Did you know that Chihuahua is the most commonly seen in shelters? Chihuahuas have grown in popularity due to constant exposure from celebrities and “it” people who carry them about in costly designer bags.
The Hollywood hype, stereotypes, and life duration are a few reasons why they are left in the shelters. Chihuahua is an unsuitable dog breed for families and children, and their personalities are feisty, energetic, loud, aggressive, and high-maintenance.
Explanations for the High Number of Chihuahuas in Shelters
➖The Mainstream of Hollywood
The Hollywood hype is the first reason why there are so many Chihuahuas in shelters. Celebrities wear them as a stylish items. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are two celebrities who have been photographed with Chihuahuas in their purses. Chihuahuas have subsequently become dog celebrities. Having this dog breed became an immediate craze.
The people are taken back because they have no solid information about this dog breed or how to properly care for it. Some people disliked the personality of their Chihuahuas. They are, after all, a bit of a handful. Others didn’t know what they were doing to take care of them. As a result, animal shelters in California alone are taking in thousands of Chihuahuas.
➖The Way they Look
The physical appearance of a Chihuahua may be one reason why there are so many of them in shelters since they do not resemble other dogs. They are the world’s smallest dog breed, with huge ears and eyes. As a result, individuals prefer to adopt different breeds. They want something that resembles ordinary dogs.
➖They are Unpredictable Biters
Chihuahuas are also notorious biters. That is why, after a while, most of their keepers give them up for adoption. The Chihuahua will bite when they are scared of something or when they dislike someone around them. They have a ‘Little Dog Syndrome’ and unfortunately, because they are tiny dogs, their negative conduct is frequently overlooked.
They are Magnets for Accidents
Unfortunately, many families surrender their Chihuahuas to shelters after a while. The reason for this is because they are unfit for their surroundings. Their keepers find it difficult to train them. Potty training can also be difficult at times. Most owners will become frustrated and abandon them, causing them to be involved in several accidents.
➖Chihuahuas are not Suitable for First-Time Dog Owners
Chihuahuas are a lively breed of dog. As a result, they are not suitable for first-time dog owners. Some people believe that because Chihuahuas are so tiny, they will settle inside handbags and not move. Unfortunately, they are not just small, but they also run around the home a lot. They can trip people who aren’t paying attention to where they’re going. As a result, living among children and the elderly is not ideal for them.
➖They only Listen to One Person
It’s because they don’t get along with the rest of the family. Once they become attracted to someone, it will be difficult for them to interact with others. They may also be fiercely protective and violent. Not only for strangers but also individuals dear to you.
➖They are High Maintenance
Another reason there are so many Chihuahuas in shelters is that they require a lot of attention. In other words, difficult to care for. They are predisposed to specific illnesses such as hypoglycemia and that is why you must ensure that they are fed on time. You should also set up obstacles and fences around your house since they want to escape.
➖Over Breeding
Due to their fame in Hollywood, Chihuahuas were in high demand. As a result, breeders continued to breed them. Chihuahua owners have even had them mated with other dog breeds. There is an overabundance of Chihuahuas and crossbreeds. In addition, there were far too many unsold Chihuahuas. As a result, they are abandoned to become strays or are given up for adoption at shelters.
➖They are a Vocal Dog Breed
They are tiny in size, but they make up for it by being loud. As a result, they are eventually given up for adoption. The Chihuahuas’ high-pitched yapping irritates their owners. When you are always in business meetings, Chihuahuas are constantly subjected to complaints from their landlord and neighbors.
➖They Lack Socialization
When dogs are not socialized, they misbehave and are not exposed to new experiences. They are not introduced to their own species since they are considered an adornment by some. They have no idea how to socialize with other canines. As a result, they become fearful, and as a result, violent.
Caring for a Chihuahua
When it comes to caring for Chihuahuas, there are several parts to consider.
👍Provide High-Quality Food
You must pick a suitable diet to keep your Chihuahua healthy and looking nice all of the time. Several dog food brands are available, making it difficult to select the ideal one for your Chihuahua. Choose a low-salt food for your little dog since a high-salt diet might cause heart and renal issues. When it comes to selecting high-quality meals, you may also contact your veterinarian.
👍Don’t Overfeed Them
Even though Chihuahuas are lively and active, you should not overfeed them since they may become obese. Giving your Chihuahua more food than is necessary can lead to significant health concerns such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, skin disorders, and other issues.
👍Brush them Regularly
Since Chihuahuas have varied coat kinds, grooming your Chihuahua will be dependent on the sort of coat they have. You can remove dead and loose fur with a fine-toothed flea comb and tangled fur with a stainless steel comb. Keep your Chihuahua’s nails clipped regularly since they grow quickly, brush his teeth to prevent dental issues, and clean his large ears as well.
👍Bathe Them
Bathe your Chihuahua at least once every two months, in addition to brushing, cleaning his ears, trimming his nails, and brushing his teeth to avoid dental issues. Use dog-safe shampoos while washing your Chihuahua since human shampoo may irritate his skin. When washing your little dog, use lukewarm water.
👍Brush their Teeth
Chihuahuas, despite their small size, are prone to dental issues. Brush your Chihuahua’s teeth regularly to avoid dental problems. Brush them while a puppy since it will be difficult to brush them as they grow older. The more used they become to brushing, the better. When brushing your Chihuahua, use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
👍Regularly Deworm Them
Deworming is necessary for all sorts of pets, even your little dog. Give your Chihuahua preventative deworming medicine regularly to keep him safe from parasites that might endanger his life. You may get deworming medicine over-the-counter at your local pet store or order it online. Before deworming your Chihuahua, consult your veterinarian.
👍Train Them
Training and socialization are important for all dogs, even your Chihuahua. On the other hand, Chihuahuas are challenging to teach; therefore, you must be patient and consistent when training them. On the other hand, Chihuahuas are quick learners; however, severe teaching methods will scare them away.
Dog Breeds That are Left at Dog Shelters
Unfortunately, many people adopt, breed, and buy their pets without fully understanding what goes into educating their new pets to be a productive part of the home.
🐾American Bulldog
Their blocky skulls and strong musculature give them a mean appearance. American Bulldogs endure a lot of prejudice from individuals who think they appear mean and ignore them at shelters. Landlord regulations and local ordinances might also prevent people from bringing one of these pets into their homes.
🐾Jack Russell Terrier
This breed is highly active and, if not adequately trained, can be quite a handful. However, a well-trained Jack Russell may be a highly appealing looking pet for most people in a movie, presuming their tiny stature makes them more controllable.
🐾Boxer
This lively and active breed enjoys the company of its family members. However, the Boxer breed will require a lot of care and are highly devoted. If you don’t invest enough time with your Boxer, they may become destructive in their hunt for anything to do.
🐾German Shepherd
German Shepherds are frequently acquired as security dogs owing to their reputation. However, these dogs are prone to destructive and violent tendencies if not properly trained, exercised, and mentally stimulated because of their high energy levels. In addition, they must have satisfying work to do, or they would frequently spiral out of control.
🐾Beagle
These dogs are beautiful and charming, with their floppy ears, and yet they were initially developed as hunting partners. As a result, the Beagle has a powerful voice that it is not hesitant to use. This is a beneficial characteristic for hunting dogs since it alerts their owner to prospective prey. However, as house pets, their noisy barking can be annoying to landlords and neighbors.
🐾American Staffordshire Terrier
Many of the same laws and restrictions that apply to Pit Bulls apply to Staffies as well. This athletic, loving, and loyal canine breed is subjected to a great deal of prejudice. These canines are eerily identical to Pit Bulls and are nearly hard to distinguish visually.
🐾Pit Bull
The Pit Bull is the most prevalent dog breed seen in shelters by a wide margin. This breed is frequently abused and neglected, making it difficult for them to trust people. In addition, people are discouraged from taking a Pit Bull into their homes because of widespread misinformation in the media and breed-specific legislation.
🐾Dachshund
This tiny dog has a lot of personalities. People find the Dachshund appealing, but they are unprepared for their obstinate and eccentric temperament. This breed may damage your grass and your home if you are not prepared to teach them.
🐾Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular dog, but it’s also one of the most prevalent dog breeds in shelters around the country. Their excellent reputation as loving and devoted pets may be their undoing due to overbreeding to fulfill the demand for their popularity.
Interesting Facts about Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua is a one-of-a-kind breed, small in stature but large in personality. But, even if you are familiar with this dog breed, there’s some information you don’t know.
⚫ Named After Chihuahua, Mexico
The Chihuahua name is from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Also referred to as “The Big State.” In the late 1800s, American visitors to the region came across merchants selling Chihuahuas, some of which were carried back to the United States.
⚫ The Chihuahua is the World’s Tiniest Dog Breed
Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed, weighing about 2 to 6 pounds and standing 6 to 10 inches tall when fully grown. Because of its tiny stature, the breed is an appealing choice for families that live in flats or small houses.
⚫ They are Thought to be Capable of Curing Asthma
According to centuries-old legend, Chihuahuas may treat respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergies by absorbing the condition from their owners. There is no real evidence to strongly support this belief, many people maintained Chihuahuas for this same reason.
⚫ Chihuahua “Between Two Waters”
The word “Chihuahua” comes from a Nahuatl phrase that means “between two lakes.” Historians think the name predates the Spanish Conquest of Mexico in 1519.
⚫ Chihuahua has the Longest Life Expectancies of any Canine Breed
The Chihuahua has one of the most extended lifespans of any dog breed, living 15 to 20 years on average. The smaller dog breeds can live longer lives than larger ones, but another critical element contributing to the Chihuahua’s lifespan is the breed’s relative lack of health issues.
⚫ Have a Natural Predisposition to Burrow
Chihuahuas will dig beneath everything, including bed sheets, blankets, towels, cushions, and filthy clothing. Some scientists think the Chihuahua’s instinctive habit was handed down from its Techichi ancestors.
⚫ They Used to Climb Trees
While most Chihuahuas prefer to curl up in their owners’ laps, these little canines were formerly skilled tree climbers. They’re reported to climb trees and near-vertical hills like a squirrel, probably for warmth and safety from predators.
⚫ Chihuahuas have one of the Most Diverse Coat Color Palettes
Chihuahuas come in a range of coat hues, ranging from black and fawn to red and blue. Currently, the AKC recognizes 30 distinct coat colors and color combinations for the breed.
⚫ Chihuahuas are Great Watch Dogs
Chihuahuas are excellent watch dogs due to their keen hearing and continuous vigilance. If your Chihuahua detects another person or animal in your home, he will bark loudly to attract your attention.
⚫ They Reverse Sneeze
While it is prevalent in many toy breeds, Chihuahuas are especially susceptible to a medical ailment in which air is pushed through the nose. During an incident of reverse sneezing, the Chihuahua will stretch his head and neck while producing gasping sounds.
⚫ They Shiver and Tremble
While all dogs may tremble and shiver, Chihuahuas are particularly prone to this tendency. Low body temperature, anxiety, excitability, and various health problems are all common causes of shaking and shivering.
Reasons Why you Should Adopt a Chihuahua
Even though the smallest kinds of dogs take up the least amount of space, Chihuahuas are one of the most famous breeds to end up at a shelter. Here are some of the reasons why getting a chihuahua could be one of the finest decisions you ever make.
✔️They are Petite
Chihuahuas are famous because they are small; they generally weigh 3-6 pounds and may practically fit in your pocket. In addition, little dogs are straightforward to travel with, whether you’re picking up lunch for the kids, doing present last-minute shopping, or visiting a friend.
✔️They are Easy to Spot
Chihuahuas are one of the most common and present dog breeds to wind up in a shelter so that you may find one at nearly any of them. They have a variety of colorful coats and might have long or short hair.
✔️They are the Least Expensive Dog Breed
Having a smaller dog means you’ll spend less money on basics like food and treats. So Chihuahuas are your best choice if you’re on a tight budget and seeking a companion.
✔️They have a Lot of Energy
If you’re searching for a new friend to accompany you to the park or on walks, a little dog with lots of activity would be the ideal companion. They will, without a doubt, keep your family entertained.
✔️They have Unique Personalities
These feisty love bugs have huge hearts and sassy personalities! They may have a bit of an attitude, but that is what makes them so endearing. It is best that they are taught and trained to get along with children and other dogs.
✔️Chihuahuas Do not Need a Lot of Space
Chihuahuas are little fluffy animals who do well in tight spaces. All they would require is a place to sleep, food, water, and a toilet.
✔️They have a Long Lifespan
Chihuahuas may live for up to 16 years. They are one of the breeds with the longest lifespans. And they may live extremely long lives if they keep a healthy lifestyle.
✔️They are the Perfect Lap Dog
Their small bodies are ideal for sitting on your lap. They’ll keep you company as you watch your favorite movie. If you’re planning a lazy Sunday, they also make excellent cuddling companions.
✔️They are Easy to Train
Don’t underestimate their skills simply because they weigh less than ten pounds; they are pretty intelligent. In addition, Chihuahuas are quick to learn new skills if you have patience and incentives.
✔️One Less Chihuahua in the Shelter
Knowing you saved a life is one of the most satisfying experiences. In addition, adopting a dog helps to reduce overcrowding in shelters and makes place for other homeless pets in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the ideal time to have a Chihuahua puppy?
A: The optimum age to adopt a dog is always when it has reached the age of 8 weeks. The first eight weeks of a puppy’s growth are essential, and they need to remain with their mother and littermates throughout that period.
Q: How many dogs are killed each year at shelters?
A: One million.
Q: What breeds are the most commonly euthanized?
A: Pit Bulls are the most prevalent breed of dog discovered in shelters in the United States. They are also the most mistreated and euthanized animals.
Q: Why are Chihuahuas so devoted to their humans?
A: It’s because Chihuahuas choose people who are similar to their own personalities.
Q: Chihuahuas evolved from what?
A: They are traced back to the gray wolf.
Q: What do Chihuahuas are famous for?
A: Chihuahuas are most recognized for their small stature, large round eyes, and tendency to shiver and tremble.
Final Thoughts
One thing is sure: many inexperienced dog owners underestimate the amount of time it takes to raise a dog. Always conduct your own research and determine if you will meet the particular needs of the pet you are contemplating adopting.
If you’re thinking of getting a dog, always check your local shelters first. There are so many dogs in need in the shelter and you might be able to find a lovely Chihuahua at one of the shelters near you.
If you wonder about the proper amount of food a Chihuahua consumes, click here to find out more. To learn more about the Chihuahua breed, click here.
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Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
