Do Chihuahuas Make Good Pets? (9 Reasons)

Chihuahuas are small, fuzzy dogs with charming appearances that have won the affection of many people who own canines. Chihuahuas may be small, but the responsibility that comes with having one is significant. Do chihuahuas make good pets, though?

do chihuahuas make good pets
Do Chihuahuas Make Good Pets?

Yes, Chihuahuas make good pets. Here are several reasons why:

  • Chihuahuas are sweet little dogs
  • Chihuahuas are very protective and sensitive towards their owners
  • Chihuahuas are cheaper to keep/feed
  • Chihuahuas can easily fit in any size home
  • Chihuahuas make excellent guard dogs
  • Chihuahuas are easy to groom
  • Chihuahuas have a long life expectancy
  • Chihuahuas are an ideal traveling companion
  • Chihuahuas are smart and can exercise indoors

Let’s discuss these reasons in a bit more detail.

9 Reasons Why Chihuahuas Make Good Pets

1. Chihuahuas are sweet little dogs

The Chihuahua is one of the most adorable dog breeds; that’s why they also make great pets. They are so adorable, and they’re also so petite that you can simply carry one in the crook of your arm or easily keep them on your lap. They are very devoted to those close to them and are kind around those with whom they are most comfortable. It is a pleasure to hang out with a Chihuahua and watch them spend extended periods playing and having fun. If you bring one of these lovely pups into your home, they won’t have any conditions attached to their affection for you.

2. Chihuahuas are very protective and sensitive towards their owners

This behavior of Chihuahuas indicates that they are very sensitive to their owner and those they deem family, making them good pets. They love their owners and love playing with them. You can also efficiently train them with little effort. It is suggested that you should train them when they are puppies, though; otherwise, they are prone to becoming mischievous.

3. Chihuahuas are cheaper to keep/feed

This breed requires less money to keep them fed compared to many other dogs because a large bag of high-quality dog food will end up lasting several months. You will likely never find yourself making more than two dog food purchases in a single calendar year if you go with the large-sized bags. This benefit also supports the opinion that them being good pets to keep because the financial burden of having a pet in the home can sometimes be difficult for certain owners.

4. Chihuahuas can easily fit in any size home

Chihuahuas are excellent companion animals for those who reside in smaller spaces, such as apartments. The average member of this breed typically weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, so they won’t get very large. They can also play without needing extensive amounts of space, a large yard, or any fields to do so. With a Chihuahua, you’ll be able to meet their exercise, energy, and playtime needs regardless of where you end up living while they’re with you.

5. Chihuahuas make excellent guard dogs

The presence of a Chihuahua in the house lends a sense of comfort and safety due to the breed’s superior vision and hearing skills. A Chihuahua will notify you immediately if an unfamiliar person enters the home or trespasses on your property.

Despite their size, they are regarded as excellent watchdogs. With these tiny fellas around, you will feel less stressed about the possibility of robbers slipping in unnoticed.

6. Chihuahuas are easy to groom

Grooming your Chihuahua will just take a few moments of your time. All that is required of you is to give them a relaxing bath and keep up with their nail trimming. Because this dog breed has short hair, only a tiny amount of time is needed to brush its coat. Even though they require a bit more attention and effort, long-haired Chihuahuas are still significantly less of a chore to maintain than other dog breeds.

7. Chihuahuas have a long life expectancy

The lifespan of a Chihuahua may range anywhere from 12 to 20 years. A significant number of this breed often survive for more than 16 years on average. The longer these dogs live, the longer you will have the opportunity to love and care for them. Due to how much we all get attached to our furry companions, this extended lifespan makes them a good pet for those who want a companion for more than just a few years.

8. Chihuahuas are an ideal traveling companion

Chihuahuas are relatively tiny dogs. It is not difficult at all to take these adorable, fuzzy pups on a trip (they love hiking!). They are of such a tiny size that they can easily be carried around in a purse. They adore going on adventures alongside their owners and can quickly adjust to living in confined quarters. As a result, taking them along is quick and easy no matter where you plan to go.

 9. Chihuahuas are intelligent and can exercise indoors

Training a Chihuahua is relatively simple. They have high IQs and pick up new things easily. Chihuahuas are high-energy canines, too, even though they are relatively small. If this is your first time owning a pet, you will be relieved to learn that taking care of them won’t require an excessive amount of your time or effort.

Daily activity for a Chihuahua should last for about 30 minutes at the very least. Expanding their extra energy can be accomplished by doing something as simple as sprinting from room to room or having them chase their human companions around the house. Therefore, Chihuahuas are excellent pets for those with a lot going on in their lives and yet still want a pet.

You don’t need to take this breed of dog outside for it to be able to get rid of its boundless amounts of energy, either. Because of their size, even a modest home or apartment offers sufficient space for them to go about unrestricted. Thanks to this benefit, you won’t have to go for a run with your pup outside when the weather isn’t pleasant.

If you do want to take your Chihuahua on a walk, a quick walk around the neighborhood is all that is required to burn off their excess energy. You can also run with your tiny Chihuahuas because they run at an average human pace. However, keep in mind their size and the fact that they will run out of energy before you do.

What is the Chihuahua’s history? How was this breed created?

There are several myths and stories surrounding the beginnings and actual history of these tiny dogs; however, it is a well-established fact that they are one of the oldest breeds native to the Americas. Although the state of Chihuahua in Mexico is where the breed got its name, the breed’s actual beginnings are still a little bit of a mystery.

According to the AKC, the Chihuahua is most likely the result of a mix between the Techichi, the beloved (and now extinct) dog of the old Toltec people, and a hairless dog of Asian origins.

Following their conquest of the Toltec people, the Aztecs proceeded to produce smaller Techichis. The Spanish, who later defeated the Aztecs, also fell in love with the diminutive Techichis once they took control of the region. It wasn’t until the 1800s when American visitors first encountered these dogs in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico that they were given the breed name that is still in use today.

The precise beginnings of the breed are unclear. However, there have been several specimens of the breed found at archaeological sites as well as recorded in historical records that date back to 300 BC.

Despite its origins, though, there are many Chihuahua crossbreeds now available, even mixed with some larger breeds in the present day.

are chihuahuas good pets
Are Chihuahuas Good Pets?

FAQs

Do you agree that Chihuahuas make great house pets?

Yes. Indeed, they do! When given the proper amount of attention and care, Chihuahuas are obedient, friendly, and make wonderful additions to any household. In most cases, people can do all the necessary exercise and interactions required for their care without leaving the convenience of their own house or apartment.

What kinds of health problems do Chihuahuas typically have?

Chihuahuas are susceptible to a wide variety of bacterial and viral infections, the majority of which are the same as those that affect other breeds of dogs (e.g., parvovirus, hepatitis, distemper, etc.).

Do Chihuahuas love being outside?

The great majority of Chihuahuas are dedicated lapdogs who do not like spending a lot of time outside, even though they are endearingly mischievous and can run fast. You can generally expect a Chihuahua to prefer staying inside, and you’ll spend most of your time living with them indoors.

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.