Chihuahuas?

Question

Do Chi's shed? Bark alot? Hard to house break? Health problems? Longevity? Playful? Etc..

Answer 1

I have a long haired Chihuahua.
She's adorable and playful, and she actually doesnt shed a lot, especially compared to my other dog (an english shepherd, very big, very fluffy). She doesn't bark THAT much, but when she does its kind of annoying as hell. She usually goes outside, but we keep a pee pad in the living room just incase. If you get a good breeder then there shouldn't be any health problems or anything like that.
She's really the sweetest dog, and when we were getting her everyone was like "ew i don't like little dogs" but then we got her and EVERYONE agrees shes the cutest, sweetest thing ever.

Answer 2

Mine is a chihuahua/shihtzu and yes she does shed but it is only in the fall and spring that I really notice it. She does bark a lot (and I mean a lot). Every little noise makes her bark. She has asthma, a problem with reoccuring cysts that appear under her skin but we haven't noticed any other problems. She was hard to house break at first but crate training her helped and once she was housebroken I started allowing her to just sleep with me but now she actually prefers her own bed. I was told that she could live 12-16 years healthy. She use to be very playful but she will be 9 years old and now she is retired from playing and just wants to be lazy lap dog. I love Chihuahuas but they aren't for everyone. They aren't a very good breed for smaller children and as they age most do start snapping. They usually bond with certain people and protect them and think they are bigger than they really are. When they are young and playful they are full of energy and I know my little girl out ran me a few times lol. They are a joy to have a round though. They will pick fights with bigger dogs though so you have to watch that, they just really don't know they are so small.

Answer 3

As far as shedding Chi's shed minmally.

As far as barking goes, Chi's are like children. They are products of their environment. If you get a Chi and do not teach it right away and let little habitis like that develope, you will have your hands full correcting it later on down the line.

I have a 3 year old, that I adopted 3 months ago. She came to me with barking and chasing cats. She also came to me pregnant, which I did not know until I took her to the vet for her shots. Long story short, She has had her puppies, has not shedded at all for me, and barely barkls when people walk through the door. She is learning the difference between the dorr bell on TV and the actual door bell. She is also learning she does not have to chase the cats everytime she sees them.

Answer 4

All dogs shed... and the rest all depends on if you do your research and buy from a well known reputable breeder, and if you properly train your puppy. A well bred, well trained Chihuahua can live between 18-20 years. Any reputable breeder should be able to provide you with references from their previous buyers. I would not buy from a puppy mill or backyard breeder. you can usually tell these types of breeders by the amount of puppies they have for sale, the quality of the puppies they have for sale (they should look like chihuahua, not be 3 lb 8 week olds that will grow to be 15-20 lb adults and look more like min pins or something). and a good breeder will have pictures of the male or have the male on site, as well as the mom. a good quality Chihuahua puppy will run you between $500-$1000 and that's just the cost of the puppy. remember that the first year of a puppies life will cost you between $400 and $1000 dollars just in vet bills. Do not buy from a breeder trying to sell you "Micro" or "Teacups" or anything of the like. because in the dog world, these simply do not exist, these are just terms that bad breeders use to mark up undersized, inbred runts, that are usually very unhealthy and will cost you lots more in the long run. Not to mention that with all the extra health problems, run a higher risk of dying if they leave their mom's too early. Remember that a Chihuahua puppy is a lifelong commitment, and not to be taken lightly. Please do not get one just because they seem to have become the latest fashion accessory.....

Answer 5

Dogs have personalities... so no two Chi's are going to be the same.

I have a Chi/Italian Greyhound mix (basically a chihuahua on stilts) and she is very affectionate and protective. Very alert, fantastic watch dog. I got her from the pound when she was 3yo, and I didn't have to teach her anything - she has never had an accident in my house. She plays well with my Westie/JRT mix and my 3 cats.

The downside is that because she's so small, she's very fragile. We need to watch to be sure the Westie doesn't play too rough or that she doesn't jump from high places (because she could fracture her leg).

Honestly I really didn't think I ever in a million years wanted a 'yappy rat dog' but, honestly, I think she's the most amazing dog on the planet. She's my little pony.

Here's some pix for your reference -- http://www.dogster.com/dogs/418115

Answer 6

yes to all of your questions. I have 2 a boy and a girl and they shed my femail was hard to house train and my mail barks alot when someone comes over he barks till they leave.

Answer 7

they don't really shed...they only bark whenever someone is at the door...no major health problems if you get them from the right breeder...they live for like 17 years...very playful...very loyal and very loving...they tend to take to the person that is with it most of the time and they are very loyal to that person. mine loves to sleep in the bed with me and he gets along great with my other dog(boxer).

Answer 8

I just bought one. He is 6 months old and the most loving dog u would ever want to meet. They're good with children, just be careful not to let them get frightned by them(cause they're so small). Health wise they're good. there's alot of websites that can answer most of ur questions. Good luck!

Answer 9

i have one a male and he hardly ever sheds . he does not bark unless i touch someone else;s dog . then he raises hell. they live till about 17 so be preparred for a lifetime of happiness with this dog. good luck.