Top 6 vital stats about Chihuahua's...
Social
Good with other kids and other pets
Exercise
30+ mins per day
Grooming
Brush weekly
Feeding
2 times a day
Training
Requires consistency and patient approach
Shedding
Light
Chihuahua health conditions & temperament
Do Chihuahuas need a lot of grooming?
Chihuahuas do not require extensive grooming compared to many other breeds; however, they do need regular maintenance to keep them clean and healthy.
Do Chihuahuas suffer from health conditions?
Chihuahua’s can be susceptible to issue such as heart problems, eye conditions, dental issues and hypoglycemia.
Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?
Chihuahuas are known for their lively and protective nature, which can often result in frequent barking. Their small size belies a strong instinct to guard their territory and alert their owners to perceived threats. This breed may bark at strangers, unfamiliar noises, or other animals as a form of communication or due to anxiety.
General summary
For grooming, short-haired Chihuahuas should be brushed weekly to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils, while long-haired Chihuahuas may require more frequent brushing to prevent tangles and matting. As for health conditions, not every Chihuahua will have the same problems, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. It's also worth noting this breed may bark at strangers, unfamiliar noises, or other animals as a form of communication or due to anxiety.
Chihuahuas feeding & attention
How often to feed them?
Typically, adult Chihuahuas should be fed twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Puppies, on the other hand, due to their developmental needs, should be fed three to four times daily.
What energy levels do Chihuahuas have?
Chihuahuas are known for their energetic nature, often displaying a surprising level of activity for their small size. Despite their small stature, they are typically eager to engage in play and enjoy regular exercise.
Easy to train?
Chihuahuas offer both challenges and rewards when it comes to training. Their small size and spirited personality mean they can be quick learners, but also possess a streak of independence that may require a patient and consistent approach. Owners should invest time in training techniques to help their Chihuahuas understand when barking is appropriate. Each dog is an individual, and while the breed may have a reputation for being vocal, not all Chihuahuas will bark excessively.
Care summary
Owners should invest time in training techniques to help their Chihuahuas understand when barking is appropriate. Each dog is an individual, and while the breed may have a reputation for being vocal, not all Chihuahuas will bark excessively. Chihuahuas generally exhibit a strong desire to be social, bonding closely with their owners and seeking attention. For feeding, it is always advisable to consult with a vet to establish an feeding plan tailored to your Chihuahua's dietary requirements.
Chihuahua personality & good to knows
Good with children?
They may be reserved or even wary around unfamiliar children, underscoring the importance of early socialisation to foster a well-rounded temperament.
Good with people?
Chihuahuas are loyal to their owners, craving attention and affection, and can be quite protective, which may lead to a tendency to bark at strangers or unfamiliar situations.
Good with other pets?
Chihuahuas possess a reputation for being somewhat feisty and territorial, which can sometimes affect their interactions with other dogs.
Personality summary
Chihuahua’s can be quite affectionate and enjoy being part of family activities, especially with children. However, their ability to be friendly with their canine peers is largely dependent on early socialisation and the temperament of the individual dog.
Did You Know?
Chihuahuas, the smallest dog breed in the world, have a unique and intriguing distinction that extends beyond their diminutive size.
A fun fact about these tiny canines is that they are born with a soft spot on their skulls, known as a molera, which is akin to the fontanelle in human infants.
Unlike other breeds, where the skull is fully formed at birth, the molera can take several months or even years to fully close. This characteristic is not a defect but rather a standard feature of the breed's anatomy, reflecting the Chihuahua's fascinating genetic heritage.
Package available for your Chihuahua includes
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Complementary treatment
Up to
£500
per illness/injury
Up to
£750
per illness/injury
Up to
£1000
per illness/injury
3rd Party Liability (dogs only)
Up to
£1M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Death from Illness*
*Death from illness does not apply to dogs aged 9 and over & cats aged 11 and over
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Death from accident
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Chihuahua Training & Exercise
- Training a Chihuahua demands gentle yet firm guidance to harness their intelligence in a positive manner.
- Early socialisation and obedience training are crucial for this breed to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults.
- With the right techniques and perseverance, Chihuahuas can certainly be trained effectively, responding best to positive reinforcement methods such as praise and treats.
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Chihuahuas are intelligent and fast learners but also have a reputation for being stubborn, which can present challenges in training.
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They thrive on companionship and do not fare well when left alone for extended periods, making them ideal pets for individuals or families able to provide frequent interaction and care.
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It is generally recommended that your Chihuahua should exercise daily for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
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This can be achieved through a combination of walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.
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It is important to tailor the intensity of the exercise to suit their physical capabilities and individual needs, thereby ensuring they remain happy and healthy.
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When properly introduced and accustomed to the presence of other dogs from a young age, Chihuahuas can form amicable relationships and enjoy companionship.
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It is essential for owners to ensure that these small yet bold dogs are exposed to positive social experiences, as this helps to foster a well-adjusted disposition that is conducive to friendly behaviour towards other dogs.
Chihuahua Grooming
- Short-haired varieties should be brushed weekly to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils, while long-haired Chihuahuas may require more frequent brushing to prevent tangles and matting.
- Bathing should be done every one to two months or as necessary, with careful attention to drying them thoroughly to avoid chills.
- Regular nail clipping, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential
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Consistent grooming routines not only maintain the Chihuahua's appearance but also provide an opportunity to check for any skin issues.
Chihuahua Common Health Conditions
- Chihuahuas can be susceptible to health issues such as heart problems, including patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease. It is important for Chihuahua owners to maintain regular veterinary check-ups to manage potential health concerns.
- Hypoglycemia is a concern in smaller breeds like the Chihuahua, particularly in puppies or in miniature varieties.
- Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and dry eye may also impact Chihuahua’s.
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Dental issues are common due to their small mouths, which can lead to overcrowded teeth and gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
As well as finding the best cover for your beloved pet, you’ll also want to find the best deal on cat insurance or dog insurance. And that means doing your research.
When you compare pet insurance, you’ll receive a pet insurance quotation that meet your pet’s needs. But first, you’ll need to provide the following information to the pet insurance provider:
- Your pet’s details: This includes their age, breed and size
- How much your pet cost: This only applies if you bought your pet, not if you’ve adopted your pet without an adoption fee (applies if you’ve adopted your pet and paid an adoption fee, the adoption fee will be the pet cost)
- Your pet’s medical history: Has a vet diagnosed any existing medical conditions? (information provided at the point of making a claim)
As your pet becomes older, it can be harder to get cover for them. Some pet insurance providers will not let you take out cover for pets over a certain age. At Purely Pets, we have no upper age limit on our pet insurance policies. This makes it simpler to find pet insurance to protect your older pet.
ou already know there are different types of cat and dog insurance cover available, but here’s what that insurance jargon actually means:
- Lifetime pet insurance: Also known as reinstatement cover, this policy offers ongoing protection for illness and injuries. Your pet is covered for medical treatment administered by a vet up to a certain vet fee limit each year. The full amount is reinstated every 12 months.
- Maximum benefit pet insurance: Covers each illness or accident up to a fixed amount. Once that figure is reached, your pet is no longer covered.
- Time-limited pet insurance: An accident or injury is covered for a specific length of time. Handy for short term illness.
- Accident-only pet insurance: Your pet is covered if they are injured in an accident – but not if they fall ill. Usually up to a certain amount.
At Purely Pets, we believe every pet deserves the very best, which is why we only offer lifetime cover. You can choose from 15 levels of cover, with costs of up to £15,000 covered by your pet insurance. Get an instant pet insurance quote today.
For many pet owners, the idea of not having pet insurance can be worrying. Can you afford to pay for vet fees if the worst were to happen and your furry friend fell ill or had an accident?
There are a number of factors that determine how much you pay for pet insurance for your pet dog or cat.
Each pet is different, and the cost of pet insurance premiums can vary accordingly. Luckily, there is bound to be a policy offering you just the right cover for your pet.
The cost of pet insurance can vary according to:
- Type of pet insurance policy
- Amount of cover required
- Your pet’s size and age
- The breed of your dog or cat
- Health of your pet
- Whether your pet has been neutered or spayed
- Where you (or more specifically, your pet) lives
- How much excess you want to pay (just make sure you can afford the amount you decide on).
When working out premiums for your cat insurance or dog insurance, a pet insurance provider will look at each of these factors and assign a risk rating for each one. The higher the collective risk, the more likely you will make a claim – and the higher your pet insurance premiums will be.
As a rule of thumb, the cheapest pet insurance options are accident only. But these also provide the lowest level of pet insurance cover.
At the other end of the scale you have lifetime pet insurance policies, which provide the highest level of protection and give you a range of options should your pet require vet treatment at any time in their lives (providing the pet insurance policy has not lapsed, your policy has been renewed each year, and your premiums have been paid and are up to date).
You need to decide how much protection you want to give your cat or dog and decide on the level of pet insurance cover accordingly.
If you own a happy and healthy pet, you might wonder 'is it worth insuring my dog?'
You should always protect your furry friend with dog insurance – here are three reasons why:
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Vet bills can be costly: Even the healthiest of pets can sometimes fall ill or get into an accident, and veterinary fees don't come cheap. With a pet insurance policy in place, you can get them the care they need if the have an accidental injury, without worrying about expensive vet bills. Plus, if your dog injures someone else, or their property, third party liability cover can help pick up the pieces.
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Your pet deserves the best care: Without dog insurance, it's easy for pet owners to go for the cheapest option available to treat their furry friend, but they deserve so much more. Dog insurance will cover the cost of veterinary treatment throughout your dog's life, meaning you can get your pet the right treatment, when they need it most.
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Get covered before new illnesses develop: Trying to find insurance once your pet is already ill is tricky. Pet insurance providers often won't cover a pre-existing condition, so you'll still need to pay the veterinary fees associated with this illness or injury. Read the policy wording carefully to check if your dog's pre existing condition is covered or not. Cover from Purely Pets includes dental being accident only in year 1 and dental illness from year 2 onwards.
