Chihuahua: Who are these cute dogs for?

The title of this article is not a coincidence. Based on my personal experience, I would like to share with you, dear readers, who these delightful creatures are best suited for. Why take this perspective? The specifics of caring for both puppies and adult dogs of this breed are such that not everyone will be able to give their pet the proper attention. Why? I’ll explain.

“I want a dog like that! Buying a Chihuahua!”

Many times, my friends and acquaintances, especially moms on maternity leave, have exclaimed, “I really want that dog for my one-year-old son! I can picture them sweetly sleeping together in the crib.” My simple response was, “If you’re ready to welcome a second child into the family—then go for it.”

Breeders do not recommend getting adult dogs or puppies in families where the child is under seven years old. The dog’s fragile joints and bones are not built for rough play and handling, as if it were a toy. But it’s so tempting to play with these adorable little creatures. My own dog has strained muscles several times by jumping to her own height during play. A friend’s dog was so excited to see her come home that after similar jumps, two surgeries were needed to insert a pin in the joint of the hind leg. A small child, who cannot yet understand that the pet is a living, vulnerable creature and not a toy, may unintentionally harm the pet.

Not Glamorous… It’s a Chihuahua

The myth of glamorous Chihuahuas needs to be debunked right away. You’re dealing with a real child that requires attention. Be prepared for small changes to your home décor—you’ll need to place cushions by sofas and chairs where your dog will be allowed to jump, to soften the impact and help prevent fractures and sprains.

If you get a puppy under six months old, be aware that for about a month, you’ll have to wake up twice at night to feed it. Some may find this amusing, but from experience, I’ve learned that puppies of this breed can experience “hunger vomiting.” Too much bile is produced, which needs to be processed by food. Breeders say that by around a year old, the dog can be transitioned to two meals a day. That may work for larger, more robust dogs like a Caucasian Shepherd, but for these delicate creatures, I recommend feeding them three small meals a day. Overeating at once and bloating can cause health issues.

What Does a Chihuahua Eat?

Choosing the right food is no easy task either. Avoid offering food from the table. Sausages, pork, gas-producing vegetables, sour or salty foods (tomatoes, cabbage, peas, corn, cheese, etc.) are strictly forbidden. I suggest reading up on diets for people with gastritis or ulcers to better understand the feeding principles for Chihuahuas.



It’s easier to list what foods these little dogs can eat. Well-cooked grains like oatmeal and rice are suitable. For our dog, we blend buckwheat in a food processor because she chokes on it so severely that after all kinds of resuscitation attempts, we’re left clutching heart medication. It’s a sight not for the faint-hearted. After a few such incidents, we stopped experimenting with buckwheat and stale potatoes. As they say, “It would be funny if it weren’t so sad.” Always keep an eye on how your pet eats.

Boiled potatoes, zucchini, and carrots, chopped very finely, should be part of their diet. As for meat, the options are limited to chicken, turkey, beef, and lean fish. Considering the cost, you can stick to chicken but mix it with different side dishes.

Baby food or wet dog food from different manufacturers can also be good choices.

For treats, offer your pet a small piece of sweet pear or apple, but just a tiny slice, not a whole chunk. My dog has taken a liking to sweet persimmons. A small piece is enough. Bananas are probably the only safe food that you can let your dog enjoy freely. Baked goods and cookies are strictly forbidden. However, if your little one looks at you with those irresistible eyes, you can give them a tiny piece of vanilla marshmallow (without chocolate or artificial colors). Low-fat cottage cheese with a little sugar is also suitable as a treat. This is the full list of natural foods. Many people feed their Chihuahuas dry and wet food. It’s important to prioritize either convenience in preparing food for your pet or their health.

Staying Healthy! Special Care and Prevention for Chihuahuas

Your pet’s first-aid kit should always include: sorbents (for poisoning), antacids (for digestive issues after dietary mistakes), chamomile tea bags (a weak solution helps with gastrointestinal issues), and enzyme preparations (just two or three granules from a well-known enzyme capsule are enough for digestive problems or functional gastrointestinal disorders). Some recommend a 5% glucose solution, which can help in stressful situations (after moving, visiting the vet, etc.). A small amount of glucose can be injected under the skin. I know a simpler way without injections. In an emergency, if you’re not at home, you can break off a small piece of sugar and place it inside your dog’s cheek. At home, dissolve sugar in a 1:4 ratio with boiled water and use a syringe (without a needle) to give the solution orally.

After reading plenty of guides on dog care, I’ve seen much longer lists of medicines (specific or injectable solutions), but I haven’t bought them. In my opinion, any health issues other than those caused by dietary mistakes should require an immediate visit to the vet.

Small dogs are prone to dehydration during gastrointestinal issues. If this happens, use a syringe to give them a weak chamomile solution every 40 minutes. If the problem persists, cook rice, blend it with boiled water until you can draw it into a syringe, and feed it to your pet. Usually, three doses are enough to stop diarrhea. Don’t forget to give antacids to protect the irritated gastrointestinal tract.

Unusual Emotional Expressions

Be prepared for very emotional Chihuahuas to cough or grunt. Coughing can occur when they’re upset (when they don’t want to eat, walk, or follow a command), and grunting may express joy or disappointment. Stress from a long car ride or the absence of a family member can cause digestive upset or, unfortunately, vomiting. We’ve gone through all of this with our pet. Talk to your dog, explain situations, and never leave them unattended.



Chihuahuas are very sensitive to cold. Even the slightest draft can lower their immune system and enlarge their lymph nodes. Warm socks or scarves can help with this, but not all dogs like wearing them. It’s essential to be mindful of the room temperature.

Always remember, “We are responsible for those we tame.” Yes, this breed is “an acquired taste.” Once you get to know this bundle of joy, you won’t be able to forget the love and sincere emotions that a Chihuahua can give you. So, in answer to the main question—“Who are these dogs for?”—try asking yourself first. Can you properly manage their feeding schedule? Will you be able to give your pet the attention they need? Are you ready for the possibility of adjusting your day due to your dog’s health?

If your answer is yes, then this breed is for you! Good luck!