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17 Surprising Reasons Why Chihuahuas Are The Best

Why Chihuahuas Are The Best

Asking yourself why Chihuahuas are the best?

Awesome! Here you’ll discover what makes Chihuahuas extraordinary dogs.

Keep reading to find out:

  • What makes Chihuahuas excellent emotional support dogs.
  • 3 comfy positions that you can use to cuddle with your Chihuahua.
  • 3 fun physical activities you can get involved in with your Chihuahua.
  • How cleaning your Chihuahua and your house will be a piece of cake.
  • In what way Chihuahuas influence your stress levels and how you can benefit from having one.
  • Plus much more…

Why are Chihuahuas the best?

Chihuahuas are the best because they are one cute, cuddly, and easy-going breed when socialized properly. Unlike other pets, you don’t often need as much energy or money to maintain them. As long as you keep them fit and mentally stimulated, they will be great company for you and others around you.


17 reasons why Chihuahuas are the absolute best dogs on this planet


#1: They’re small

Chihuahuas are really small dogs. 

Their body length is about 9.5-15 inches (24-38 cm), while their average height is 8.5-13 inches (22-33 cm). They also weigh about 3-6 lb (1.4-2.7 kg).

All of these means that your Chihuahua is not only cute to look at, they naturally consume less space.

Don’t let their small size fool you either. They make being the center of attention look effortless.

Just take a look at the wealth of options you have to make them fashionable:

  • Hoodies.
  • Ponchos.
  • Pajamas.
  • Raincoats.
  • Denim Coats.

Reading tip: Go to tip #11 to find out more about how to make the most of their looks! 

You also don’t have to worry about their fur since they only shed moderately. This means less time with a vacuum cleaner and more pet-and-owner time.

Lastly, their small size means you can sleep together in bed more easily. There are several positions you can take together:

The Cover

Watching your Chihuahua sleep underneath your blanket is a reassuring sight. Not only does it help them in a cold bedroom, but it also ensures that you’ll feel happy and secure before dozing off.

The Spoon

Spooning is a popular position among owners and their Chihuahuas. This helps you sleep more quickly by paying attention to their breathing. It also helps your Chihuahua stay warm.

The Warm Cuddle

Lying down on your back and cuddling your Chihuahua is yet another wonderful position. The extra intimacy means it’s more comforting for you and your pet. You’ll also have more space should you wish to change positions later in your sleep!

Read next: The truth about Chihuahuas and cuddling

#2: It’s easy to keep them fit

Chihuahuas are naturally active dogs. Even if you leave them alone, they will give themselves exercise when they get bored.

This means you won’t have to try various tricks to make your Chihuahua walk with you. Just prepare your harness at your preferred daily schedule and go out.

If you have a busy schedule, there’s no need to worry. They require only 30 minutes of exercise each day. You can even spread that time throughout the day (ex. 5-minute bursts every 2 hours).

Further, you can do other things aside from walking around. These include:

Hiking

Chihuahuas are surprisingly good hikers. In fact, some owners openly recommend sending Chihuahuas out. This is due to their ability to walk through rough terrain and their light weight.

Note: Only do this if your Chihuahua’s less than 2.7kg. If your Chihuahua is obese, help them lose weight first.

Frisbee

Playing Frisbee with your Chihuahua is great as part of their overall obedience training since they’re able to learn new commands such as ‘fetch’ and ‘drop.’ This ultimately strengthens your pet’s bond with you.

Running long distances on flat ground also helps strengthen their muscles and joints. You can even play with friends this way!

Agility Training

Think your pet is too small for obstacles? Think again! Chihuahuas can jump between 2-10 ft (0.6 to 3 m) and they jump higher as they get older. They can also crawl beneath tunnels easily due to their small size.

Note: Check for bone conditions before doing agility training. Many obstacles can be intensive to the joints, so ask your vet first.

#3: They’re great emotional support dogs

Chihuahua Best Emotional Support Dog

Chihuahuas are great at emotionally supporting their owners because they are friendly and loyal.

Some may say that they’re too active for the job, but this can actually be tempered with a bit of obedience training.

Here are some of the ways your Chihuahua can provide emotional support:

Therapy

Emotional support Chihuahuas have a therapeutic effect for people recovering from injuries. They can even help pick things up for them like remotes to help change the channel or sleep with them.

PTSD Support

Research indicates that military veterans hit with PTSD benefit from emotional support dogs greatly. Chihuahuas are also helpful to people who have experienced abuse or neglect in life.

Anxiety Support

Some owners can have panic attacks and other problems. Students, for example, may worry about exams. Others may even worry about their love life or financial stability. Chihuahuas can provide support by staying with them in their hour of need.

Note: Emotional support requires a bit of training. If you want to turn your dog into one, hire a professional trainer. Secure necessary documentation to secure special privileges such as the right to enter airplanes and apartments for your dog.

#4: They’re really smart

Chihuahuas are no slouches when it comes to intelligence.

According to a survey made by Stanley Coren, they are the 125th most intelligent dog breeds. They are able to learn things quickly if they are routinely drilled.

Note: The amount of time they learn new commands tends to vary. If you ask them to do things that are contrary to their active nature such as ‘Quiet’ or ‘Stay,’ they might have a hard time. Be patient and prepare plenty of treats.

In particular, he highlights their strong ‘adaptive intelligence’. This means that Chihuahuas are adept problem-solvers.

This makes them great for puzzle-solving, which will constantly sharpen their mind. It can even keep them fit and entertained at the same time!

Here are a few options:

  • Snuffle Mats.
  • Trixie Activity Flip Board.
  • Kong Classic Food Dispenser.

Each of these will train your dog to open locks and search for food in obscure places. They will also keep them entertained while you’re out for the day.

#5: Who doesn’t want to be around one?

Being around a Chihuahua is a delightful experience for plenty of people.

This is because while most Chihuahuas are said to be aggressive, they actually tend to adapt to people fairly quickly if they’re well-trained.

What’s more, getting them to understand people is actually pretty easy. All you have to do is expose them to the world within their 1 year socialization period.

This means you should:

  • Be sensitive to your pet’s mood.
  • Play games your Chihuahua will like.
  • Bring your friends over from time to time.
  • Train your Chihuahua constantly with tricks.
  • Make sure the house has enough ambient noise.

During their 1st year, make sure you always find time to interact with them. It doesn’t have to be for long; even 30 minutes each day will do wonders for your pet.

It’s also helpful to have a sitter because your Chihuahua will consider them as part of the overall crowd.

#6: They are loyal pets

Faithful Chihuahua

Loyalty is hardly an issue with Chihuahuas. They are faithful companions and will often do anything to stay by your side.

In fact, if you train them enough, they can become protective of you and your property. Even if you don’t train them, for example, they will instinctively sound the alarm when there are strangers near your home.

They might also alert you with other sounds such as incoming cars, dogs, or anyone that could invade your private space.

Chihuahuas love to please their owners and form deep attachments with them. In fact, studies have shown that they would even try to save their owners from danger if possible. 

Once trained, they can also turn into loyal service dogs. Some Chihuahuas can go so far as to assist blind people while walking down a street.

Others may even assist people with epilepsy or diabetes, however, this will require some training.

Note: Be sure to contact your dog trainer if you want to train your dog for more specific tasks. They will even help you customize your pet’s training to suit them better.

#7: Cleaning won’t be a hassle

One great reason for having Chihuahuas is the fact that they’re extremely easy to clean.

Since they have really short fur, tangles and mats can take time to form. It also makes parasite detection easier. All you have to do to find ticks is to scan their arms, backs, or the area behind the tail.

They also shed at a lesser volume daily. This means you won’t clog your vacuum cleaner at all. Double-coated Chihuahuas also shed less frequently: only during spring and fall.

Thus, all you really need to do to clean them and your house is to bathe them once a month and vacuum your house weekly on average.

Note: You might need to bathe your Chi once a week if your pet needs medication. If your Chi has parasites or skin-related issues, consult your vet accordingly.

If you’re living alone and the fallen fur doesn’t bother you, it’s okay to vacuum once every 10 days. That’s because the volume won’t be that big. 

Caution: If you have kids, vacuum your house daily since they might swallow your pet’s fur. 

This also means you have more control over your schedule and less to worry about. The only time you really need to be concerned is if there are parasites.

When this happens, simply call your vet and they’ll recommend a shampoo that will kill off pests for you.

#8: They work well with small breeds

Chihuahuas tend to extend their friendly paws to other dogs.With enough training and exposure, they will eagerly play and socialize with other pets.

They are often best bonded with other toy breeds such as Yorkies and Malteses. Their naturally small builds will prevent playtime from getting too rough.

They can also get along with bigger dogs if they grow up together. However, the differences in personality and size might be too much in a lot of cases. 

Check my article on Chihuahuas and other breeds to find out which dogs can pair with your Chihuahua

They’re also good dogs to send to daycare. Their active nature means you can never find them sitting alone in a corner. 

Just remember not to send them to daycare too often to prevent stress. Once or twice a week should be enough time to hone their social skills.

Note: Daycares also have great facilities and certified trainers. You can ask them for additional tips and tricks if you have multiple pets at home!

#9: It’s easy to make them love your friends

Chihuahuas are easy to introduce to your friends. If they have been exposed to other people or noises during their socialization period (1 year), they will warm up to people you meet.

If you’re not sure about the signs, here’s what you need to know:

Eye contact

If your pet looks at your friend in the eye while moving around, it means they like your friend and want to play.

Caution: If your dog stares while standing still, it likely means they’re angry. Don’t let your friend come near when this happens.

Tail-wagging

A dog that wags their tail around a person means they like them (or have something that they like). If your friend is holding a treat, tell them to let the dog approach slowly. They should not make sudden moves to prevent being bitten.

Let them pet your dog after giving a treat. If your pet starts coming closer to your friend, it means your dog likes them.

They rest their head on your ankles

Chihuahuas that like people a lot may think of resting their head on their legs. They will move closer to the person, then try to rest their head on your ankle or legs.

Take advantage of this and have them pet your Chihuahua.

#10: They are super active

Active Chihuahua

Activity is one other reason why Chihuahuas are the best. They may sleep for as much as 20 hours a day, but they always seek adventure when awake!

Bonding with your dog when they’re feeling lively will make you two even closer. As an owner, you should use this to your advantage.

Make daily walks a daily routine if possible. When taking your dog out, here’s what you can do:

Find flat ground

Chihuahuas love the comfort of flat terrain. Running around on it helps keep their joints healthy and ward off diseases. They also look lovely while doing it!

Spread the schedule

Since Chihuahuas are active dogs that require 30 minutes of exercise, it’s a good idea to spread their playtime. For example, you can divide your schedule like this:

  1. 10-15 minutes of morning walks.
  2. 5-10 minutes of afternoon indoor games.
  3. 10-15 minutes of evening walks. 

Note: Designate walks at a specific time of the day for more organization. Decide which hour of the day is best for dog-owner bonding time.

Encourage an active lifestyle

According to a study, exposing your dog to people and objects gradually until they’re adults will lessen problematic behavior. 

As such, it’s a good idea to take your pet out regularly. Walk them across the park, have them listen to various noises, and let them meet with other dogs. 

Do it at least once or twice a week to help develop your Chihuahua’s social skills.

#11: They’re photogenic

Chihuahuas are 100% great in front of a camera. Whether naked or clothed, they look absolutely adorable.

Just look at this video. This is all the proof you’ll ever need:

If you want to get to that level though, you’ll need to heed these tips when taking pictures:

Focus on the dog

Your Chihuahua is the center of attention here. Point your camera at them and keep them in focus for maximum cuteness!

While you focus on your dog, you also need to get their attention. Show them a treat, then use the ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘lie down’ commands.

Once your dog stays still in the position you wish, take a picture and give them a treat afterwards!

Let your pet move around

When taking photos, don’t restrain your dog since they will find it very awkward. Chihuahuas like to move around anyway, so give them some room. Besides, the most natural takes are the best!

Expose your pet to the camera

Some dogs can find cameras scary especially if you put them too close because of the flash, shape or sound. Silence your camera, keep flashes off and expose them to it.

Take frequent pictures of your surroundings when you go out. Soon enough, your dog will identify with it.

#12: You can go anywhere with them

Chihuahuas are absolutely great for traveling! Their compact size means you can carry small crates at a reduced weight.

You also won’t need to worry about restrictions most of the time. Hotels and other vacation spots that accept dogs will approve of your Chihuahua.

You can make vacation easier on your part too by doing the following steps:

See your vet

It’s always good to have a checkup before flights. Physical conditions can cause changes in a dog’s behavior, so be sure to check them for readiness first.

You should also secure documentation from your vet indicating that your dog is healthy and fit for travel. This will help you get your dog inside vacation spots.

Pack up supplies

First aid kits, water bottles, treat bags, a harness, and toys are crucial components for travelling. Each of these will help your Chihuahua enjoy long trips better and keep them safe.

Have a tracing mechanism for your dog

Tags and microchips go a long way here. On the tag, you can put information such as your dog’s name and your contact details. Microchips will help people identify your dog electronically.

You might also want to read: 29 Tips To Travel With Your Chihuahua (The Definite Guide)

#13: Feeding them doesn’t hurt your wallet

Yes, feeding Chihuahuas doesn’t cost a fortune. Their small size also means they eat less compared to bigger dogs.

At most, you’ll only need to feed them twice a day until you reach half a cup. All you need is to find healthy options for your dog.

Thankfully, there are a lot of good treats out there. These include:

Home-cooked Meals

Chihuahuas generally like easy home cooking! As long as you avoid bones or adding too much oil, they will love slices of leftover fish and beef.

Remember: The cooked food you give to your Chi should be free of spices, salt, and sugar.

Zuke’s Natural Dog Treats – Rabbit Flavor

This treat has a huge protein offering, considering it is made of real rabbit meat. Over 4000 customers on Amazon have rated this product positively, making it a popular meal.

Fido Dental Care Belly Bones for Dogs – Yogurt Flavor

Looking for something that will help your dog’s digestion? Here’s a good product. Fido is known for keeping your dog’s digestive tract healthy and keeping their teeth clean. 

Note: You can also ask your vet for better options. Each Chihuahua can have specific likes, so adapt to their tastes.

#14: Crate training is easy for them

Looking for a dog that finds crates lovely? Chihuahuas are your best bet.

Chihuahuas are natural sleepers and always retire to confined spaces after having fun. Even without prompting, they may find spaces in your house to rest in.

To train your Chihuahua, here are some steps:

  1. Pick a large crate (twice their size at minimum).
  2. Pack it with toys, a bed, and food/water containers.
  3. Put a treat on your hand.
  4. Say ‘crate’ or ‘kennel up’
  5. Treat your pet when they get in the crate.

Repeat this until your pet stays there on their own. Be sure to leave the crate open to make them feel secure.

Note: Dogs can’t stay for more than 4 hours inside their crate without pooping. Let them out from time to time.

#15: They sleep a lot (and snore adorably!)

Sleeping Chihuahua

If you’re looking for pets that hush themselves, look for Chihuahuas.

They are heavy sleepers (20 hours a day), which means less howling and activity on your part. They do it because they unleash a lot of energy when awake.

When they snore, they sound adorable because of their high-pitched noise. You won’t hear them at all unless you’re close enough!

If you need them to stop snoring, it’s easy too. Here’s what you can do:

  • Tilt them to the side.
  • Give them regular exercise.
  • Remove dust around and inside their crate regularly.

Note: Snoring can also be a sign of Stridor (respiratory blockage). It’s usually not severe, but check in with your vet anyway.

#16: They live longer than a lot of breeds

Chihuahuas have long lifespans. They can live between 12-20 years depending on how carefully they were raised.

For context, many other breeds can only live for 15 at most. This means they can watch you and your children grow up together!

Note: Make sure that your Chihuahua is always fit. Better health means more fun moments together!

#17: Chihuahuas are stress relievers

You’ve heard of them providing emotional support, but they’re also good at simply relieving your stress.

If you’ve had a busy day from work (or school), Chihuahuas are able to take the burden.

In fact, a study from the University of Maine revealed that interacting with dogs can help improve students’ mood.

If that’s not enough, a study has also linked hanging out with dogs to physical and psychological improvement for owners!

In other words: if you take care of your Chihuahua, they’ll take care of you!