Chihuahuas make excellent pets; however, they are not right for every family. This breed only weighs between four and six pounds, so they are extremely fragile and they require proper homes to thrive. Here’s what you need to know about this breed of dog before you welcome it into your home.

Children

Toddlers and preschoolers are not the best companions for Chihuahuas. Young kids are clumsy and they tend to play rough. Although your youngster may mean well, he may not understand that a Chihuahua requires gentle handling. Your child may inadvertently hug the animal too hard or trip and fall on the dog and hurt it. In addition, most Chihuahuas have soft spots on their heads, so any bump in this area can cause serious injuries.

Temperament

Chihuahuas are energetic, lively, loyal, protective and affectionate. They can also be bossy, suspicious and jealous if they are not trained properly. This breed of dog is very intelligent, but they are strong willed and may be difficult to train. Because Chihuahuas are small and cute, humans tend to let them get away with mischief. It’s important to remember, never allow your chi to get away with mischievous behavior. This will turn the dog into a pack leader and it may develop behavior issues.

Environment

Chihuahuas do not need a lot of room to roam, so they thrive in apartments. These dogs do not like to be cold, so if your family lives in a cold environment, heating the living space properly is a must. Also, because they are so tiny, they can get trapped or lodged under things easily. If you use a gate, make sure it is properly secured along the bottom.

Exercise

It may be tempting to carry your Chi every where you go, but daily exercise is important for your dog’s health. Not only this, dogs need to walk to satisfy their primal instinct for this task. Also, taking your Chihuahua for a stroll around the block can help it burn off nervous energy and minimize behavior issues.

Chihuahuas are a lifelong responsibility. They are rambunctious and full of life. They need proper homes with owners who are gentle and patient. If a chi is cared for properly, it can give your family up to 15 years of companionship.