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Reasons Why and why NOT to get a Chihuahua! Stop! Read this and be honest with your own household situation.

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We think Chihuahuas are the BEST but they are NOT for every household.  Please read up on other reputable sites such as AKC, Chihuahua Club of America and more.  Here are OUR reasons to purchase a Chihuahua or possibly another breed:

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Chihuahuas are adored by many for their unique personalities, loyalty, and adorable size. Here are several reasons why they make fantastic pets:

  1. Compact Size: Chihuahuas are tiny, which makes them great for apartment living and easy to carry around or travel with. They don’t take up much space and are generally low-maintenance in terms of space needs.

  2. Low Exercise Requirements: While they do enjoy playtime and short walks, Chihuahuas don’t need as much physical exercise as larger breeds. They’re well-suited for people who live a more sedentary lifestyle or don’t have a lot of time for long outdoor activities.

  3. Strong Bond with Owners: Chihuahuas are known for forming deep bonds with their owners and can be incredibly loyal and affectionate. They often choose a “favorite person” and become especially close to them, making them a wonderful companion.

  4. Watchdog Instincts: Despite their small size, Chihuahuas can be alert and protective. They’re known to bark at strangers or noises, making them a surprisingly effective “alarm” dog to help deter intruders.

  5. Low Food and Maintenance Costs: Being small means Chihuahuas eat much less than larger dogs, and their small bodies require less overall upkeep, making them budget-friendly pets. Grooming needs vary depending on whether they are long- or short-haired, but overall, they’re low-maintenance.

  6. Long Lifespan: Chihuahuas are among the longest-living dog breeds, with many reaching 15–20 years or more. They’re a wonderful choice for people who want a long-term companion.

  7. Portable and Travel-Friendly: Because of their small size, they’re easy to take on the go. They often fit into carriers, can be taken on planes, and are easier to manage in public places than larger dogs.

  8. Low Allergy Risks: Many Chihuahuas are relatively low-shedding, including the long coat, which can reduce the amount of allergens in the home. This makes them easier to manage for people with mild dog allergies.

  9. Big Personality in a Small Package: Chihuahuas are known for their “big dog” attitude, despite their tiny frames. They’re often fearless, playful, and full of personality, bringing lots of joy and entertainment to their owners.

  10. Great for Experienced Dog Owners: Their unique personalities and sometimes sassy demeanor can be rewarding for experienced dog owners. They respond well to training and can be a joy to work with, as long as the owner understands their needs and quirks.

If you’re looking for a small, loyal, and quirky companion with lots of love to give, Chihuahuas might just be the perfect dog!

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                              Reasons Why You May Want Another Breed:

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1.  If you have small children under the age of 10 at home or visiting, reconsider the breed since many children are too rough with a toy breed.  Even if the child is responsible, accidents happen. 

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2.  Chihuahuas are VERY difficult to housetrain.  There are many great resources to help with this, but plan on at least a year of consistent training and rewarding. Many end up in rescue or rehomed due to this problem. 

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3.  They bark....A LOT unless they are trained properly!  Some more than others.  Again, to curb this takes training and patience.  Dogs bark....that is their job to alert you, but Chihuahuas take their job TOO seriously.  

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4.  They can be injured or killed very easily by cars, other animals, household dangers such as electrical wires, poisonous plants or cleaning supplies. If you cannot be with them 24/7 they MUST be put in a pen or crate for their own safety.  It's not cruel to crate a dog for a few hours.  It's more cruel to let them die or get injured from your negligence. 

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5.  Like ALL breeds, they have their health concerns.  Please minimize your risk of congenital or genetic issues by asking for the health certifications from your puppy's parents. 

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6.  People will judge you.  Chihuahuas have a negative reputation to overcome in some people's minds.  They are tough little cookies (in their mind) and act that way sometimes without socialization.  

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7.  Chihuahuas need socialization to prevent behavior issues like fear barking, biting, or anxiety.  Get your puppy out and about with you as soon as your vet allows you to (vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick meds etc.) We are Puppy Culture breeders and follow their vast knowledge on socializing and training. Puppy Culture is an excellent source for raising a happy, well-adjusted puppy. 

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8.  Formal training may be needed such as obedience training, personal trainers and more. 

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9.  They can be addicting :)  You cannot stop at just one!  For us, there are many more positives than negatives to owning a Chihuahua. 

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10.  They must be indoors most of their lives to keep them safe.  Weather, predators and more are detrimental to these dogs. 

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11.  Don't plan on hiking outdoors or going for long walks with your Chihuahua.  Their little legs and heart just can only take so much.  

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12.  They are sensitive to temperatures, humidity (or lack thereof), precipitation and wind.    

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