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Most people are familiar with Chihuahuas! These are one of the smallest dogs around! You may have seen one walking in the park or even being carried in a tote at the grocery store! These adorable dogs are extremely popular!
If you’re thinking about adopting a Chihuahua, then you’ll need to know how much they can cost. We’ve put together some background information about Chihuahuas, how much it costs to adopt one of these dogs, and other expenses you’ll need to consider. Let’s get started!
What is a Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dogs on the planet! Not only are they small, but they’re also pretty feisty little characters! These dogs are also one of the most popular companion dogs in the US.
No one’s sure about the origins of the Chihuahua dog breed. However, it’s thought they’re descended from Central and South American dogs called Tachichis. The dogs date back to the time of the Toltecs. Carvings made by these people go back to the 9th Century CE.
From there, it’s thought the dogs were further developed by the Aztecs, who conquered the Toltecs. The dogs lived in temples and were used in Aztec rituals. It was thought the dogs had mystical powers; Aztecs thought Chihuahuas had the ability to look into the future or even guide souls to the underworld after death. Wow!
Today, Chihuahuas are cherished as loving family companions. These dogs do have fiery personalities. While they are one of the smallest dogs, Chihuahuas don’t know that. A Chihuahua acts as if he’s as large as a Great Dane and will not back down to larger dogs.
While Chis do have a feisty personality, they can also be very affectionate and loving. They usually choose one person as their favorite and follow them around most of the day. These little dogs can become quite obnoxious and demanding if they’re overindulged.
These diminutive dogs are highly intelligent and learn quickly. They do well at agility and obedience competitions. However, they can be somewhat stubborn. They respond best to positive reinforcement training and require plenty of socialization, too.
Chis also love to explore their surroundings! They’re curious about everything in their environment. What’s more, they’re excellent escape artists because of their small size. They can squeeze through places that you wouldn’t consider large enough for a Chihuahua!
Chis have small bodies, pointed ears that stand erect, and large, expressive eyes. Some of these dogs have short hair, while others have long hair. In addition, some Chihuahuas are said to have apple heads or deer heads. Those with apple heads usually are shorter, with a more rounded head and close-set eyes. The deer head Chi is taller, with a flat head and eye set wide apart.
We almost forgot to mention that there are also hairless Chihuahuas! They look very much like a Chihuahua, but are actually of the Xoloitzcuintli dog breed!
When it comes to colors, you’ll find that Chihuahuas come in a large range of shades, including black, brown, chocolate, fawn, red, cream, and mixed. Some even have the merle coat, which is a combination of a base color with lighter splotches.
Chihuahuas usually stand between 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh between 3 to 6 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years.
Now you have a basic knowledge about Chihuahuas, let’s see how much they cost to adopt!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chihuahua?
Like other dog breeds, Chihuahuas can vary in how much it costs to adopt them. However, we found that a Chihuahua may cost between $375 and $2,420. This is the adoption fee you’d pay to a reputable breeder. However, if that’s too high for your budget, don’t despair! It’s also possible to adopt a Chihuahua from a rescue.
The adoption fee for adopting a Chi from a rescue can cost between $100 to $300. This price may seem a little high; however, consider that rescues are non-profit organizations. They take in pets that need homes and provide care for these animals. A rescue must house, feed, and provide medical care for these dogs and other pets. That can be pretty expensive.
So, adoption fees help pay for the care of your dog before he’s adopted. The money is then re-invested in the rescue to provide care for other animals that need a home. When you look at it this way, the adoption fee is quite reasonable.
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Ask a Vet Live NowOther Expenses to Consider When Adopting a Chihuahua
In addition to adoption fees, you’ll also need to consider other expenses. These expenses are for things that every dog needs. Experts advise purchasing these items and supplies before you bring your Chihuahua home for the first time.
Nothing is worse than picking up your new dog and rushing to the store for dog supplies. You and the dog become stressed, which is not a great way to start off your new relationship! So, it’s best to buy everything in advance. That way, your fur baby will come to a home that’s been prepared for him. What could be more welcoming?
Here are some costs of items your fur baby will need when he comes home:
- Food & water bowls: $5 to $20
- Dog collar: $5 to $40
- Leash: $5 to $20
- Dog bed: $15 to $65 (make sure the bed is the right size for your Chi)
- Dog crate: $20 to $80 (same as above—the crate needs to be the right fit for your dog)
- Toys: $15 to $50
- Brush: $5 to $20
- Shampoo: $5 to $20
- Dog food: $10/month
In addition to these costs, you’ll need to also make room in your budget for medical care. Medical care for a Chihuahua can run about $60 a month, depending on the health of your fur baby.
Summing It Up
As you can see, the price of adopting a Chihuahua can vary and there are other expenses to consider, too. However, no matter what, we’re sure that you’ll have a loving companion for many years to come by adopting a Chihuahua!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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