Are Chihuahuas Good for First Time Owners?

Many first-time owners are showing interest in Chihuahuas. Either a Smooth-coat Chihuahua or a Long-Haired Chihuahua have the same traits, just the difference in their coat size. If you are interested in Chihuahuas, you may know about their top facts. But you may get confused about whether they are suitable for first-time owners or not.

In this article, we will describe whether you should consider getting a Chihuahua as your first-time dog or not.

Reason Chihuahuas are Good For First time Owner 

Reason 1: Chihuahuas are Perfect Apartment Companions 

According to DogTime, Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Their compact size makes them excellent options for people who live in apartments with limited space. However, they cannot left alone for long times at home.

Chihuahuas don’t need large spaces to live comfortably. They can burn their energy in little spaces as they are tiny or “Toy Breed.”

Apartment dogs are ideal for first-time owners because, 

Chihuahuas Portability

Chihuahuas are highly portable due to their compact size. You can easily take them on walks, travelles and trips. This portability is very advantageous for First-time owners as they are not used to Big creatures like Golden Mountain Doodles. 

Chihuahuas Adaptability

Chihuahuas are adaptable to every living situation. Despite their high energy levels, they can live in Apartments if provided with enough physical and mental stimulation. 

Reason 2: Grooming Requirements of Chihuahuas 

Either Smooth-Coat or Long-haired Chihuahuas are very easy to groom. They require a maximum of two baths every three months, and first-time owners can groom them easily. They don’t need a vet to groom them, making life easy for full-time dog owners.

Smooth-Coat Chihuahua

Smooth Coat Chihuahuas only require bathing and nail clipping. And a very short period to groom them. 

Long-Haired Chihuahua 

Long-haired Chihuahuas require just one extra grooming, which is Trimming. You have to trim around their ears, tails and backside. Long-haired Chihuahua takes a little more time to groom. 

It is one of the most appealing aspects for first-time dog owners who are unfamiliar with grooming routines.

Reason 3: Trainability of Chihuahua 

Chihuahuas are fiercely intelligent and smart dog breeds. That makes them very easy to train, and first-time owners shouldn’t have any difficulties training them. This is one of the pros of owning a Chihuahua. Here’s why Chihuahuas are easy to train:

Chihuahuas are Quick Learners

First-time owners can efficiently train chihuahuas for their intelligence and quick learning. With proper training methods, Chihuahuas can learn new tricks very quickly. However, they may show stubborn behavior.

Tip for First-time owners: With patience and positive reinforcements, they can be trained to show stubborn behavior. 

Responsive to Positive Reinforcements 

Chihuahuas are very responsive, and owners use positive reinforcements such as praising words and treats. First-time owners should be able to train Chihuahuas with Positive reinforcements. 

Consistency Requires for Positive Results 

No matter what dog breed you have, Consistency is the key to success in terms of training. First-time owners who are committed to Consistency and maintaining a routine are likely to see positive results. 

Reason 4: Exercise Requirements 

Chihuahuas require 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy. This exercise requirement is short compared to other large and energetic breeds. First-time owners should be able to fulfill that requirement.

However, a short walk, games such as fetch and mental stimulation through Puzzles and cuddling are enough for chihuahuas. 

Do chihuahuas feel bored?

Chihuahuas hardly feel anxious and bored due to lack of exercise or if they are left alone at home for longer periods, as they can burn their energy indoors. So, Chihuahuas are less prone to hyperactive behaviors.

Reason 5: Low Maintenance Cost

I own two Chihuahuas. My oldest is Long-haired, and my Second Chihuahua is Short-haired. So, I can give you a rough estimate of the money you need to invest in your Chihuahua. 

Monthly Expense for owning Chihuahua?

For foods, toys, Health Issues and other accessories, you will probably require $30 to 150$. The Expense may vary. 

Therefore, adopting a chihuahua is not expensive at all, making life easier for first-time dog owners. 

Reasons Chihuahuas are Bad for First-time Owners

Reason 1: Chihuahuas Aggressiveness

Chihuahuas are naturally aggressive due to several factors, such as Little dog syndrome, One-person dog, Jealousy and Health Issues. 

As they are naturally aggressive and mean, they require Socialization and obedience training correctly, which can be difficult for first-time owners. Apart from their natural tendency to be aggressive, there are 5 Environmental Factors that shapes their behavior.

Reason 2: Children and Chihuahua Don’t mix 

Chihuahuas are so tiny and require meticulous playing. Children who don’t know how to play with toy breeds like Chihuahuas may hurt Chihuahua while playing. 

Also, Chihuahuas can get bothered and frustrated if children play roughly with them, leading to biting or growling. Which may scare and injure the children.

Therefore, if you are a first-time owner and have children in your house, you may find it difficult to maintain a safe and secure environment for both Chihuahua and Children. You may consider Golden Mountain Doodles instead.

Reason 3: Health Issues of Chihuahua 

You will find that chihuahuas are more prone to health issues than other dogs because of their genetics and size. 

Common Health Issues of Chihuahua 

Some common health issues seen in Chihuahuas are Hypoglycemia, Luxating Patella, Collapsed Trachea, Dental Problems, Heart Problems, and Eye Problems.

One Common Mistake of First-time Owner

First-time owners make one common mistake with chihuahuas: Going to dog parks for socialization. Dog parks and chihuahuas don’t mix because chihuahuas are prone to health issues, and dog parks are filled with different dogs that may carry diseases. 

First-time owners may find it difficult to deal with potential health issues. But with proper knowledge, preparation and proactive care, first-time owners can deal with chihuahuas’ health issues.  

Reason 4: Long-term Commitment 

According to Purina, Chihuahua has an impressive lifespan of 12 to 20 years. 

That means adopting a Chihuahua means a long-term commitment. It is both a good and bad reason for first-time owners. For owners who are ready for long-term companionship, Chihuahuas are suitable.

Conclusion 

First-time owners who are committed to spending time on training and can accept long-term companionship with unconditional love and care should adopt a Chihuahua. By the way, I love Chihuahuas for their affectionate, loving, caring and protective nature, and I am sure you are going to fall in love with Chihuahuas too.