Looking for a pure bred Chihuahua? If so and if you are not used to buying pure bred puppies, you might have no idea how much you will have to pay. Let’s find out how much a puppy is going to cost you and a bit more about the breed.
Cost Of A Chihuahua Puppy
When looking for a Chihuahua and figuring out the cost, you need to figure out what your goal is. Do you just want a companion or do you want the whole puppy experience. If you just want a companion animal, you should consider adoption from a shelter. If you want the puppy experience a legitimate breeder is the proper choice.
Cost From A Shelter – $300 to $500
Adoption from a shelter or Chihuahua rescue will cost between $300 and $500. If this seems high to you, consider the reason for the charge. It serves a couple of purchases.
First, it pays for the operation of the shelter or rescue operation. These places take in needy animals and have a lot of costs. The facility costs money and so does food, medicine and vet costs.
Another reason for the adoption fee is to make sure that the buyer themselves is legitimate. If they were to give up their Chihuahuas for free, you would have a lot of dogs being adopted on a whim. That would lead to a lot of return visits and trauma for the dogs.
Cost From A Breeder – $1200 to $2000
The cost for a pure bred puppy like a Chihuahua from a legitimate breeder is anywhere from $1200 to $2000 on average. This is based on research on current puppy sales prices.
Why so much? Well, in the scheme of things, this is not too much for a pure bred puppy. Consider the costs of a breed like a French Bulldog that can go over $3000 and you can see the value.
The cost that you pay for a Chihuahua puppy from a legitimate breeder is well worth it. It covers the cost of breeding, birthing and initial veterinary care. A responsible breeder also gives their dams a break and does not try to pump out dogs like a puppy mill. This means that you get a better puppy but it will cost more. Well worth it to avoid puppy mills.
Is A Chihuahua Right For You?
Not every breed is right for everybody. You need to think about more than how much are Chihuahuas. The Chihuahua has unique traits just like every other pure bred pup, so you should know what you are getting yourself into. Here are some things to consider.
They Are Small
You probably already know this. Chihuahuas are small with most dogs reaching an adult weight of 2 to 6 pounds. Most breeders will give you the weight of the Sire and Dam, but they can not guarantee how big your Chihuahua will get.
Also, keep in mind that there really is no such thing as a Teacup Chihuahua. Some breeders like to use this term, but no such breed is formally recognized. It is more of an advertising thing.
They Are Full Of Energy
These are high strong and very energetic dogs. These dogs actually used to roam the desert in packs, so be prepared for some activity. Yes, due to their size, they are considered lap dogs, but you should also plan on getting them 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Obviously you will not be taking them on any runs, but plan on getting them some toys and throwing the ball around, a teeny tiny ball.
They Are Healthy
Compared to most pure bred dogs, Chihuahuas are fairly healthy and have very few genetic issues. This means a comfortable life and a very long one. A Chihuahua has a lifespan of 14 to 18 years, making it a big commitment.
Before you adopt your Chihuahua, make sure that you are in it for the long haul, because this will be your companion for a very long time. Most Chihuahuas die from simple heart failure, because the heart can only beat so long.
They Bark & Can Be Aggressive
Like a lot of small dogs, they suffer from small dog syndrome. They bark a lot and can be aggressive. This can make them good watch dogs because they will be quick to alert.
On the downside, if not trained well, they could become biters. Take care to socialize your Chihuahua so that you do not have any issues with aggressive behavior.
Also, be sure to keep your puppy safe. This is a breed that tends to stand their ground, even when confronted by a much larger dog. That could lead to injury. I think we all know who would when in the battle between a German Shepherd and a Chihuahua.
They Burrow
A lot of dogs like to do this, but a Chihuahua is particularly fond of doing this. No, they are probably not going to burrow a den in your backyard, but a lot of things in the home are fair game.
Got a pile of dirty clothes on the floor? You will probably find your Chihuahua inside of it.
They Need Stuff
Like all dogs, they will need some things. Here are some things that you will need to buy.
- Bedding
Luckily, this should not cost you much. Get a nice and comfy dog bed along with a few blankets that they can use to satisfy their burrowing urge. - Chew Toys
All puppies chew when they go through teething. You need to give them an outlet for this. Rawhide should generally be avoided due to the choking risk. - Gates
You probably do not want your new puppy to have access to your entire home. A few well placed gates can help you keep them contained and out of trouble. Too much freedom to soon is no good for any baby. - Clothing
Chihuahuas get cold easily, so you may find that you need to buy a jacket for your pup. These are readily available from most pet stores for a cheap price. - Treats
Treats are a great way to add positive reinforcement. They are indispensable during potty training. Be sure to get them in an appropriate size. - Toys
A bored puppy is a destructive one. Remember, Chihuahuas are active dogs and they need something to do that will stimulate their mind.