Chihuahuas are a popular choice for Christmas and holiday gifts, the preferred puppy of choice for kids and adults alike. The Chihuahua’s claim to fame on old Taco Bell commercials has created a strong following amongst celebrities, and it’s the top choice for the ‘carry along’ pup for many people who simply want a pet accessory.
Don’t let it’s cute and innocent outward appearance fool you; Chihuahuas can be a troublesome breed to manage and may require extensive training to become a peaceful member of your household. Here are eight things you should know before buying a Chihuahua:
1. Your Chihuahua needs lots of attention. Time spent with your pup means constant attention by playing games, interacting, and even talking. These are a highly sociable breed but they want to bond with their owners and people around them as much as possible. This is not a dog that will enjoy being at home alone all day.
2. Your Chihuahua will compete with young children for attention. Chihuahuas don’t usually get along with kids, and have very low tolerance for noise-unless it’s coming from them. They are also known to bite and become irritated when you direct your attention elsewhere.
3. Your Chihuahua doesn’t like to move. Chihuahuas are more than happy living, sleeping, and playing in just one place. They don’t like to move and will spend as much time by your side as possible. If you’re planning on moving, don’t expect your Chihuahua to be a happy camper.
4. Chihuahuas like to be the center of attention. This means no other pets in the house, if you can help it. Your Chihuahua is likely to compete for attention from anything or anyone that takes your focus away from them!
5. Your Chihuahua doesn’t like to be carried. These feisty little dogs enjoy walking, running, and playing about; despite their conveniently portable size, they prefer to roam around on their own. Leave the dog travel totes at home whenever you can, and let them run on a leash.
6. Your Chihuahua likes his or her ‘personal space.’ This breed can be very territorial and needs to know that it can dominate its own space. Expect some aggressiveness if you or other family members overstep your boundaries!
7. Your Chihuahua can jump up to counters and cabinets. Despite its tiny size, this breed has a lot of energy and can jump upwards of two feet. Keep this in mind when stocking shelves or cabinets that might contain non-puppy friendly goods.
8. Chihuahuas get cold easily. Their short fur and bony frame doesn’t retain heat easily. You’ll need to buy them some cozy sweaters and even coats if you live in a super-cold climate. Make sure you’ve made a comfortable and warm bed with blankets when needed; they’re likely to throw a temper tantrum if they’re uncomfortable.
‘High strung’ is just one way to describe your Chihuahua, and it’s important to keep their most common characteristics and personality traits in mind when making one your choice for a Christmas gift. Learn as much as possible about the background and environment your Chihuahua was raised in before making your final decision-the extra steps to investigate will be well worth it!
