Best and Worst Chihuahua Traits

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If you’re thinking of getting yourself a Chihuahua, the first thing you may be wondering about is what are traits of Chihuahuas? It’s easy to be tempted by the dog’s tiny frame, cuteness, and overall adorable looks, but you should also know about some of the challenges you can expect before bringing this little ball of fur home. 

Chihuahuas are a tiny dog breed that’s also one of the most misunderstood in the world. People get attracted to their small size and cuteness, but Chihuahuas can sometimes be very hard to handle. 

But do Chihuahuas’ worst traits win over best traits? And if you are thinking about getting a dog, is a Chihuahua the right choice for you? 

This article answers all your questions through an in-depth look at some of the best and worst traits of Chihuahuas.

Best Chihuahua Traits

In addition to the dog’s playful nature and sassy attitude, if you are wondering what are the best traits of a Chihuahua, here are some to get you started. 

They Are Enormously Loyal and Loving

The only thing a Chihuahua wants is to accompany you everywhere you go. If you already have brought one in your house, you may notice them follow you around from one room to another. And they will perfectly enjoy cuddling up all day if you choose to do so. 

Chihuahuas are also loyal to a fault. They bond quite easily with their humans and are even described as “clingy.” But they also do not trust strangers easily and are very protective of their humans, despite their tiny size. 

They Make Excellent Watchdogs

Chihuahuas can grow up to five to eight inches and can weigh about six pounds. So when it comes to guarding dogs, Chihuahuas are the worst, but they do make excellent watchdogs.

If they see something suspicious, Chihuahuas won’t hesitate to bark as loudly as they can to alert you. Chihuahuas are also very aware of little movements and sounds. 

So, if you were considering buying a camera for home safety, get a Chihuahua instead!

ALSO READ: Train Your Chihuahua Like a Service Dog

They are Easy to Groom and Maintain

Like any other dog, Chihuahuas also need to be groomed regularly. But the good news is that since they are so small, they are much easier to groom. A Chihuahua’s coat is also relatively easy to maintain, and smooth-coated Chihuahuas are even easier. 

Make sure you bathe them, brush their coats, and trim their fur regularly. You should also get them vet checked regularly to prevent any health issues or to detect them early. 

They Have a Long Lifespan

Chihuahuas live for about 12 to 18 years on average, which is reasonably long for such a small dog. 

While there is no precise way of determining their lifespan, Chihuahuas are generally healthy. You can even extend the lifespan as well as the quality of life of your Chihuahua by ensuring they have a proper diet and get regular exercise. 

And if you’re wondering are male or female Chihuahuas better, you should know that while you will not be able to tell much of a difference when they are puppies, as they get older, male Chihuahua behavior changes. Male Chihuahuas are typically more affectionate and loyal and mature faster than female Chihuahuas. 

They Are Very Intelligent

Chihuahuas are intelligent canines. Their intelligence allows them to be excellent at learning obedience commands as well as tricks. So, it’s a good idea to get them socialized and trained at a young age and introduce them to different people and other pets.

A strong desire to please others drives them to accept positive training techniques well, so providing plenty of rewards works well to motivate them. This breed is also capable of competing in dog sports like agility and obedience events. 

They Are Excellent Apartment Dogs

Chihuahuas, sometimes known as handbag dogs, are super small in size, which means they take up very little space in your apartment. Due to this, they are an excellent breed for apartment living, even if the space is limited. So, if you live in a high-rise apartment building in a large city or a metropolitan area, Chihuahuas would be perfect for you. 

And since they do not need a lot of rigorous exercises, you can take them for a 15-minute stroll to get them their daily dose of physical activity. But, remember to take them to a dog park often to let them socialize with other dogs. 

ALSO READ: How Long Should You Walk Your Chihuahua.

They Are Highly Portable

For every dog parent, there are often times when you’re not sure whether you should take your dog on a trip with you or not. But with Chihuahuas, you don’t have to worry. They are small enough that you can pick them up and carry them anywhere you want, and they’ll come happily along with you. 

To make their journey more comfortable, make sure you only use specially designed pet carriers. 

Worst Chihuahua Traits

Now that we’ve seen what makes Chihuahuas so adored and well-liked, it’s time to take a peek at why chihuahuas are not good. If you are thinking about getting this dog, you should know Chihuahuas have certain traits and characteristics that may be difficult to accept. 

These are not characteristics that make the dog terrible in any way; it’s just important to keep yourself well-informed before making your decision.

They Have A Sensitive Stomach

Chihuahuas have a delicate digestive system. If they’re not fed a proper diet, it won’t take long for them to become ill. It thus becomes very important to keep an eye on what they’re eating.

And even if oily, spicy, and fatty meals cannot be avoided altogether, they should be kept to a minimum. If your dog is experiencing a stomach ache, allergy, or inflammation, coconut can be very helpful. Read this if you are not sure can dogs eat coconut.

Chihuahuas Are Fragile

The diminutive stature of Chihuahuas also comes with its vulnerability. They’re quite small and can thus easily come under someone’s feet. That means Chihuahuas are at a higher risk of getting injured if you’re not careful. Given their small frame, they also have fragile bones that can be easily injured.

Although the breed is normally quite fast, Chihuahuas are not fast enough to avoid shuffling feet, especially in a home with children. You will have to be very careful and vigilant about where your Chihuahua is at any given time. 

They Don’t Stop Barking

When talking about what are the traits of Chihuahuas, their reputation for being loud and boisterous dogs often tops the list. This is mainly because Chihuahuas are a very vocal breed and are often hyper-aware of their surroundings and people. This is also what makes them such good watchdogs. But the incessant barking can be tiresome. 

Thankfully, Chihuahuas, like any dog, can be trained to bark on command rather than constantly making noise. They are, after all, an intelligent breed.

They May Develop Health Problems Over Time

According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), chihuahuas have 14 to 16 years of healthy life expectancy. However, the association urges owners to keep a close eye on their little dog’s health and be aware of health issues.

Some of the most common health problems with Chihuahuas include heart problems, lung problems, patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, and idiopathic epilepsy. It is recommended that you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your canine companion suffers from a health issue.

They Are Not Children Friendly

Although Chihuahuas are a small breed, they are energetic and possess a certain amount of feistiness. So, if you have children at home, you will need to teach your Chihuahua as well as your children how to interact with each other. 

Children should be taught to be kind and gentle when interacting with Chihuahuas as they are very fragile and any roughhousing can hurt the dog. Despite all the precautions, however, it is not a good idea to leave your kids alone with a Chihuahua. 

They Don’t Do Very Well in Cold

Chihuahuas are a brachycephalic breed and are quite sensitive to cold. This cold sensitivity also puts them at risk of hypothermia and dehydration, even frostbite. 

So, don’t be alarmed to find your Chihuahua cuddling up next to you in the bed in winter; they are probably just looking for some warmth with you. To keep your Chihuahuas comfortable in the winter, make sure you provide them with plenty of bedding and dress them up in winter jackets.

They Are Very Stubborn

One of the worst traits of the Chihuahua personality is stubbornness. Chihuahuas are known for their fierce personalities, which can make life difficult for dog owners. Chihuahua energy levels also make it difficult sometimes to handle them. 

It is recommended that Chihuahuas be trained from a young age to socialize and obey commands. They need to become accustomed to meeting new people and pets and being in different surroundings, which is particularly important if you intend to take your Chihuahua everywhere.

Another issue many chihuahua owners have, which may come from stubbornness, are issues with house training their dog.

As with any other dog or pet, Chihuahuas also have their fair share of good as well as bad traits, but in this case, the good traits clearly win. Although Chihuahuas show a feisty temperament, they are usually very calm, loyal, protective, and will always be ready to shower you with a lot of love and affection. 

We hope this article has answered your question of what are traits of Chihuahuas. So if you want a little furball to cuddle up with and take along everywhere you go, Chihuahuas are an excellent choice. 

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