like many other toy breeds.

Now, while it ‘s hard to housebreak a Chihuahua, don’t give up yet. I mean, you haven’t even gotten one yet.

But still don’t give up.

Traditional housebreaking techniques can work on a Chihuahua, especially if you start young.

However, alternate means may be necessary.

You can train a Chihuahua to use a litter box as opposed to the tried and true methods.

Just keep in mind you can’t use kitty litter, as your Chihuahua will eat it and get sick.

As if your dog trying to eat something it’s not supposed to and getting sick is a shock.

3. Chihuahuas Shed

chihuahua puppyJust looking at a Chihuahua, it may be a bit of a surprise that Chihuahuas shed.

The truth is that your Chihuahua will leave behind some fur here and there. And everywhere.

However, you shouldn’t be prepared for your house to be covered.

The amount of shedding will vary from dog to dog.

So it’s kind of like the lottery.

Except if you win, you get some extra pet fur.

Shedding will also vary from season to season, with less shedding in the winter and summer.

Because of nature. Or science. Or both.

4. Chihuahuas are Fragile

Chihuahuas are fragileIf you’re the type of person that likes to have a few drinks and walk around in your snow boots (don’t we all?) a Chihuahua may not be the best pet for you.

OK, let me be a bit clearer:

Chihuahuas are very easily injured.

The main reason they’re so fragile is the same reason they’re easy to love; they’re tiny.

Like, very tiny. But you already knew that.

So let’s move on.

Because they are so small, you’re likely to lose track of them, meaning they are in danger of being sat or stepped on.

This can mean serious injury or death, meaning they’ll need a lot of supervision.

Due to this fragility, it’s suggested that you don’t have toddlers around them.

Whether it’s that vase you never liked anyway or your chihuahua’s leg, you’re better off letting a toddler break the vase.

It’s a good excuse for you to redecorate.

5. Chihuahuas are Security Guards

OK, that might be a bit on the misleading side.

When you think of security guards (at least I do), you don’t think of something that weighs 4 pounds. While they may not be the biggest, toughest security guards, they are very alert.

They’ll be well aware of who’s coming in and out at all hours of the night (in other words, they pay much more attention than most professional security guards).

However, their expert watchdog skills come with a price. Because of their need to be on high alert at all times, they’ll bark at mail carriers, milkmen, and tax collectors coming to your door.

OK, maybe the last one’s not such a bad thing.

6. They Need Better Social Skills

OK, that headline comes off as a bit mean.

Thank goodness dogs can’t read.

Yet. What I am trying to say is that you need to get your chihuahua out in the social world early on.

Try to find a puppy mixer for it to show off its quick wit and impress the other party guests.

chihuahua social skills practice

Why is this so important?

Well, besides the fact that Chihuahuas playing with other dogs could make even the most solemn person on Earth say “aww,” it will help them be less paranoid when meeting other dogs later in life.

What Have We Learned?

Allow me to summarize everything we’ve talked about today.  If you’re planning on getting a chihuahua soon, make sure to keep them warm whenever possible.

They may take some patience, alternative methods, or the willingness to give up in order to housebreak them.

And, despite not having long flowing locks, they will shed. And you may want to look where you’re sitting, walking, and dancing to avoid hurting your new four-legged friend. Especially dancing.

On the positive side, you’re looking at a dog that will loyally protect you and your family.

At least, by barking whenever a security threat is present.

And, if properly socialized at a younger age, they will become great friends with other dogs as well. Simply said, it’s your responsibility as a puppy parent to help them make friends.

Overall, a chihuahua is a great pet.

While they may be tougher regarding potty training and shedding, seeing those lovable, paranoid, bulging eyes will make it all worth it.

Written by Flo

I am a writer and pet lover living in the Pacific Northwest. I own 2 cats, Bella and Junior, and they are adorable :) I have been an animal advocate and human companion for several dozen animals over the years. I have raised Cockatiels, cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and a tortoise. Writing is my second passion and writing for Funny Pet Stop is a fantastic match for me.