Everything You Need to Know About Female Chihuahuas

Female Chihuahuas are known for their big eyes and even bigger personalities. They are a popular breed due to their small size and affectionate nature.

On average, a Female Chihuahua weighs around 2-8 pounds, making them a great companion for city dwellers. They are also known to live up to 12-18 years with proper care.

Female Chihuahuas are prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and patellar luxation, which can be managed with regular check-ups and a balanced diet. Regular exercise is also essential to keep them happy and healthy.

Female Chihuahuas are capable of having small litters, typically ranging from one to three puppies.

Their tiny size can make birth a challenging process, with apple-head Chihuahuas being more prone to dystocia due to the size of the puppy's head compared to the mother's pelvis.

Chihuahua puppies are born weighing around 15 ounces, roughly the same as a can of beans, and will grow to around 30-50 ounces by the time they're 4 months old.

A different take: How Long Do Applehead Chihuahuas Live

Because of their tiny size, many breeders will hold onto pups until they're around 12-14 weeks old before letting them go to their new homes, so they're a bit more resilient.

Delayed closing of the growth plates in the skull is common in Chihuahua puppies, resulting in open fontanelles, also known as the "soft spot" often found on the back of a baby's head.

Female Chihuahuas are known for their exciting blend of personalities, which can include being helpless, devoted, protective, anxious, confident, playful, and mischievous.

Their small stature often leads to "bitey behavior", which can be a challenge to manage.

Female Chihuahuas are almost constantly quivering, which could be due to various reasons such as being cold, low blood sugar, or anatomy issues.

Despite their small size, their personalities are enormous and can be quite endearing.

Additional reading: Cute Dog Types Small

Female Chihuahuas make great family pets because they're social animals that thrive on interaction with their human pack.

They're not ideal for families with very young kids who might accidentally harm them due to their tiny size.

Female Chihuahuas love to play and have fun, but they're also happy to snuggle up on a lap and enjoy some quiet time.

Their affectionate nature means they'll give and receive love freely, making them a great addition to families who value companionship.

Female Chihuahuas are naturally protective of their pack and can become particularly attached to a single person, but they're also happy to share their affection with others.

They're generally good with other pets, especially if introduced properly and given time to establish boundaries.

However, it's essential to trim your cat's claws as a precaution to keep your Chihuahua's eyes safe from accidental scratching.

For more insights, see: Are Chihuahuas Good for First Time Owners

Female Chihuahuas require regular veterinary appointments to ensure they're healthy and screened for potential health problems.

Preventive care is crucial for their long-term health, and pet insurance can provide peace of mind in case of medical expenses.

Expand your knowledge: Common Health Problems with Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, which can go unnoticed in dogs with longer coats, and frequent meals may be necessary to counteract blood sugar crashes.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and preventive care are essential for their overall well-being.

Female Chihuahuas also need regular nail trims and should get used to having their eyes examined and wiped with an eye cleaner as part of their daily routine.

They love sunshine! Chihuahuas will seek out warmth and happiness if you can provide something extra, like a hot water bottle or a spot in the sun.

A hot water bottle can be a great way to provide warmth for your Chihuahua, and they'll even snuggle up behind your knees in bed if you let them.

Chihuahuas will be even happier if you can provide a warming bed or a spot in direct sunlight, where they can soak up the warmth and rays.

Chihuahuas are prone to dental disease due to overcrowding and a lack of proper oral care.

Regular veterinary appointments are crucial to ensure your Chihuahua's health and detect potential problems early on.

Chihuahuas can suffer from reverse sneezing, which is often triggered by the soft palate irritating the back of the throat.

Obesity is a common health issue in Chihuahuas, often caused by overfeeding and a lack of exercise.

Syringomyelia is a condition that affects the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and Chihuahuas are one of the breeds prone to it.

Heart disease is relatively common in Chihuahuas, which can progress to congestive heart failure if left untreated.

Eye problems, such as watery eyes and dry, irritated eyes, are common in Chihuahuas due to their eye sockets being too small for their eyes.

Here are some common health issues in Chihuahuas, along with their potential causes:

Chihuahuas are prone to unique health problems, including hypoglycemia, urinary stones, and cancer.

Having a pet insurance plan in place can give you peace of mind and help you provide your furry friend with the best veterinary care.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect potential health issues early on, which can be a lifesaver for your pet.

Pet insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary expenses, such as surgeries or hospitalizations, so you can focus on getting your pet back to full health.

A female Chihuahua's size can be predicted based on her birth weight and age.

Chihuahuas are unique in that their gender is less critical in determining their final size than their birth weight is. If you're unsure of your Chihuahua's birth weight, check her current weight and age to see which column she falls into and estimate her adult size based on that.

A 6-month-old Chihuahua will be close to her full height, usually between five to eight inches tall, and will have completed most of her adult weight gain, weighing in around 1.5 pounds to 4.5 pounds depending on her estimated adult size.

Chihuahuas typically reach their full adult height and most of their adult weight within nine months. After nine months, any significant weight gain may be due to overfeeding or other health problems and should be discussed with your pet's veterinarian.

Here's a rough estimate of a Chihuahua's adult weight based on her birth weight:

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and some Chihuahuas may be slightly smaller or bigger at certain ages. Regular veterinary appointments will help ensure your Chihuahua feels her best.

A Chihuahua will finish growing around nine months of age. They may continue to gain a little weight from 10 months old to 1 year old, but this weight should not be significant. If your Chihuahua is older than nine months, she is likely at her full size or close to it.

Female Chihuahuas can be quite mischievous, often having three settings: eating, sleeping, and getting into trouble. They love to chew, bite, and play with things.

Silence should always be treated with suspicion, as they might be up to something. Indoor accidents can be easy to miss, so it's essential to catch them in the act and move them outside.

Using a crate can be helpful during toilet training, but make sure it's the right size - ideally, the same size as their bed, with space for a small water bowl.

Dogs Get the Zoomies!

Some dogs, like Chihuahuas, love to play and will start running around at a mile a minute, doing laps around your home.

This high-energy behavior is a natural way for them to burn off excess energy.

Chihuahuas are notorious for their love of burrowing and digging, and it's not just about digging holes in the garden. They're like heat-seeking devices, constantly on the lookout for the warmest, most comfortable spot in the house.

They'll often claim your bed as their own, snuggling up in the blankets and making themselves at home. This behavior is a result of their instinct to seek out warmth and comfort.

In fact, Chihuahuas have been known to dig through laundry piles and even the linen cupboard in search of a cozy spot. It's not uncommon to find them snuggled up in a warm blanket or two.

This behavior can be managed with consistent training and positive reinforcement, but it's essential to understand that it's a fundamental aspect of their nature. By recognizing and accommodating their need for warmth and comfort, you can help your Chihuahua feel more secure and relaxed.

Training is crucial for Chihuahuas, just like any other breed, and their small size can make it more challenging.

Chihuahuas have a unique personality, with some having three settings: eating, sleeping, and getting into mischief. They love to chew, bite, and play with things, making supervision essential.

Silence should always be treated with suspicion, as Chihuahuas are prone to getting into trouble when left unattended. Indoor accidents can be easy to miss, so it's essential to keep a close eye on them.

Using a crate can be a useful tool for toilet training a Chihuahua, but it's crucial to choose a crate that's the right size. A crate that's too roomy can lead to the dog using one corner as a toilet, so opt for one that's the size of their bed and includes space for a small water bowl.