Chihuahuas are among the most popular breeds in the US, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood.
Here are 15 myths about Chihuahuas that just aren’t true!
Myth 1. Chihuahuas are not easy to train.
Chihuahuas are very intelligent dogs, and with proper training, they can learn any command.
If you’re having trouble training your Chihuahua, it could be because he’s not receiving enough attention or exercise.
These two things are important to the health and well-being of your pup. Your dog needs to be taken out for walks so he can release energy, and he should spend time with you for mental stimulation.
The bottom line is that your Chihuahua can be trained to learn any command. You just have to be committed to the process!
Myth 2. Chihuahuas are not good watch dogs.
While it’s true that Chihuahuas are not very intimidating, they can still be excellent watch dogs.
Chihuahuas are very protective of their owners, and are much more likely to scare away criminals and bark at the mailman!
Don’t underestimate the bark of a small dog! When under attack, Chihuahuas will strike back and protect you. They can be vigilant and will keep you safe.
Myth 3. Chihuahuas can’t live outside in cold temperatures.
Chihuahuas are small, but they’re tough dogs that can survive in almost any climate. As long as your Chihuahua has a warm coat and a warm place to sleep with enough food, it can live safely outside in cold temperatures!
The best thing to do is provide them with a lot of heat, lots of water, and food that will help their body stay warm throughout the winter.
But, of course, we do not recommend having chihuahuas (or any dogs for that matter) sleep outside!
Myth 4. Chihuahuas bark a lot.
While Chihuahuas do bark, they aren’t the only breed that barks. Chihuahua owners should simply train their Chihuahua to stop barking when it’s not needed!
It is often the result of a lack of socialization and training that results in a Chihuahua that barks too much. With proper socialization and training, Chihuahuas can take commands well and restraint from barking when instructed to.
Myth 5. Chihuahuas are not good with kids.
Chihuahuas have a fiesty reputation making some people believe that there is no place for children and chihuahuas together, but that is completely untrue!
Chihuahuas are great pets for children. As long as their owner supervises them at all times, they can live together perfectly. Chihuahuas make good pets because they’re small and can be trained to behave in front of small children.
Myth 6. Chihuahuas are not good with other animals.
Chihuahuas may be small, but they’re not one-person dogs. They can be very social animals that can get along well with other animal species when given the right circumstances.
It’s important to train your Chihuahua on how to interact properly with other animals though. A lot of time and energy put into training will improve your Chihuahua’s behavior and make them less likely to fight with other animals.
Myth 7. Chihuahuas can’t take cold weather.
The short-haired coat on a Chihuahua makes people think that they’re not suitable for cold climates, but that’s just not true!
Chihuahuas can take cold weather just fine, they just need extra warmth. A jacket will keep them warm out in the cold, and a bed inside the home with a heater to stay cozy when it’s chillier outside is also an excellent option.
Having said that, the best way to keep your Chihuahua warm in the winter is by having them sleep inside!
Myth 8. Chihuahuas have short lifespans.
According to PetMd, the average lifespan of a Chihuahua is between 12 and 18 years.
The longest living Chihuahua recorded is a 20 years old Chihuahua called ‘megabyte’.
Some people think that chihuahuas can live shorter because their body is small, but that’s not true. They’re just like any other dog in the sense they can live long lives if you take good care of them!
Myth 9. Chihuahuas don’t need exercise.
Chihuahuas may be small dogs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to be exercised. Chihuahuas need to be exercised every day just like any other dog!
According to Dr. Malcom Weir, DVM, dogs derive health benefits from regular exercise, just like humans. An important aspect of strengthening our relationships with our dogs is to keep them strong and fit through physical activity.
Some of the simple exercises you can do with your Chihuahua include:
– Walking them on a leash: This gives you and the dog some exercise and time to bond!
– Going to the park: Your dog might get tired, but they’ll have fun, and it will give you something new to do over the weekend!
– Playing fetch in your backyard: It’s a simple game you can play to get both of you active!
Myth 10. Chihuahuas aren’t loyal dogs.
It’s not uncommon for people to feel as if their Chihuahua doesn’t love them due to their aloof nature. However, it is quite the opposite of what happens!
Chihuahuas are very loyal dogs. Some may not show it, but make no mistake they do love their owners!
They may not cuddle or “puppy dog eye” you as other dogs do, but they will be there for you when you need them.
The best thing you can do is to give your chihuahua plenty of love and attention when they are around you, that way they’ll be happy to be near you!
Myth 11. Chihuahuas are fragile and can’t handle much physical activity.
It’s true that chihuahuas don’t really like to play rough, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be active!
Chihuahuas are small dogs, but that doesn’t make them fragile. Just don’t push your Chihuahua too hard during exercise because it’s easy for them to wear out or get hurt.
Myth 12. A Chihuahua doesn’t need to eat much food.
Chihuahuas are very small dogs, so it’s often assumed that they don’t eat as much as larger breeds.
While Chihuahuas do have a slower metabolism than most other dogs, you still need to give them the right amount of food every day!
You should never feed your dog table scraps or let it beg for food because it can cause bowel issues or obesity, which can lead to other problems.
Myth 13. Chihuahuas are only good as “pocket dogs.”
Chihuahuas are not just “pocket dogs” that you carry around in your purse or pocket. In fact, they have a lot of energy and can be very playful!
Chihuahuas are one of the most energy-filled dog breeds out there. They can be very rambunctious, but that’s what makes them so fun!
It’s important to socialize them early on so they can learn to behave around other people and animals.
Myth 14. Chihuahuas don’t shed.
Chihuahuas shed more than people think they do. Some will say that Chihuahuas don’t shed, while more experienced owners will tell you that they don’t shed much.
Chihuahuas are medium shedders and they shed throughout the year. During spring and autumn, they will shed heavily. Other times they will only shed very lightly.
If you groom your Chihuahua with a de-shedding brush often especially during the shedding period, then it won’t be as big of an issue for you. They are easy to maintain in this way.
Myth 15. Chihuahuas Are Good For Allergies
While there is an abundance of information on the internet claiming that Chihuahuas are good for people with allergies, it’s simply not true.
People who say their chihuahua has never caused them any allergy problems either don’t have a very severe allergy, they must groom their Chihuahua in such a way that they don’t shed or dander around the house, or it might just be luck. There is also no scientific evidence suggesting that Chihuahuas are hypoallergenic dogs.
Because people with allergies can have different reactions to allergens, you should consider spending some time around a chihuahua before you bring one home.
