Are Chihuahuas subject to a lot of health issues?

Elfie: Question about Chihuahuas?
I really want to get a Chihuahua, but I've heard they can be subject to a lot of health issues. For those of you who've had a Chihuahua, how is your dog in regards to health? Even if you don't have a Chihuahua, can I have your opinion on whether or not I should get one?

Please no rude or mean comments.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Rainbows Rule
Chihuahua's are ADORABLE:D lol ! Well if u want a cute dog that will melt your heart than yes. But if you think you will have problems with it's health issues, then no. Money comes into those things. Good luck !!

Answer by Sophie
Actually, they're probably one of the healthiest breeds around these days.

Answer by Alice Green
well, we have never owned a chinchilla but i would tend to stay off dogs with diseases. As it would cost more and would be upsetting if the dog got ill from disease. It is entirely your choice though, and the dog, may not be affected by its illness. Though having one of our dogs get sick from the hereditary illness was expensive as well as upsetting, and we have stuck to dogs which have no health problems, such as english pointers :)

Answer by Erica Cartman
My friend had an awesome little chihuahua :) Sadly, she ran away. I think the problem with dogs like that is their size, so you need to make sure you have the right size property, can keep them away from children or other dogs that may injure them etc., just because they are very small (but quite yappy lol!).

In terms of health, every dog comes with problems. Pugs have breathing difficulties; small dogs in general have problems with their anal glands (my dog has major issues with them); dachshunds have lung problems; shihtzus have eye problems; Japanese hairless need to wear sunscreen and thick jumpers because they have no body heat; dalmations can go deaf...I think your biggest problem would be that they tend to bark a lot haha!

They really can be sweet, though. I love the breed. If you want something slightly bigger that LOOKS like a chihuahua but may be a little easier to train (not that they're untrainable), then I'd go with a papillon, which are apparently the most intelligent small-breed dog and very very cute :) Good luck.

Answer by Emma
The Chihuahua is:

- Perfect for apartment dwellers due to the small size;
- They do not do well with children;
- Excellent for adults and the elderly;
- They do not tolerate rough play;
- He is loving and devoted to his owners;
- He is capable of alerting you to strangers, but because of his size of course is not able to do much else.
- He needs to be socialized early in life to prevent behavior problems;
- He can be paper-trained;
- The long-haired type Chihuahua requires daily grooming;
- He normally has a soft spot in the center of his head which will need additional protection;
- He should wear sweaters and coats in cold weather.

About Chihuahuas - http://www.dog-pound.net/chihuahua/chihuahua-as-apartment-dogs.htm

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