Chihuahua
Breed Stats
Chihuahua Puppy Overview
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest pups in the world, but don’t be misled by their teacup-sized appearance. This dog can rival the personality of any big dog! They’re feisty and brave in equal measures and are loyal to those they get attached to. They’re also packed full of energy and can make a great playmate, provided you are mindful of their fragile physique and don’t disturb their much-needed nap time (aka puppy self-care sessions).
Purchasing a Chihuahua puppy is a big commitment. While you’re undoubtedly excited to welcome your new puppy home as soon as possible, it’s important to carry out thorough research and ensure you’re fully informed about the process.
Although there are plenty of reputable Chihuahua puppy breeders throughout the US, their popularity unfortunately means many backyard breeders exploit them for profit. These pups are neglected and prone to serious health issues growing up. You need to use a responsible, ethical breeder to give your Chihuahua the best chance of leading a long, healthy life.
Below, we’ll cover everything you need to consider when looking at Chihuahua puppies for sale, including how to find a reputable breeder and the typical purchasing costs involved.
How to Find Chihuahua Puppies for Sale?
Finding Chihuahua puppies for sale can feel daunting, particularly if you’re a first-time owner and don’t know where to begin your search.
As a first step, it’s worth getting in touch with pet businesses, trainers, or veterinarians in your area and asking them for their recommendations. They’ll often have the expertise and experience to know which Chihuahua puppy breeders are worth considering (and even which breeders to avoid).
You can also attend local dog shows or exhibitions. These events provide opportunities to meet reputable breeders who are committed to maintaining the breed standard and providing the very best care.
Another effective approach is to browse local listings online through reputable pet adoption websites like Dog Academy. Dog Academy allows you to easily filter by breed and location and immediately gain an in-depth overview of every pup’s unique characteristics. This can make it a fantastic (and time-saving) way to find Chihuahua puppies for sale near you.
You can also try the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Marketplace. This platform isn’t as detailed as Dog Academy’s platform — you can’t, for example, get an immediate overview of each pup’s characteristics. However, it allows you to easily find Chihuahua puppies for sale from champion bloodlines.
How to Find a Good Chihuahua Puppy Breeder?
If you’re considering purchasing a Chihuahua puppy from a breeder, it’s vital that you work with a breeder who uses ethical practices and has the well-being and health of the pups in mind. Poorly bred, neglected Chihuahua puppies are highly susceptible to health issues and behavioral concerns. Unfortunately, many do not lead a good quality of life.
While there’s no quick and easy way to tell if a Chihuahua puppy breeder is responsible, there are a few red flags and green flags to watch out for. Familiarizing yourself with these flags will give you a good idea of whether the breeder can be trusted.
A backyard breeder solely cares about profit. Here are some of the red flags to watch out for when looking at Chihuahua puppies for sale:
- They try to sell the Chihuahua puppy for a price that’s too good to be true
- They won’t allow you to visit the premises
- They can’t provide proof of health clearances
- They aren’t knowledgeable about the Chihuahua breed
- They don’t have a socialization plan in place
- They can’t provide information about the puppies’ parents
- They suggest you can take the puppy home with you before they’re eight weeks old
In contrast, a reputable breeder will often be associated with breed-specific groups, such as the Chihuahua Club of America, or have taken the time to become verified with the AKC. They will also be happy to provide you with proof of both parents’ health clearances, answer any questions or concerns, and allow you to visit the premises where the pups will be raised.
Most importantly, a responsible breeder won’t try and pressure you into a sale or rush the process. As they want their Chihuahua puppies to go to the very best homes, they will also interview you and ask you questions about your living arrangements and pet ownership experience.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Puppy Cost?
A Chihuahua puppy costs between $1,200 and $2,500 on average, with the exact purchasing cost depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, your location, and the pup’s unique characteristics and genetics.
Long-haired Chihuahuas are typically more expensive to purchase than short-haired Chihuahuas. You should also expect to pay more if the Chihuahua is from a champion bloodline or has a rare coat coloration.
On top of the initial purchasing cost, you will also need to consider care expenses such as vet bills, toys, puppy training classes, food, and grooming tools. Care expenses for the Chihuahua puppy typically start from $80 per month, though this will ultimately depend on your lifestyle and your pup’s individual needs and health.
Chihuahuas For Sale
How to Care for a Chihuahua Puppy?
Chihuahuas may be small, but these pups do have big personalities and fare best with owners who can match their feistiness. They thrive with a family who can provide them with a consistent training routine and dedicate plenty of time to playing with them each day.
As a puppy, the Chihuahua should be socialized to a variety of environments, people, and sounds to help them become a confident, sociable adult. They should also be exercised daily — use the “five minutes for every month of age” rule as a rough guideline — and given plenty of opportunities to explore.
Be mindful that Chihuahua puppies are notoriously stubborn and can be difficult to train. However, using reward-based training measures will set these pups up for success. With the right approach, even the most strong-willed Chihuahua puppy can learn advanced obedience commands.
Most Chihuahua puppies should be fed between ¼ and 1.5 cups of nutrient-rich dog food each day. The food should adhere closely to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards or equivalent and be specifically formulated for their age and size to support their growth.
Grooming needs can vary depending on whether your Chihuahua puppy has a long coat or a short coat. Long-haired Chihuahuas are slightly more prone to matting and, therefore, require more frequent brushing, but both coat types are fairly manageable. Aim to brush their coat once or twice a week, with a good wash every four to eight weeks.
Chihuahuas love to explore the world with their mouths, so it’s important to puppy-proof your home before they arrive. Remove cables, keep floors clean of debris, and get rid of potential choking hazards. You should also remove toxic plants from the yard and ensure there aren’t any gaps in the fence that they can wriggle through.
Is It a Good Idea to Buy a Chihuahua Puppy As Your First Dog?
Chihuahua puppies are loyal and loving, with endearing larger-than-life attitudes. Their adaptable natures and small builds also mean they can feel at home in most living arrangements, including apartments.
That said, the Chihuahua puppy can be stubborn at times, which can make them harder to train than other breeds. They can also be notoriously slow to housebreak. As a first-time owner, you should only purchase this breed if you’re willing to commit plenty of time to their training each day.
You should also consider whether you have young children living in your home. Chihuahua puppies are playful and gentle, but their bodies are exceptionally fragile, and they can get easily injured during rough play. They should only be housed with children who know how to behave around dogs and who can handle them with care and respect.
Buy the Right Chihuahua Puppy for You
The Chihuahua puppy is an affectionate little dog who offers the best of both worlds: the energy and attitude of a big dog and the convenience of an apartment-friendly size.
Although Chihuahuas can make great pets, they aren’t suited to everyone, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with their care needs and personality when deciding whether the breed is right for you. You may find that other breeds are better suited. Dog Academy has plenty of handy, in-depth breed guides you can read to learn more.
If you’re still confident the Chihuahua is the right breed for you, then the next step is to find a reputable breeder. Remember to watch out for the red flags during your search. Make sure to also take the time to ask questions and visit the breeder’s premises in person.
