Buyer question
Is a Chihuahua good for beginners?
It can be: our Animal Library rates the Chihuahua 3 out of 5 for beginners (fragile, can be snappy).
Source: the Chihuahua page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Chihuahua in the Animal Library
The detail
The world's smallest breed, named for the Mexican state where it was found, the Chihuahua is bold, loyal and often devoted to one person. It is portable and long-lived, but fragile, vocal and sometimes wary of strangers.
- Temperament
- Bold, loyal, alert
- Best fit
- Adults, apartments
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Smart, slow potty train)
- Energy
- 2 out of 5 (Short walks, play)
- Grooming load
- 1 out of 5 (Minimal, teeth need care)
What to weigh
Chihuahuas are easily hurt by falls and rough play, feel the cold and can be snappy if handled carelessly. House-training can be slow, and dental disease is almost universal.