Chihuahua FAQ`s
Frequently Asked Questions About Chihuahuas:
What is the difference between a deer head Chihuahua and an apple head Chihuahua? Officially there is no such thing as a deer head, but unofficially it is a well known and accurate description of a specific looking type of Chihuahua. A deer head Chihuahua usually has a narrower dome and typically has a longer snout as well. They have more of a sloping stop between the forehead and the snout, similar to a deer. They usually have longer legs and a thinner body type. The apple head Chihuahua has a wider domed head and usually a shorter snout. The stop between the forehead and the snout is a sharp nearly 90 degree angle. Their bodies are usually shorter and stockier. See our Types of Chihuahuas page for more information.
What is the average lifespan of a Chihuahua? The average is 12 to 15 years, but can live upwards of 20 years. Owning a Chihuahua is a life time commitment.
Long haired Chihuahua or short haired? Which is better? If you are asking about shedding, the short hair actually sheds all year long, and may shed more because some short hairs have an undercoat. The long coat usually sheds only once a year, or if a female, they will likely have a massive shedding bout after giving birth to a litter, three to six weeks later. The long coat may need bathing more often because of the bib (the chest hair) getting dirty or the feathery tail. Temperament wise, it`s an on going debate, many Chihuahua owners swear that long coats are more mellow and laid back than the short coat, but it is really a matter of preference. I love long and short coats.
Are Chihuahuas high strung? If you mean very excited when you come home, barking, yapping, jumping up and down, running in circles, suspicious of strangers, does not adapt easily to change, then yes! All of these behaviors can be corrected by proper training and socializing.
Male vs female, which one makes the better pet? It just depends I`ve had both male and females who are very easy going. It depends more on the dogs individual personality than the sex, some are just sweet and some are just little rascals?
What is the soft spot? It is the opening at the top of the head usually found on apple head Chihuahuas. It is called the fontanel or molera. It may or may not go away when they reach adulthood. See our Chihuahua health page for a more detailed explanation.
Are Chihuahuas expensive? They can be. The price can be over a thousand dollars depending on their pedigree and their color. If they are puppies of a show dog, the price will be even more.
How much exercise do they require? Very little. Chihuahuas are great in this regard because they can get plenty of exercise just running around your home. Toss a favorite toy around, playing fetch, or tug of war is usually enough. Walking never hurts and they usually love an outing, just be aware of your surroundings and don`t let a bigger dog attack them, cause your Chi will very likely start a fight he can`t finish.
Are Chihuahuas sociable with other dogs? It depends. All dogs can be socialized, but the Chihuahua does seem to be more difficult. Chihuahuas tend to be very clannish and actually do seem to prefer their own kind over other breeds. They can be sociable, if raised with other dogs and animals or if they are exposed to them constantly. My Chi`s are more sociable when they are out of their home turf.
Is my Chihuahua always cold? They do shiver a lot, but not always from the cold. They shiver when they are excited, when frightened, from frustration, or from being unhappy. They have a high metabolism and the shaking is a normal characteristic.
Is my Chihuahua a sun worshiper? They will stay in the sun for hours at a time, if you let them. They can get a heat stroke, so make sure they have plenty of water and a place to get in the shade, it would be a good idea to bring them out of the sun after awhile. On the other hand, too much heat is a bad thing. They can not tolerate a hot environment such as being inside a hot car for too long, even when it is moving. If you can`t tolerate the hot ride, chances are your Chihuahua is suffering too.
Can a Chihuahua handle cold weather? They are not cold tolerant at all. Dress your Chi appropriately for cold weather. Chihuahua clothes are not just for cuteness. The will appreciate a warm Chihuahua sweater when it is cold. If they will accept it, put booties on them. Long coated Chihuahuas grow hair between their pads, if this hair gets wet, their feet can get very cold.