Je suis intéressé — que devrais-je savoir ?
Se préparer pour un Chihuahua.
Minuscule, audacieux et complètement dévoué à une ou deux personnes. Petit chien, opinions grandeur nature.
Tout ce qui suit provient des traits propres à cette race dans notre bibliothèque — ce qu'elle vous demandera semaine après semaine, y compris ce que les gens auraient aimé savoir à l'avance.
Ce que ce chien vous demandera
Honnêtement, semaine après semaine.
Activity
Short, gentle walks
Many dogs of this type settle far better in the house when the walking is regular rather than occasional. Build any distance up slowly, especially with a young or older dog.
Training
Learns steadily
Independent thinkers aren't being difficult — they simply need a better reason. Keep sessions short and worth their while.
Food
A small daily amount
Weigh meals rather than guessing, and count treats as food. My Dog can work out a starting portion once you know their weight.
Grooming
Very little upkeep
Easy-going coats still need nails, ears and teeth looking after — that part is the same for every dog.
Shedding
Sheds lightly
Lower-shedding breeds are sometimes easier for people with allergies, but no dog is completely allergy-free and reactions vary from person to person.
Dental
Worth extra attention
Smaller mouths tend to have more crowded teeth, and dental problems are common in middle age. Daily brushing is the cheapest care there is.
Weight
Keep an eye as they mature
You should be able to feel the ribs easily without pressing. Weight creeps on slowly — a monthly note in My Dog catches it early.
Mental stimulation
A little variety is plenty
A sniffy walk, a chew and a bit of training is usually enough to keep this kind of dog settled.
Home
Usually fine in a flat
What matters most is the walking near your door and the hours you keep, not the number of rooms.
Time alone
Prefers company most of the day
There's no single maximum that fits every dog. Age, training and temperament all change the answer — and being alone is a skill you teach gradually.
Social life
Takes a while to warm up
Early, calm, positive introductions to people, dogs, traffic and handling shape this more than the breed does.
Health to read up on
Typically lives 12–18 years
Every breed has conditions that appear more often than average. Ask a breeder which tests they do and why, or ask a rescue what's known. Your vet is the right person for anything specific.
L'argent
Ce que coûte généralement un Chihuahua
€800–€1,500
Par an, une fois qu'il est installé — nourriture, assurance, soins vétérinaires courants et toilettage. Volontairement large : les prix varient énormément selon le pays et la ville, et ceci n'est pas un devis.
Avant de dire oui