Chihuahua

Character and behavior of a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are lively, intelligent and extremely loyal to their owners. Despite their small size, they are courageous and often have a certain self-confidence that shows in their watchful behavior. They are attentive and affectionate, developing strong bonds with their humans.

Training and raising a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are smart and capable of learning, but they can also be stubborn due to their strong personality. Patience and consistent, loving training are important to avoid unwanted behavior. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and regular training is essential to ensure that they can control their behavior in new situations.

Is the Chihuahua a family dog?

Yes, Chihuahuas can be good family dogs, especially for households with older children who learn to treat the dog with respect. Due to their size and fragility, they may be less suitable for households with very young children as they are sensitive to rough handling.

Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs?

Chihuahuas can get along well with other dogs, especially if they are socialized early on. Despite their small size, they often behave confidently towards larger dogs. Regular socialization is important to ensure that they are friendly and balanced with other dogs.

How big and heavy does a Chihuahua get?

Chihuahuas are among the smallest dog breeds in the world and have a compact stature:

• Size: 15-23 cm shoulder height
• Weight: 1.5-3 kg This breed is known for its petite appearance and remains light and small even in adulthood.

Affection for people

Chihuahuas are very affectionate and love to be with their humans. They often form a special bond with a person and prefer to stay close to them. Their strong loyalty and love of closeness make them particularly loving companions.

Coat care and hygiene of a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas come in short-haired and long-haired varieties. Short-haired Chihuahuas are easy to care for and only require occasional brushing, while long-haired Chihuahuas need a little more grooming to keep the coat free of tangles. Both varieties shed moderately and should be brushed regularly to remove loose hair.

What is the life expectancy of a Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are one of the longest-lived dog breeds with an average life expectancy of 12 to 20 years. With good care and a healthy diet, they can lead a very long and happy life.

Frequent health problems

Although Chihuahuas are generally healthy, they can be prone to some specific health problems due to their size. These include dental problems, patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and heart problems such as mitral valve disease. Their eyes should also be checked regularly as they can be prone to eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to detect these problems early.

Price of a Chihuahua

The cost of a Chihuahua in Switzerland varies between CHF 1,500 and CHF 3,500, depending on the health checks and the breeding line.

Dog insurance for Chihuahuas

Chihuahua dog insurance is recommended due to the breed-specific health risks. On average, insurance for a Chihuahua in Switzerland costs around CHF 630 per year. Good insurance can help to cover unexpected veterinary costs for health problems and provides security in the care of these small and loyal companions.
You can find out more about Chihuahua dog insurance here.

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