How To Choose The Right Chihuahua Puppy From a Litter

Taking trips to local breeders in search of a new Chihuahua puppy is an exciting time for everyone involved. Just being able to watch these playful balls of fur rolls around on one another is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. However, you’ll want to think long and hard about which puppy is the best fit for your family and living environment. Some people simply choose the smallest or cutest one, but this isn’t the best approach. Instead, base your decision on the following criteria listed below.

Chihuahua Puppy

Before we begin, it’s important that you spend ample time visiting the puppy litter before making a decision. Most breeders will more than likely try to encourage you to purchase a puppy on your first trip so they can bring in new customers, but you must refrain from doing so. Spontaneously choosing a puppy based on your emotions and instinct could result in the wrong match for your family. The bottom line is that you need to make several visits to the breeder’s home or location to spend time with the puppies; otherwise, it’s a guessing game that you probably won’t win.

Chihuahua Puppy Cuddling With Owner

Male or Female – Which One Should I Choose?

Arguably, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when selecting a Chihuahua puppy is whether you want a male or female. As puppies, there won’t be many (if any) notable differences between male and female puppies. Once they grow older, however, you will see certain characteristics associated with each gender.

Male Chihuahua puppies are typically more loyal and affectionate than their female counterpart. I know some people would assume the opposite is true, but it’s actually males who are more loving. If you are looking for a loyal, loving family dog, there’s no better choice than a male.

Be warned, though, un-neutered males are known for marking their territory indoors by hiking a back leg and peeing on furniture and furnishings. It’s not a pleasant sight to come home and see your living room furniture marked by your Chihuahua. The good news is that you can potty-train them through positive reinforcement and obedience, so take this into consideration as well.

Of course female Chihuahua can also make loyal, loving family companions. Most Chihuahua breeders and experts will agree that females are generally calmer and less rambunctious, making them a good choice for apartment complexes or small homes. While they still enjoy occasional play time throughout the day, female Chihuahua puppies prefer to kick back and relax in their owner’s lap.

Female Chihuahuas will go into heat around the ages of 6-9 months. Because they are still so young and vulnerable at this age, most veterinarians DO NOT recommend spaying before your puppy’s first heat cycle. Talk with your vet to determine when the appropriate time for spaying is.

Puppy Health Inspection

Unfortunately, not all Chihuahua puppies are born healthy. Some of them may have worms, bone disorders, or they suffer from a certain disease or illness. Unless you want to spend thousands of dollars in vet bills and many sleepless nights worrying, you should choose a Chihuahua puppy that appears to be in good health. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing or adopting an ill Chihuahua puppy, but you need to know what you are getting into.

So, how are you able to determine whether or not they are healthy? Here are some of the things you should look for when performing a puppy health inspection:

  • Run your fingers through the puppy’s coat to check for any fleas or ticks. Reputable breeders should raise their Chihuahua puppies in a tick and flea-free environment.
  • Be on the lookout for lethargic and abnormally weak puppies, as this could be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. Healthy Chihuahua puppies should be responsive and playful.
  • Puppies should have a clean, shiny and tangle-free coat. Some puppies will roll around in their pee, but a good breeder should stay on top of cleaning them.
  • Check the eyes, ears and nose for any signs of mucus buildup or discharge. Problems such as these are usually caused by infections, which the breeder should take care of.
  • As the puppies play and run around with one another, pay attention to their movements. Puppies that hop or limp along may suffer from congenital defects that aren’t easily fixed.
  • Perform an oral examination by opening the puppy’s mouth and looking at their gums and teeth. A healthy puppy should have soft pink gums, white teeth and no foul-smelling breath.
  • Is the puppy a healthy weight? Ribs visibly sticking out of their chest is a sign they aren’t eating enough. On the other hand, a large belly could signal a gastrointestinal issue or worms.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea are two problematic signs that something is wrong with a Chihuahua puppy, at least health wise.

White Chihuahua Puppy

Behavior and Temperament

Chihuahua puppies vary greatly in their behavior and overall temperament. This should be apparent from the moment you walk into a breeder’s home with a litter of puppies running around on the floor. Some of them will be running around biting on the furniture or their toys, and others will be napping together in a large ball of fur. How they behave as puppies will essentially lay the foundation for their behavior and temperament as adults, which is why you must take this into consideration when choosing a puppy.

There are a couple of things to be aware of when selecting a puppy. I recommend getting down on the floor and calling the puppy over to see how they respond. Even if they don’t recognize the “come here” command yet, they should still notice you are trying to get their attention. Make eye contact with the puppy and pat the ground saying. If the puppy eagerly pounces towards your position, you can rest assured knowing they will be easy to train. On the other hand, Chihuahua puppies that ignore your movements and gestures altogether will have difficulty training.

References:

http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-articles/choosing-a-puppy-from-a-litter

Comments

    • khela turnmire
    • August 12, 2021
    Reply

    I’m going to be a new chihuahua mommy in 6 weeks. This info was very helpful in teaching me how to pick the right chihuahua. Thank you!

    • Snowflake
    • December 30, 2020
    Reply

    I just got a 8 week old tea cup female chihuahua for christmas and she is so adorable but is it true that chihuahuas are one person dog? Thanks

    • Billy
    • October 16, 2020
    Reply

    I suggest you to try to pick the most laid-back pup in the litter, depending on your prefrence, or adopt an adult chihuahua from an animal shelter. Sorry, I actually want a Havanese but I just visited this site, it has lots of awesome forums.You could try to look for a puppy at greenfieldpuppies.com, or you can find an adoptable puppy or adult chihuahua at petfinder.com, adoptapet.com, or pettango.com. They are not as expensive as a purebred pup. Good luck! P.S., dogtime.com, K9ofmine.com, and AKC.org are great places to find information on training, caring for, and selecting a dog. To find a purebred chihuahua, if that is what you prefer, go to the chihuahua club of america’s website, where you will find a breeder refferal page. All breeders listed on the page are required to follow a code of ethics. Good Luck!

    • Catherine Coe
    • August 28, 2020
    Reply

    I’m looking for a young female chichuahua. I have a male and I would like a playmate for him. I would also like a companion. The male chihuahua is my brothers dog he took to him to be his companion. I had a yorkie mix and she was attacking my chihuahua. So I had to find her a good home. Now I’m lonely.

    • Darlene
    • April 5, 2020
    Reply

    I am very thankfull for all the info in here. I’m going to be picking up my new little man on Friday. I am soooo excited to have in my home with his 2 new sisters.
    I have a question for you. When is the best time to neuter my little puppy?

      • Heidi schorr
      • January 2, 2021
      Reply

      I usual had my males neutered around 6 months. I have a little male whom I got when he was around 2 and ears old. He was a rescue that was actually found for me then was trained for my service dog. I was surprised the breed turned out to be a very good service dog for me. He is now 11 years old. I am looking for another one around 1or 2 years old. A laid back dog like my Jack to also have train for my service dog so little jack can retire some. It will be hard I think to find another like Jack but I have had these breed since I was 13. And they definitely can be great dogs

    • Kathy Barron Echiverri
    • March 27, 2020
    Reply

    Do you know where I can find a tea cup chihuahua? I have 1 female now who will be 15 years old on this coming 10/28/2020.

      • brad
      • January 14, 2021
      Reply

      There is no sure thing as a teacup chihuahua

    • Harry Ballzonya
    • November 7, 2019
    Reply

    I like chihuahuas bred with Dachshunds, I like CHIWEENIES

    • Kory
    • November 6, 2019
    Reply

    This will be my first dog. My friend has a Chihuahua and I fell in love. I live on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. I would love to have one as my companion.

    • Carmendelvictoria Otero
    • April 22, 2018
    Reply

    Hello I am looking for a to 1I want a female I just recently had a kidney transplant and looking for in addition to my family if you know of any female to one where under the age of 1 please contact me thank you so much

    • Cassedy
    • September 15, 2015
    Reply

    Where do i find an healthy chihuahua? cause i can’t find any…

      • Cassedy
      • September 15, 2015
      Reply

      good breeders or people like that

        • Carmendelvictoria Otero
        • April 22, 2018
        Reply

        Hello and good afternoon I am looking for 1 year old female chihuahuan or younger. I just had a kidney transplant and would like an additional family member in my life thank you.

        • Bernadine Frappell
        • March 31, 2021
        Reply

        Hi I was wondering if you could put me in the right direction where to look for chihuahua breeders in Sydney please
        Thanks Bernadine

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