 |
Lynnie
Bunten, HWT Member, Texas |
|
Lynnie
Bunten, HWT Member, Texas |
| energy level: | daily walks | |
| With kids -- | Kids Under 5: Not recommended | |
| kids 5 to10: Possibly, if the kids are civilized | kids over 10: yes | |
| ease of care: | Weekly brushing, cleaning of ears. Toenail trimming often resisted. | |
| housetrainability: | Not always easy to house train, but can be very stubborn and very easy to spoil. | |
| trainability: | Pretty smart - they really know how to get what they want. | |
| lifespan: | 12 - 18 years | |
| size: | 3 to 6 pounds (some are bigger, but are not supposed to be) | |
| (check all that apply) | ||
| standoffish: check | affectionate: check | |
| aggressive: check | dominant: check | |
| protective: check | eager: | |
| stubborn: check | flighty: | |
| possessive: check | singleminded: | |
| other traits: | Chihuahuas are extremely affectionate and will want to sleep with you at night and cuddle with you on the couch. They are not dogs who will sit quietly by while you go about your business, they want to be a part of your business. (Or in charge of your business! ed) When you can't find a Chihuahua, look for a lump in a blanket or back in a hidey hole. They love to burrow under the covers, even on the hottest day. They are great people trainers. They tend to bark and give the alarm. | |
| more kid-friendly info: | Among the top reasons Chihuahuas end up in rescue is because of a run-in with a child. Children tend to be persistent and pushy and the Chihuahua will defend itself if it feels threatened. | |
| limiting disorders: | ||
| non-limiting disorders: | Eye problems as they age, sometimes knee problems (luxating patella), possible palete problems (elongated soft palete), collapsing trachea | |
| breed quirks: | Chihuahuas give the alarm! They are unaware that they are small and will take on a bigger dog and usually lose. | |
| other info | Chihuahuas are great little companions. They should not be left outside. They are subject to the local predators such as hawks owls even in the city, these birds will snatch up a Chihuahua for lunch. Human predators must be watched for too. | |
|
|
||