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How Much Are Chihuahuas? Adult and Puppy Cost Breakdown

How Much Are Chihuahuas? Adult and Puppy Cost Breakdown

Dogs are the common household pets; everybody loves dogs and wants to have them as pets. There are different breeds of dogs, and the most popular ones include Labrador retriever, Boston terrier, chihuahuas, golden retriever, and American pit bull terrier. The smallest dog in the world is also one of the most popular dogs, the Chihuahua.

The cost of chihuahuas depends on where you are purchasing them from. If you adopt one, you will spend between $50 to $500 plus; however, if you are getting it from a breeder, you will pay between $400 to $2,000 plus. The average cost spent on a chihuahua throughout its lifetime is $17,960. 

Besides purchasing a chihuahua, several other expenses come with owning one, such as training costs, vet fees, medical costs, food, and grooming.

group chihuahua cute

How Much Is A Chihuahua Puppy?

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breeds; however, their size does not mean they have a small cost. Whether you are a first-time dog owner or a seasoned one, there will be costs associated with getting a Chihuahua. Pet beds, leashes, and bowls are among the accessories that must be purchased once for each new puppy.

Even if you have other pets, you may need to purchase new clothing for your Chihuahua rather than pass it down. This may increase your one-time charges; as a result, you should budget ahead of time to manage your costs. You can get a free chihuahua pup from a buddy who has a litter of them.

Because you do not have to pay for the puppy, this method appears to be less expensive. However, if you have not already done so, you will need to cover expenditures like neutering and spaying. You can also get a stray chihuahua, which is free; however, you should try locating the owner before caring for it.

A stray can be difficult to care for, especially when you do not know if they have been vaccinated, neutered, or have any medical issues. Hence, the best thing to do is take the Chihuahua to a veterinarian for an examination. However, because you got a free chihuahua does not mean you will not spend money on the dog in the long run.

You can adopt a chihuahua which costs less; adopting a chihuahua gives it a place to live. The price varies based on where you purchased the puppy. Because you must finance the costs of rescuing and caring for the dog, rescue groups might be a little pricey.

These organizations must do numerous interviews and house inspections before letting you take the Chihuahua home. This is to assure that the dog will have a good home. Professional breeders did not breed the majority of these canines. Many of them, after all, are from unwanted litter.

Most professional breeders will not give their chihuahua puppies to a rescue organization because they can get homes for them independently unless they encounter financial difficulties or other obstacles. As a result, most rescue chihuahua puppies come from unknown parents who have not had their health checked.

Puppy vaccines and veterinary care are, however, provided by rescues. Before they are put up for adoption, they will be screened for parasites and treated if necessary. Adopting a chihuahua puppy will cost between $50 and $500 or more; however, it will be less than $1000.

You can also purchase a chihuahua puppy from a professional breeder; however, this comes with costs and expenses. The price depends on the chihuahua type, breeder’s location, and reputation. The Teacup Chihuahua is the costliest breed, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000; mixed breeds are less expensive than purebreds.

The price of a Chihuahua purchased from a breeder who is a member of a kennel club like the American Kennel Club will be more, especially if the dog is also registered. Your Chihuahua will be screened for health and socialized by a reputable breeder. The price of a chihuahua puppy from a professional breeder is between $400 to $2000 plus.

smart chihuahua

How Much Is A Chihuahua?

The Chihuahua is the tiniest breed of dogs and was named after a state in Mexico called Chihuahua. According to several breeders, the cost of Chihuahua depends on the quality, age, gender, the paperwork involved, whom you purchase from, and where the purchase is made.

You can purchase an older chihuahua from anywhere from $100 with no papers to $1300 or more. However, if you are getting a puppy from a well-recognized breeder, expect to pay between $450 and $1300, with females costing a few hundred dollars more than males. Also, do not be surprised if you see “teacup Chihuahuas” or a “Blue Merle” for $5,000 from specialty breeders.

The price of a chihuahua also depends on the dog’s sex, disposition, size, intelligence, and confirmation. According to a member of FAQs.org, the cost of the dog is determined by its quality; for example, the facial shape and length of the dog’s body all influence the price. A Chihuahua of show quality costs much more than a Chihuahua from a backyard breeder.

What To Look Out For When Purchasing A Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are available in various sizes, coat lengths, colors, and head shapes. When you want to purchase a chihuahua, you will come across two typical styles: short and long coats. There are two types of heads, the deer head and the apple head, which are very different.

The deer heads have bigger eyes, long legs, a flatter head, and longer ears. In contrast, the apple head has small eyes, spherical heads, short legs, and short ears. The Chihuahua’s height ranges from six to fifteen inches, and the majority of them weigh less than 6 pounds.

When choosing a chihuahua, one important decision is whether you want a male or female dog. Male chihuahuas are more faithful and affectionate; hence, a male is more suitable if you are searching for a loyal, loving family dog. Female Chihuahuas can, of course, be loyal and loving family companions.

According to most breeders and experts, female Chihuahuas are often calmer and less rowdy than males, making them an ideal choice for apartment complexes or compact homes. It is best to also inspect the health of a chihuahua before purchasing it because not all chihuahuas are born healthy.

Look out for the texture of the puppy’s coat, have a mouth examination done, check for any mucus discharge, and make sure the puppy is playful and responsive. Another thing to look out for is the behavior and temperament of the puppy. Chihuahua puppies have a wide range of behavior and temperament.

This should be obvious the instant you step into a breeder’s home and see a litter of puppies running around. Some will be biting on the furniture or playing with their toys, while others will be napping together in a large ball of fur. When choosing a puppy, you must consider how they behave as puppies because this will essentially lay the foundation for their behavior and temperament as adults.

To see how the puppy reacts, try getting down on the floor and calling them over. Even if they are not aware of the “come here” instruction, they should know that you are attempting to gain their attention. Pat the ground and make eye contact with the puppy. You can be confident that the puppy will be easy to train if it eagerly pounces towards your location.

Keep reading: Why Do Chihuahuas Shake? Top Reasons and How You Can Help

Final Thoughts

Despite Chihuahuas being the smallest dog breed in the world, they are one of the best companions you can have. Chihuahuas are wonderful dog breeds; however, they are an expensive breed due to their popularity. You can get them from a rescue, breeder, or for free; however, all these resources come with costs.

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