Chihuahuas are considered to be light to moderate shedders, whether they are of a long or short haired variety. There’s nothing you can do to stop shedding, but brushing your dog regularly will help to remove some of that loose hair and keep your Chihuahua’s coat in tip top condition!

Chihuahuas can swim but aren’t necessarily built to be great in the water. As Chihuahuas were bred as lapdogs, swimming isn’t something that comes instinctively. However, many Chihuahuas love the water although due to their small size they can get tired easily and should always be supervised. A Chihuahuas small stature also means they can easily come overwhelmed when faced with large expanses of water, so if your pet is a swimmer it’s best to stick to smaller ponds and pools.

Chihuahua: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training

Q: Why do Chihuahuas shake?

There are several reasons for Chihuahuas tremble. Chihuahuas typically tremble when they’re excited or anxious. Trembling can also be a sign of various health conditions, including low blood sugar or allergies. If you’re worried about your pet, it’s best to seek an opinion from your vet.

Q: Are Chihuahuas smart?

When it comes to learning tricks, Chihuahuas are not considered the quickest learners. However, their independent streak means that they are clever when it comes to learning how to do things for themselves. When training a Chihuahua, patience is key – as soon as your pet realises what’s in it for them, they’ll quickly respond!

Q: Are Chihuahuas good with kids?

Chihuahuas are not known as the most patient breed and may not react well to children, especially any boisterous play. This breed is known to be a little snappy and they tend to do best in quieter households without children. As with all dogs, any time your Chihuahua spends with children should be supervised to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.

Q: Are Chihuahuas aggressive?

Feisty and independent, Chihuahuas are easily provoked and very vocal. A big dog in a small dog’s body, the Chihuahua is quick to make their unhappiness known and will become vocal and snappy if they feel the need. It’s important to remember that for this diminutive breed, anti-social behaviours are usually triggered by your Chihuahua feeling threatened or afraid so early socialisation and plenty of regular exposure to other dogs and people is crucial for nurturing a well-rounded and confident pet.

A feisty companion who thrives on love and attention

The world’s smallest dogs, Chihuahuas make good companions. They bond strongly with their owners, are quick-witted and easily trained – as long as you start early. They can be prickly around strangers as they like to have all of their owner’s attention for themselves.

Vital Stats

Size:	Small
Coat:	Either smooth or long-coated, both requiring weekly brushing
Exercise:	Up to 30 minutes a day
Life span:	Usually 12+ years, although they can live as long as 20.
Breed group:	Toy
Temperament:	Devoted, lively, alert

Size 15cm
-
22cm Coat short/
long
coat Exercise up to30mins Life span 12+years

Chihuahua Temperament & Personality

Chihuahuas are loving and loyal and make good pets for first-time owners.

These little dogs have big personalities and range from feisty and outgoing to shy and timid.
Intelligent and fiercely loyal to the people they love, Chihuahuas will happily accompany their owners anywhere and everywhere.

Prone to separation anxiety, Chihuahuas will be happiest in households where there’s always someone around.
A big dog in a small dog’s body, a Chihuahua can be protective and vocal if not well socialised.

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Chihuahua Training & Exercise

As small as they are Chihuahuas are energetic and need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Training tips

Chihuahua training should begin from around four months old, and will help them grow into a well-rounded, social dog.
Clever and independent, this breed can prefer to take things at their own pace, but give them time and be patient and they’ll soon respond to commands and even tricks.

More puppy training tips

Keeping them happy

Chihuahuas benefit from mental stimulation and plenty of play.
This loyal breed will be happiest right by your side – Chihuahuas crave human interaction and too much time alone could lead to unwanted behaviours such as barking, whining, scratching and chewing.

Exercise

Until they’re about three months old short bursts of play will help your growing Chihuahua puppy build up endurance, and ensure their growing bones and joints aren’t overexerted.
From about four months old you can introduce walks to your dog’s routine. Experts recommend using a harness when walking Chihuahuas to avoid any damage to their delicate spine and windpipe.

Game ideas

Try a game of hide and seek to challenge their intelligence – hide their favourite toy and let them sniff it out.

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Get a Chihuahua quote

Find out more about the conditions that we see most in Chihuahuas throughout their lifetime.

More Health Information

Chihuahua Grooming

Chihuahuas can be long or short haired, with both types requiring weekly brushing.

There is no need to bathe your Chihuhua more than once a month, and you can wait longer if your dog stays inside most of the time.
Use grooming time to also check your Chihuahua for any lumps or signs of parasites.
Also check your dog’s eyes for redness and weepiness, and inspect their eats for any signs of infection such as a strange smell or black or brown wax.

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Chihuahua Nutrition

Due to their small size, Chihuahua’s weight can creep up easily so a high-quality pet food is recommended.

Chihuahuas should be fed twice daily, following the recommended portion size on their food packaging.
Vets also advise keeping food rewards and treats to a minimum.

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FAQs

Why do Chihuahuas shake?

Do Chihuahuas shed?

Are Chihuahuas smart?

Are Chihuahuas good with kids?

Can Chihuahuas swim?

Are Chihuahuas aggressive?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Why do Chihuahuas shake?

Do Chihuahuas shed?

Are Chihuahuas smart?

Are Chihuahuas good with kids?

Can Chihuahuas swim?

Are Chihuahuas aggressive?

Help & Support page

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Chihuahua insurance considerations

Choosing the right insurance for your Chihuahua can help keep them happy and healthy whatever happens. When choosing insurance make sure you check carefully the range of conditions and types of treatment covered. Examine whether the full cost of diagnostics like MRI scans or CT scans is included. Look at any limits on the cost of individual treatments and whether dental illnesses and injuries are covered especially as we see Chihuahuas are prone to mouth and teeth issues. With Petplan’s Covered for Life® dog insurance we have no additional limits for specific conditions or diagnostic tools.

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A feisty companion who thrives on love and attention