Pro's and con's of chihuahuas? Any one own one?

Question

I absolutoley love chihuahuas to death! When I move out of my parents' "nest" I want a chihuahua to be my buddy while I'm at college. At work a few chihuahuas came in for something when I was working with a pitbull at the time. (I'm a part time vet. nurse)

I just wanted to know if anyone had a chihuahua so they could tell me if they have any medical problems they are prone to. (Yeah, I know... I should know this stuff)

Also, some PRO's and CON's of having these adorable babies!

I do realize that living by myself with a dog while I'm studying isn't very satisfactory for most people. Also, that getting a dog only because your lonely isn't very good, either. I know that if I want to be a responsible dog owner that I've got to focus on my ability to meet a dog's long term needs rather than a dog's ability to meet my short time needs. (words of my boss) But, I'm afraid that I'll lose my sanity if I have no contact with the "outside world" while I'm locked away reading books. HELLP!

Answer 1

My family have six chihuahuas and we love them a lot! It's good that you want to be responsible but studies have shown that having pets can be good to your health. I'd say go ahead, get a dog because I believe you will be a good owner.

Pros: they're small so you can bring them anywhere, you don't have to spend tons of money to feed them, they're very energetic (could be a con, depending on who you are), this is kinda gross but cleaning up their mess would be easier too because of their size.

Cons: they can be agressive (to make up for their size), they need lots of attention, they do have breed related diseases but then any dog breed carries a distinct set of genetic advantages and health risk factors.

Answer 2

My chi is 13 wks old and very attached to me. Fortunately, that is what I wanted. She is smart and has a great personality. They need lots of attention, social isolation is like punishment for them. My chi goes everywhere (even work) with me, except to the grocery store and restaurants. If I do have to leave her at home, she so excited to see me when I get back!

It's commendable that you want to be a responsible pet owner. We have had great results in puppy training classes. She is being socialized with other breeds and is always around many people. You certainly don't want a dog that is mean or snappy at other dogs or people.

We live in an apartment, and apartments are great for small breeds. Chihuahua's don't have to be walked. They can get all the exercise they need in the home.

When they are young and small, some chi's are hypoglycemic and need medication. This is one of the reasons why they shake. My chi is on meds three times per day until she reaches three pounds. The medicine is very inexpensive. Chi's can also have problems with their joints and eyes. A good vet will know what your puppy's needs are.

You may also want to think about investing in pet insurance. We have saved quite a bit of money with a puppy health plan.

I never thought I could love a dog like she was my own child, but it happened! Good luck with your puppy.

Answer 3

Chihuahuas are the best dogs in the world. I have owned them for over 30 years and have been breeding them for over 8. Let me ask you if you will be working as well as going to school? If you are, then it means a chi pup will be left lone for long hours every day and they need lots of contact with their humans. If you will not be working and just going to school and studying then a chihuahua can be the right dog for you. Depe3nds on how active a social life you have. The health problems a chihuahua might have is luxating patella(slipping knee caps), hypoglycemia(low blood sugar), hydrocephalus(water on the brain). Of course any dog can have health problems. Make sure you buy from a reputable breede. Get vet references and do not buy from a pet store or ship from over the internet.

Chihuahuas are loving, smart, cuddly, cute, the ultimate lap dog. They do tend to bark a lot. I think you will be very happy with a chihuahua baby.

Answer 4

I have four chihuahuas. All are rescues. The shelters seem to be full of these poor little guys. I think the reason for that is that they are mostly one person animals. They are very loving and devoted and do well in small spaces. BUT unless they are socialized very early in life, they can became quite snappish with strangers. And most of them are NOT fond of small children. (something to consider for when you're done with school and wanting to start a family).
Out of my four, one is a horrible yapper, one joins in when the first one barks, one will bark only if there is someone in the yard and one never makes a sound. Just bear in mind that it is the nature of the breed to be vocal.
As far as health problems go, one of mine got glaucoma and has to be on drops for the rest of her life, but for they most part, they are quite healthy, sturdy little guys. They don't tolerate cold very well at all and love to snuggle under the blankets at night. They are all housebroken but I leave the "Piddle Pads" out if I am going to be gone for more than two hours because, being that small, they don't hold much!
I think your boss is right about the dog's long term needs (because chis can live well into their teens) but if it's a commitment you're willing to make, they are the best little companions ever. Just be sure you know what you're getting into. There is a reason the shelters are full of these guys.
Good luck and best wishes to you and the new "baby"!

Answer 5

I have a Chihuahua, I love her! Pros- They love you no matter what. They make sure that the owner is never mad, They are tinny and easy to be carried around with ( i take mine everywhere) They make small poop ahaha They dont eat much Cons- Growl at people they dont know, Arent good with kids Arent good with other dogs Potty training can be difficult Chi's are really good dogs enjoy her and make sure you give her a lot of atention and love, and introduce to new people almost every day. She should end up a good dog =]

Answer 6

I have a male chihuahua and he is the light of my life . but he was socialized at a young age and he even likes kids . The key is socializing them so that you will not have a terror on your hands and they are very clingy as well . They love human contact and you are considered their property and they will protect you. on the other hand make sure that they know who the alpha dog is and that would be you . mine does not bark alot . my landlord loves him to death and he loves dogs period . so you need to find a landlord that likes dogs if you intend to rent . You would not believe how man people dont like chis. my landlord had one and it passed away at 16. He now has another one and that is my dogs playmate on certain days. He knows my dog does not mess the house either . Well good luck . also make sure you get from a reputable breeder . It will be well worth it in the long run.

Answer 7

I know it's an old wives tale...but I truly believe that Chihuahuas can help with asthma. My son has always had terrible asthma. But soon after we got Niko, our chihuahua, the asthma seemed to be under control. He no longer has to take the maintainance medicines, like Singulair. He does still have occasional flair ups...but nothing like before. It could be a coincidence, maybe he's just "outgrowing" it. But even if Niko isn't responsible..one thing's for sure, he certainly hasn't made things worse. My son still can't be around most other dogs, but has absolutely no ill effects from the chihuahua. GREAT FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS!!

Answer 8

There are a few medical conditions that chis are prone to... luxating patella, epilpsy, congestive heart failure, bad teeth to name a few. However on the whole I find them to be a healthy breed (I have 5 myself).

CONS-if left unsocialized, they can be yappy and mean, but this occurs with ANY breed left unsocialize. They can be hard to completely potty train. They shed. They tend to be "clannish" meaning that they prefer the company of other chihuahuas over other types of dogs.

PROS-They are loyal and highly affectionate. They are a smart breed that learn quite a bit (ignore the published material on this, my experiences show me how intellegent this breed is). Short coats are very easy to groom. They are a "natural" breed which means that ears and tails are left intact. They can adapt to almost any lifestyle (including living with children).

I think this is a great breed, but I warn you they are like potato chips, you can't stop at just one LOL. Also a chihuahua is small enough to sit with you while you study and keep you company.

Answer 9

I have a chihuahua and think they are great dogs. They can be a bit protective of their owners and they can also have problems with strangers. If you get a puppy and socialize it, take it places, so that it is in contact with other people from an early age it should be fine. They are a fairly healthy breed compared to other breeds, and our long lived 12-18 years. My chi lives with 4 small kids and we have not had any problems, but you must watch out for your dog when you are walking. They tend to get under foot and can easily get hurt if you step on them. I have found them to be easy to potty train by either taking them out or using puppy pads. I take my little guy with me a lot too. I just put him in his carrier and out we go. He likes all the attention he gets. I say one would make you a fine pet as long as you will have 2-4 hours to spend with him a day. They also can usually get enough exercise while they are in your house(apartment) or if taken for one short walk, so if you just have time to let them lay with you while you study that will be fine. They are happiest sitting on your lap or being held in your arms. They also do not require much food a small bag can last a while. If you do buy one though buy a small crate to put it in while you are out, so that it does not get in to anything that could hurt it. You just put his food and water in there with it. Iwould get a water bottle for the crate though so it does not get turned over also give him a warm blanket in his crate.

Answer 10

chihuahuas are great dogs been around them my whole life. They can be very protective and if you let them get away with everything & treat then like a baby they will turn out to be little terrors. But they are very loyal to there owners and as long as you remember you can love them with everything but they are a dog and dogs have rule go to Cesar Millan's web site them man is brilliant.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
They are great dogs to have just remember you are the master the pack leader.
Good luck