Would a Chihuahua (dog, not a person from the region in Mexico) survive in Alaska?

Question

We may have to move from a VERY warm area of the southeastern U.S. to the North Pole (Alaska). Maybe. I worry if this would work with our less-than-one-year-old Chihuahua pup. Will she adapt with a chunky sweater? Will we have to build her a dog run? Is it too late to teach her to use a litter box? She WILL stay with us - giving her up is not an option. I just wonder how we could best work with the temperature extremes...?? Ideas? Suggestions?

She is already an INDOOR dog, BTW - not an outdoorsy type! I am only talking about the occasional run outdoors that she will need...

Answer 1

I talked with a lady a few years ago that was a chihuahua breeder that lived in Alaska. Also talked with a chi owner from Iceland, so yes, a chi can live in these extreme cold temps. I would think the chi would need to be an indoor dog only. Even then she would probably need to wear a sweater at all times. She might could be trained to a litterbox. If not puppy pads would do.

Answer 2

I just returned from a week in Sitka, Alaska. I saw an adorable black and tan chihuahua being walked in the neighborhood during a light rain. The owner said he does great and loves the summer gardens. He was not shivering or crouching over. I noticed he was a bit on the chunky side, but he was still one of the smaller chihuahuas. With the proper care, I believe any dog will adjust to its surroundings. Have fun in beautiful Alaska! -mydarndog.com

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Are you military? I live in a city called North Pole, Alaska (right by Fairbanks). And believe me, chihuahuas will get along fine! There are chihuahuas here. In this area, winters can be about -50 degrees (in Jan) so obviously, you don't want to take your dog outside in that kind of weather. No one does! But Alaska has some nice summers!

It's not too late to litter train. You should start teaching your dog do use a litter box or puppy pads because peeing outside for a chihuahua will be too much for it. The chi won't even be able to get through the snow! And he/she will be too cold out there. When it's -60 degrees out, a person can get a concussion just for being out about 15 minutes (without the right head gear to keep the head warm, that is). And anyway, your chi will refuse to go out in such bad weather. No animal is that dumb lol. Sending a chi outside in the winter is a death sentence. Indoors only!

But when it is warm out, sweaters are nice for chilly days when you take the chi out. I'm not sure if your chi is used to them yet, but it might be a good idea to have it learn to wear them. If you like, boots might be good, too. Around April-May(ish), it can getty muddy and wet out because all the snow is melting. If you don't want muddy paws in your house, boots might be ideal.

Chis are naturally not cold tolerant and do bad in cold weather. But since your chi will be inside, there's absolutely no problem with it. There are plenty of chis in Alaska and even a breeder up here. Just use common sense and don't take your chi for a walk in -10 degrees.

Really though, there is nothing to worry about with your chi. Instead, you should be worrying about you! Your chi will stay inside (a must). You, however, need to get an extension cord to plug your car in, a very good coat (gortex, maybe? Should be waterproof, breathable, etc.), boots, gloves, warm pants, etc. I'm not talking about any kind of coat, gloves, boots, either. You also need to have "emergency" stuff to keep you warm in case the car breaks down (this is very very bad in the winter! People die!). I'm sure once you get up here, you'll hear about everything. It's really not all that bad up here. Don't let people scare you, b/c they like to do that to new people up here lol. They'll say, "OMG it's terrible! It gets to -60 degrees and it gets dark a lot!" That's true, but really, they're joshing you. It's not that bad! You don't really notice all that bad stuff b/c changes are so gradual. And -50 doesnt feel like -50 b/c its so dry up here. If you have any more questions about your chi or AK, feel free to email me. I'd be glad to help.

Answer 5

Yeah, I don't see why not. chihuahuas always shake and not necessarily from the weather. They do sell doggie litter boxes they are the same as a cat but the "litter" looks like little chunks of hamster food. It soaks up the urine and clings to the feces. Something about the smell makes them go in it. check it out in a dog supply store on line, Pet Edge, Dr. Smith, so on... Good Luck, enjoy the endless days.

Answer 6

Some nice warm sweaters and doggie boots should help when she needs to go out to take care of business.....but i like the litter box idea! Also, get one of those doggie bags with a blankie tucked inside for when you need to take her places with you. Good Luck and Right On for not even considering leaving your baby behind!!

Answer 7

lol..im laughing cause i have a little chihuahua who is almost a year old and i live in ga and its pretty warm here and she shivers ALL the time like she is freezing to death. I dont know if you keep her indoors and the little box thing sounds like a good idea. Good luck!

Answer 8

a number of those breeds of canine on the instant have been created by using human beings. they are all hybrids and that i for my section do no longer think of a chihuahua may well be the predator in any concern by using itself. or maybe in a %. which incorporate many different chihuahuas..

Answer 9

I have one. they shake because they are nervous dogs.

I also have a boston terrier.

Just by it a coat and the little booties it is cute and can protect them when they go outside. Definetly on the booties because the cold can hurt their little feet after a while if not use to it. I live in MS and brought my boston terrier to Denver and It was negative something when we went . She didn't love it but she got use to it when she needed to go outside. Just as long as you don't forget the dog outside it should be o.k.

good luck

Answer 10

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