Should I get a chihuahua, or keep looking?

Question

This will be my first dog raising on my own. I'm living by myself, and i only want one pet. I really really like chihuahuas, but someone told me that i should get it a friend... I would be going to school from 9-2 three days a week. Would it be okay on it's own?
If you think it is not a good idea to get a chihuahua, do you suggest any other breeds? I want a small dog that doesnt require toooo much maintenance. And preferably one that doestn like to bark all hours of the night.
Thanks!

My main question is, would a chihuahua be okay on it's own while i am at school? i've heard this particular breed needs constant companionship and i dont want it to be unhappy.

Answer 1

I HATE CHIHUAHUAS or all the dogs in the world in general specially those tiny little devils that are so anoying

Answer 2

Okay first if you don't want a high maintenance dog, a chihuahua is NOT the way to go. They're very small and when older they get weak and are proned to weak knees. If you want to get a puppy (which a lot of people do) you would have to be around her A LOT the first few weeks. They get nervous a lot and scared. If you are just getting a chihuahua, they could get shocked from the different surroundings. Also they could get hypoglycemia which is a low blood sugar condition. Fortunately, this is not permanent. They also can't be left alone a lot and you'd need to have a baby carrier to put them in and feed regularly when a puppy. If a chihuahua puppy has ONE cold night before about 8 weeks, they could suffer permanent damage. I suggest maybe a Maltese for you. They are small and also very cute. Not as much delicate and also more energetic.

I hope this helped

Answer 3

I have a chihuahua...and he's the light of my life. I have to say I thought I never liked small dogs, but he's opened my eyes. They are incredibly high maintenance dogs though, so they're not for everyone. They bond very closely to their owner/s and don't like to be left alone. I think the hours you will be going to school would be fine though. They can definitely be a bit on the barky side too, but nothing that a little early training can't fix. Sounds like you're doing your research, so if that's the type of dog you want, I say go for it! FYI, stay away from breeders who advertise "teacup" chihuahuas...it's not a real term. Good luck!

Answer 4

If this is going to be your first dog, raising it on your own; I would not recommend a Chihuahua.

If you want a dog who...

* Is the smallest and easiest of all breeds to carry around
* Comes in a variety of sizes, coats, and colors
* Takes himself very seriously (which can be amusing to watch)
* Is comical and entertaining
* Makes a keen watchdog
* Doesn't need much exercise
* Lives a long time

A Chihuahua may be right for you.


If you don't want to deal with...

* The fragility of toy breeds
* Notorious housebreaking difficulties, especially in cold or wet weather
* A mind of his own
* Suspicious barking when strangers or strange dogs approach
* An extremely careful search to avoid all the neurotic Chihuahuas
* Avoiding the hype of irresponsible breeders

A Chihuahua may not be right for you.
Here are some MAJOR concerns you should know about Chihuahuas:

** Fragility. Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how incredibly fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Chihuahua by stepping on him or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. And Chihuahuas can seriously injure or kill THEMSELVES by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. A larger dog can grab a Chihuahua and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your tiny dog. Chihuahuas must always be kept on-leash -- they are just too easy to injure when not under your complete control.

** Housebreaking problems. As a behavioral consultant, I would put the Chihuahua on my Top 10 List of "Hard to Housebreak." Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary. And some owners never do get their Chihuahua fully housebroken.

** Mind of their own. Chihuahuas are not Golden Retrievers. They can be stubborn and manipulative. Some are dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

** Suspiciousness and barking. Many Chihuahuas will put on a display of excited ferociousness (i.e. they "pitch a fit") when other people or animals approach what is THEIRS. It's not funny, because if you don't curtail it, your Chihuahua may end up suspicious of everyone in the world, which is a short step to biting.

** Unstable temperaments. Chihuahuas are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of Chihuahuas with neurotic behaviors, including biting, extreme shyness, mindless yapping, moodiness, and general nastiness.

** Avoiding the hype. Have you heard these phrases? Teacup Chihuahuas? Miniature Chihuahuas? Pocket Chihuahuas? Standard Chihuahuas? Some breeders use these cutesy phrases as "marketing terms" for the different weights that Chihuahuas come in. All of these phrases are made-up. The only classifications that Chihuahuas should be put into is Smooth Coat and Long Coat, i.e. you have a Smooth Coat Chihuahua or you have a Long Coat Chihuahua. But you do NOT have a "Teacup" or a "Miniature" or a "Standard." Yes, certainly, Chihuahuas come in different weights, but they do NOT come in different weight "varieties". Whether they weigh 2 pounds or 6 pounds or 10 pounds, they are called, simply, Chihuahua. Some are simply smaller or larger than others. For the show ring, they must weigh less than 6 pounds, but many individuals weigh up to 8 or 10 or even 12 pounds. These larger dogs are certainly sturdier, so don't dismiss them as good pets.

Answer 5

Toy dogs, like the chihuahua, are notorious for being tempermental. They are usually referred to as "companion dogs" because they enjoy a close relationship with their owner. They do not particularly like being left alone for long periods of time. In order to teach you how much they dislike being left alone they will often get into all sorts of trouble (destructive trouble). As with any dog, training is the key to your happiness as well as the dog's.
People often make the mistake of choosing a dog because they like the way it looks and fail to learn anything about the breed first. You, at least, are already on the right track to being a responsible owner by asking questions. Good luck. I'm sure you will make a good owner to some lucky dog.

Answer 6

Chihuahuas are a little on the high maintenance side. Plus, they are incredibly destructive. Cute as a button, yes, and that's what keeps you from unleashing all your wrath on them each time they destroy something (like a chair or a sofa or a pair of eyeglasses).

I recommend a mini poodle. Poodles shed little and are very intelligent and trainable dogs.

**edit** Almost forgot! Best dog I ever had (and still have her after 10 years) was a dog I got from the dog pound. Mixed breeds tend to be sturdier, healthwise, than pure breeds. I have a German shepherd mix, but I live in a duplex. Check out your local animal shelter and see if you can find a chihuahua mix... or poodle mix... or some other scruffy little dog in need of a new best friend.

Answer 7

No!Don't get a chihuahua!They are really jealous of others and they don't like to spend much time by themselves.A big dog would be a good idea.You can control it more easily(as you will be able to see where it pees) and it is more fun.They don't bark too much.A Labrador is the greatest choice.They don't require too much maintance.They are great dogs.
Now if you have a small place you can also have a fox-terrie(if i'm spelling it right).They are cool too.Smart,small,funny and quiet.

Answer 8

If that is the bread of dog you want the get one. The best way to find out what it is like to take care of any type of dog is to get one and find out for your self because most animals can tell what kind of a person you are and it will some what know. However if you are up to the task of taking care of a dog then go for it. But keep in mind dogs need a lot of attention in their Early months, even for the rest of their lives. Good luck and choose the best bread for you not because of it popularity.

Answer 9

I suggest considering the pound. Think about it...the dogs there are much more humble and appreciative than pedigree ones. And, well...dont they deserve a great warm loving home? Im sure you would provide that. :) Good luck. Make the right desicion. BTW I have a shitzu mix and she has that special little spice to her, yet at the same time, she is so sweet and patient.

Answer 10

Chihuahuas sound like a great idea. If you aren't going to get one, may I suggest getting a corgi. A corgi is a little bit bigger than a chihuahua, but they are really easy to take care of. They kind of look like a fox and some have tails, kind of like a pomeranian's tail.

Answer 11

Chi's are wonderful pets, but they do like company. If you're going to get one Chi, get two! They're itty bitty things, they don't eat a whole lot, don't require a lot of exercise, love to cuddle up on your lap. I LOVE my Chi and she loves me back.

Incidently, she's crate trained along side my terrier. They are crated for about 8 hours a day (I walk them at lunch) while I am at work. I just love on them plenty when I am home.

With the barking though, Chi's are fantastic watchdogs and will bark to alert you to anything they think should not be in their territory. You will have to train your dog to teach it what to bark at and what not to bark at.

You'll love two Chi's.