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Chihuahuasby people whoknow them best

PopularityChihuahua Kennel Clubregistrations have dropped by abouta half in the last decade. The breedstill seems popular, maybe fewerpeople are using the KC system?Smoothcoats Longcoats

We asked: what five words sum up Chihuahuas?. LovingSweetLoyalFeistyAffectionate

Chihuahua dimensions: The small dog that thinks like a big dog1.8 - 2.7 kg16-25cm

How smart are Chihuahuas?

The survey revealed 14 is the average lifeexpectancy for a Chihuahua.Small breeds tend to livelonger than big ones. A few people told us of dogs who lived to 20 years or more!

Alfie, Bailey, Bruiser, Dobby, Gizmo, Taco, TinkerbelleMost popular names?

Average exercise needs for a Chihuahua

Who do other ownersthink is an idealowner? Someone who worksfrom home.

But owners thought many other scenarios were possible...

62% thought relying on dog walkers was a bad idea...

How healthy are they usually?

What sort of healthproblems did the 7% in our surveyexperience? "It is just that, given his size, he ismore prone to accidents and mishaps.So he needs a watchful eye and I needto be extra sensitive to his needs. "Most of his vet visits were accidentrelated (like falling off the bed, chokingon a stolen bone, being stepped on by aDobermann)."

"My rescuedcrossbreed has hadnumerous healthproblems - several of them genetic.My pedigreeChihuahuas are all healthy, none have had anyhealth problemsdue to theirbreeding. We have only beento the vets forspaying/neuteringor because of aninjury." "Sadly, mylittle one hasidiopathicepilepsy (genetic - badbreeding!) anddodgy legs! We are the vetsbest friend. Butin return, myvet's practice is our bestfriend and theyhave been amazing inkeeping her as healthy aspossible."

If they have a health issue, what's it most likely to be?

The Kennel Club does not currently ask even the elite breeders todo any health tests... but there are tests that can be done if breederswant to go that extra yard For future breedhealth theinbreedingcoefficient (COI)should be as low aspossible. The Kennel Clubbreed average COI is 5.8%(smoothcoat) 4.0%(longcoat).

Why do people love this breedabove all others? "They are lovingand intelligent andwant to be your bestfriend. They areindependent littlewarriors.""They make me happy,and I can have morethan one on my lap." "They think theyare big dogs, I love their sassyattitudes andtheir view oflife.""Easy to afford the very best ofeverything they need. Easy to lift, carry and transport, bathe,groom, clean up after. You can have them in small livingquarters. More accepted when renting.Naturally, temperaments can vary,same as with people, so choose theright match to begin with.""They are very tuned intoyour feelings.They are very loyal andprotective.""I believe they can read our hearts."

"They just have a little morethan other breeds.""Chihuahuas arevery smart. Howsmart? Smart enough to geteverything theywant! They aregreat travellers andfamily members." "Never had a doglook at me with suchlove in their eyes.""I love dogs for who they are, Squirrel just happens to be aChihuahua.""Just the mere sightof him is a stressbuster. So much love,personality and loyalty in a tinybody.""She is simplyone of the mostbeautiful peopleI've everknown"

"I want a dog to look after, I don't need a guardian. I can protect her while she's in myarms. She's my soul mate.""They have such fascinatingpersonalities and they are soemotional. My two little guys aremy confidantes, I tell themeverything.""They have tiny poos."

We did a quick audit on Chihuahua behaviour - are they your cup of tea?r

Intelligence andobedience are not thesame thing I've never met anyone(human or canine) ashappy Small in size butenormous inpersonality I don't think my dogknows he/she is a dog!What's the essence of these little dogs?

They have a human-like range of expressions and the more you get toknow them, the more you can read them. Well, they always make me smile No, not always the joker, they have a wistful side, too. Yes, it always seems like they have just heard a joke. They are quite serious, in my experience!Do they have a sense of humour?

Advice from Chihuahua owners for anyone thinking of getting a Chihuahua"Do your research anddon't be fooled by whatyou see in films they areamazing active dogs wholove company and toplay or even just cuddle."

"Think about what youmight be doing for thenext 15 years - they arelong lived." "Be home to keep them companyas they need it so much. Don't have very small children." "They are wonderful if you arelooking for a one-to-onefriend. Be patient with toilettraining and expectaccidents."

"Make sure you canactually afford to have one.They don't eat much butmay require unforseenvisits to vets and medicalneeds. If you don't havetime to spend with them,forget it. They are needy and requireyour time and affection." "." "Be ready to lose your heart, but beready for lots of housetraining issues! "

"Get them from a good breeder whohas socialised them well." "Be strong or you'll be walkedall over."

"Do your homework! Be prepared tospend time training - just becausethey're small doesn't mean theydon't need the time a big dog does."

Please do add your experiences to our research: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ChihuahuaCrush