Chihuahuas...can anyone tell me about owning one?

Question

I'd like some info. from experienced pet owners on chi temperment (to your experience), attachment, health, lifespan, are u happy w/ ur decision to own one, etc. thanks
Btw, I have read up about them but I'd just like to know how it really is from people who know.

Answer 1

I have 4 Chihuahua's. Good breeding plays a big part in the temperament. Good training is important as with any dog. Because mine are all so well bred healthwise I have had no problems at all in just over 4 years of Chi ownership. Chi's can live well into their teens if properly cared for so be prepared for a long commitment if you take one on. Mine are very attached to us all, but cope perfectly well with our son when we go away on extended vacations. Having more than one most people tells me does help make them more indipendent. They tens not to like to be alone for long periods.

Contrary to what people may say Chi's do not have to be yappy, snappy and impossible to housebreak. That all depends on you and the effort you put in. if you let them get away with everything just because they are small and cute you will have a problem. If you train them in all area's as you would a large dog there is no need for there to be any problem.

I am so glad I let my husband talk me into getting a Chi. I think ending up with 4 speaks for it's self on that point. They are gentle, loving and loyal.

I'm not a Chi expert. Just going on the 4+ years I have myself as a Chi owner.

Answer 2

My chihuahua is the number one source of happiness in my life. From what I've experienced I can tell you they are the sweetest most loving dogs I have ever encountered. She is very playful and very "ferocious", she's also very protective and suspicious of anyone who is not with "mommy" or "daddy". She is very attached to me and my fiance. The key to good chi health is to make sure you get a well bred dog meaning she isn't bred to some stupid size, she should be between 4 to 7 pounds but chis up to 10 pounds is normal. It is important to get a home raised chihuahua because this helps them socialize better and not get that neurotic temperment most people associate with chihuahuas.From what I've read a chihuahua can be expected to live up to 18+ years but my brother in law has one that is 20 right now and is still as playful as a puppy.

Answer 3

Baby My Chihuahua. She Is A Spoiled Little Dog. She Is Mean To Other Dogs If She Doesn't Know Them Good. She Will Warm Up To Them After She Finds Out There Not Mean. She Pees On The Floor Sometimes. But Shes Very Nice And I Love Her. Thery Easy To Handle, She Likes To Be Held. She Hates Cold Weather.

Answer 4

Hi there. I can speak from over 30 yr of experience of owning these wonderful little dogs and over 9 yr of breeding them. They are the most wonderful little dogs. They are sweet, loveable, loving, cuddly, smart, are very attached to their owners, loyal, protectivem want to be with you all the time. They are more like children than any other breed that I have seen. I have stuck with this breed because of my love and respect for them. They can cheer me up when I am feeling down. As far as health, if you get a well bred chihuahua, you will not have many health problems with them. I have a 10 yr old, a couple of 9 yr old that are not slowing down. Okay the 10 yr old has some arthritis in his back legs but that is from an injury when he was 3. Chihuahuas can live to be in their 20's. My husband;'s ex-wife had one that lived to be 27. They are wonder, wonderful, wonderful. They do need to be well socialized with ither people and other dogs at an early age. Check out your breeder thoroughly!!! Make sure the pups are raised in the home. A kennel raised chihuahua will never be the same as a home raised chihuuahua. Never buy from a pet store because those pups come from a puppy mill. Good luck. I hope you find the perfect chihuahua to love!

Answer 5

Health: Let me start with the Harness, you will need this for your chi. Tug too hard; rough= Collapse Trachea
Little dog little food. Little dog little everything! Owning a Chihuahua will cost you approximately 10-15$ a week.
LifeSpan: A Chihuahua can live up to 15-17 years maximum.
Chihuahua's can make excellent pets for children as long as they are gentle, respectful and easy. Because the chi is such a tiny dog there is a higher chance of a rough child hurting the chihuahua than vice versa.

Experience: For one with my Chihuahua its been a wonderful adventure and journey. She has made my life whole and so have I. I wouldn't trade her for all the money in the world and thats all I have to say.

Answer 6

My oldest is 13 years old and still acts like a puppy sometimes
I love this breed and would not have any other breed Chihuahuas are very sweet and loving to their family and can be teached to be this way with others
under 3 lbs they are in danger of sugar drops
they are the smallest dog breed so you have to be very careful with them not to let them get hurt
They are very protective of there owner
and some will take up with one person more
they love to be helt and if they are like mine are they just want to do what ever you do

Answer 7

years ago, my mom brought home a chi puppy that barely fit in the palm of her hand. she looked like a rat. but, it was one of the sweetest chis i can remember. very loving, not nippy, loved the whole family. didn't like the grandkids that would come over. she would run and hide from them or run to one of us. that dog live 18 plus years. poor thing. my parents finally had to take her in and have her put down because she was blind, got to where she could hardly walk. it was sooo sad. i think they are good dogs.

Answer 8

Generally: long life spans, need to monitor diet and weight because they can get overweight easily, they get attached to their people, can be possessive and aggressive if not trained properly, you want to socialize them alot !!!!, and some can be hard to house train. But many small dogs are like that. and even though they are small, still need exercise.

Answer 9

I have a miniature chihuahua and she is great. To own one all you need are: Dingo Bones they are a really good treat they come in chicken and barbecue my dog likes both, squeaky toys, water and food bowl, then I think you have it covered.

Answer 10

well they are very loving and playful but yet very jeoulise of other animals and baby's but they are not expensive to care 4 my advice is get1 and you wont regret it