Chihuahuas: Six things to know about having a Chihuahua as a pet, explained by Dr Katrina Warrren

Chihuahuas are entertaining, loyal little dogs that can make excellent pets for the right person or family. They are small and adaptable, making them suitable for people with limited space.

They are fun, quirky dogs, and their temperament can vary wildly from mellow and gentle, to feisty and stubborn.

Here are 6 things to know about Chihuahuas:

Chihuahua dogs — The Chihuahua is thought to have been derived from the Techichi, a small mute dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as long ago as the 9th century. (iStockphoto)

1. About their size

They are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, making them lightweight and easy to transport and you can easily take with you wherever you go. They are adaptable and can adjust well to different living environments, making them great for people who travel frequently or move around a lot.

Their small size also means they are easily injured, and care must be taken not to step on them accidentally. They are not suitable for families with small children as young children often may easily hurt them or drop them.

They're small enough to fit inside a handbag. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

2. Their temperament is partly inherited

Chihuahuas have a bad reputation, and most people would have met at least one chihuahua that incessantly barked at them or tried to bite – vets are very familiar with these ones!

This behaviour can be inherited from their parents so please make sure you meet both parents (if possible) and get an idea of their temperaments and if they are comfortable and confident around people. It is up to the owner to socialise and train them adequately.

3. They are not toys

Unfortunately, many chihuahuas get carried around and treated like a stuffed toy. This causes a lot of problems and often creates a nervous/insecure dog that is not well socialised and is uncomfortable in the real-world situations, resulting in a scared little dog that barks at people or anything unfamiliar. They must learn to walk in public places, while also protecting their safety.

4. They can be yappy

Chihuahuas can be very vocal and are known to bark excessively. This can be a nuisance to neighbours, especially those living in apartments. They also make excellent guard dogs and will let you know when someone enters your property.

Chihuahua dog — Chihuahuas can be great guard dogs and watch onlookers pass by. (iStock)

5. Prone to dental problems

Like many small dogs, they are prone to dental issues so prospective owners need to be prepared to invest time and money into regular vet check ups and dental care.

6. Exercise requirements

They don't need a huge amount of exercise, making them good pets for seniors. The general recommendation is a minimum of 30 minutes exercise per day broken into two shorter walks. Their little legs have to work hard to keep up with a human stride, so shorter bursts of exercise are better than one longer outing.

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