How high can Chihuahuas jump?
Most dogs love to jump regardless of their size. The Chihuahua is no different. Many people assume that these small and tiny dogs may not be able to jump too high because of their small statures.
However, like all dog breeds, jump they do!
In this guide, I will tell you exactly how high can Chihuahuas jump, whether it is safe for them to jump, and also some tips to ensure your pet’s safety during jumping.
How High Can Chihuahuas Jump?
Did you know that the record height reached by a jumping dog is nearly 6.289 feet according to the Guinness Book of World Records? It was by a 2-yr old greyhound named Feather.
While our little Chihuahuas might not be able to reach that height, they can easily jump up to 2 to 4 feet.
How high can Chihuahuas jump also depends on the dog’s height. If your Chi has short legs then it will have less agility and might be only able to jump up to a few inches off the ground.
Larger, stronger, and more agile Chihuahuas can jump up to a few feet with ease.
In general, the rule of thumb to use to answer the question: how high can Chihuahuas jump is 1 to 3 times their total height.
On an average, your Chihuahua – which happens to be the smallest dog breed in the world – only measure 6 to 9 inches at withers. This means that your pet would be able to easily jump anywhere between 6 to 27 inches or 0.5 to 3 feet.
How Can Chihuahuas Jump So High?
Here are reasons why Chihuahuas and all dogs can jump so high so easily:
1. Special body mechanics
Dogs’ bodies have a special shape and structure. This particular shape and proportions enable it to jump quite high.
When your Chihuahua jumps, it uses its strong back legs to propel itself forward. Many Chihuahuas also take a running start and then jump since running gives them the necessary momentum.
This special body shape is also the reason why so many dog breeds can also climb walls.
2. Natural ability
All dogs have evolved from wolves. And as we all know, wolves are excellent at running, jumping, and other movements that display their superior agility.
Our Chihuahuas may be small but they have retained some of those characteristics from their wolf ancestors. That is why Chihuahuas can jump without any training because it is a natural instinct in your pet.
3. Small dog syndrome
Being a tiny dog breed, Chihuahuas have been gifted with many natural abilities. These abilities help protect them from dangers.
When your small Chi is suddenly faced with danger, it might jump on a higher vantage point or hide to protect itself. This is its natural fight or flight response to stress or attack.
With most trained Chihuahuas, the instinct would be to defend instead of attack or be confrontational. That is why your Chihuahua can jump pretty high if it senses danger or wants to protect itself.
4. Jumping gets better with age
A bubbly Chihuahua puppy is bursting with energy and will jump, run, and play to explore. And as it grows, it will be able to jump up even higher!
In fact, you must prevent your Chihuahua puppy from jumping from a height as it could put pressure on its developing joints causing a great deal of harm to them. It could even hurt its dog’s teeth. Much of this damage can be permanent in nature.
How High Can Chihuahuas Jump Over a Fence?
If your Chi loves to jump, then it will definitely be a matter of concern if you have an open yard with a short fence. And if your Chi happens to be Houdini and loves to escape from time to time, then you have a serious problem on hand!
Taller-than-average adult Chihuahua can easily jump up to 25 inches and some can even jump up to 3 to 5 feet. Standard fences measure about 4-6 feet.
So, a determined Chihuahua can easily jump over a short or average-sized fence. Your smart Chi might also figure out how to use a platform such as the patio/deck or a tree to give it a boost and jump over the fence.
Unfixed Chihuahuas are known to not only jump over a fence –they might even dig under it if a female dog is in heat nearby.
So if you wish to prevent your Chihuahua from escaping and jumping over a fence, please add some reinforcements to the fence and also spay/neuter your Chi to prevent it from escaping.
Why Do Most Chihuahuas Jump on People?
Jumping is a natural ability in Chihuahuas like all dogs. Here are the common reasons why your Chihuahua might jump on people:
1. Lack of training and socialization
An untrained and un-socialized Chihuahua is more likely to jump on people. It might jump on strangers as well as on its Chihuahua owner too.
Many small Chihuahuas jump on their owner’s legs to reach up to them. It is as they want to show that they are tall and big by jumping!
2. Aggression
Some Chis will jump on strangers and also on dogs they meet at the Dog park. This again stems from lack of training and socialization which harbors aggression.
To curb this behavior, you may want to train your pet to not jump – but only by using positive reinforcement. Avoid hitting or shouting at your Chihuahua as that might reinforce the behavior or could even make your Chihuahua more aggressive.
Obedience training in basic commands can also help you stop your Chi from jumping on people.
3. Boredom and lack of physical activity
A bored Chihuahua is more likely to jump on furniture, people, and other dogs or house pets.
To prevent boredom, please engage your Chihuahua in physical activity – 30 minutes of brisk walking (divided over 2-3 sessions) are ideal for your small dog.
4. Excitement
Chihuahua is an excitable little dog – it might jump on visitors and strangers every time the doorbell rings!
This excitable jumping can even cause urination in the small dogs. Some Chis even bark and jump simultaneously which can scare your visitors. Therefore, proper training is very important if you want your Chi to greet people without jumping.
Can Chihuahuas Jump on a Bed?
Most Chihuahuas will be able to jump on a short bed. It depends on your pet’s height as well as the height of the bed.
In general, dogs can jump up to 1 to 3 times their own height. So if your Chihuahua measures 9 inches and your bed is 25 inches, then it might be able to easily jump on the bed.
Please be aware of the fact that jumping on and off the bed can be stressful for your tiny dog’s delicate joints. There are a mixture of hard and soft surfaces on a bed and the jumping action could put a strain on your pet’s musculature and joints.
So, try not to let your Chihuahua jump on and off the bed. Use a pet ramp or stairs like this one to help your delicate dog climb the bed safely.
Also, once you allow this habit, your Chihuahua will want to sleep in your bed. These dogs love to cuddle and many burrow and sleep between their owner’s legs.
Remember: Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic dogs. So if you have a pet allergy, please discourage your sweet dog from jumping on the bed.
Can Chihuahuas Jump on the Furniture?
Yes, depending on the furniture’s height, most Chihuahuas can easily jump on it.
They can certainly jump on sofas and couches. Many jump on coffee tables, chairs, and dining tables. Some can even jump on small cabinets – just like a cat!
It all depends on your pet’s height and also the height of the furniture in question. Most average-sized Chihuahuas can jump up to 25 inches or more.
The question is: should you allow your Chihuahua to jump up high on the furniture?
Most vets would recommend against doing so. Jumping might seem fun to your pet but the sharp edges of furniture could seriously injure your Chi.
Moreover, some furniture comes upholstered and has a combination of soft and hard surfaces that can shock your delicate Chihuahua’s joints. Moreover, the furniture could also topple over scaring – or worse – grievously injuring your delicate Chi.
So, please do not allow your Chihuahua to jump on furniture.
Is Jumping Bad for Your Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are athletic creatures. They are not meant to be couch potatoes although they are bred to be lap dogs and even fashion dogs to carry in purses.
That is why under controlled and supervised circumstances, jumping can be a good activity for your Chi.
Jumping even has health benefits that could extend to your pet’s mental well-being. It can improve your Chi’s flexibility and agility and help your pet stretch its muscles. Jumping could even help burn a few calories!
However, jumping from very high surfaces can be detrimental to your pet’s joints, especially in puppies. So never allow very young Chihuahua puppies to jump as it can cause patella luxation in them.
In adult Chihuahuas, jumping should only be done over short periods of time and in a controlled and supervised manner. Incorrect jumping over hard or uneven surfaces can lead to injuries.
How to Teach your Chihuahua to Jump Safely?
If you want to make your Chi jump safely, then use the following tips:
1. Check with a vet first
Always ask your vet before starting any activity for your Chihuahua – especially if you haven’t tried it before. Make sure your pet’s joints are capable of handling the exercise.
2. Wait till your Chi is an adult
As stated earlier, jumping is not a safe activity for younger Chihuahuas as it can put tremendous pressure on their delicate joints. So, make sure your Chi is a fully grown adult before commencing with the training.
3. Train your Chi to jump safely using rewards
- Start with short heights first. You can invest in some obstacles mounted outdoors in the yard or even use a platform in your house.
- Make sure the platform is safe and non-wobbly. Place some treats in your hand and give the command jump. When your pet jumps where you indicate, treat it right away.
- You can slowly progress to other surfaces like the sofa or bed.
4. Enroll your Chihuahua in agility training
Agility training courses are conducted by professional dog trainers and they teach your pet to jump safely over obstacles under supervision. This is a great way to get your Chi to be more active, socialize with other dogs, and also learn obedience commands in the process.
FAQs on How High Can Chihuahuas Jump?
1. Which dog breeds can jump the highest?
Greyhounds, Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Australian Shepherds are some of the highest jumping breeds.
2. What are the risks involved in Chihuahuas jumping high?
Vets recommend against jumping in cars, on couches, and sofas for Chihuahuas because of the combination of hard and soft surfaces. These can increase the risks of sprains, twists, and injuries in the musculature and joints of your pet.
3. At what age can Chihuahuas safely start jumping?
Do not let your Chihuahua puppy jump until it is 12-15 months of age.
4. How to stop your Chihuahua puppy from jumping on you and biting your clothes?
Your teething Chihuahua pup needs plenty of chew toys or dental chews to soothe its irritated gums. These will automatically prevent it from chewing unwanted stuff. Combine this with other basic obedience training for results.
Conclusion
How high can Chihuahuas jump?
Chihuahuas can easily jump up to 1 to 3 times their height. So, if your dog measures about 8 inches, it is capable of easily jumping to 24 inches or 2 feet. Some Chihuahuas can even jump higher than 2 feet.
While jumping is a great exercise, you must always take necessary precautions since it could injure your pet. Never allow a Chihuahua puppy to jump as it could cause irreversible damage like luxating patella.
If you want, you can teach your Chi to jump safely at agility training courses. We hope this guide helps make your Chi more agile!
