Chihuahuas are among the most popular dog breeds due to their small size, their vivacious personalities, and their unique facial features. These traits make them seem eternally puppy-like.
But what are Chihuahuas like as puppies? It turns out that Chi babies have a number of characteristics that set them apart from other puppies.
BABY CHIHUAHUA FACTS:
THEIR SIZE
As we all know, baby Chihuahua puppies are ridiculously tiny!
Ever wondered exactly how small they can be? Well, they can weigh as little as 2.5 ounces when they are born.
To put that into perspective, the average lemon weighs about 3 or 4 ounces.
Their minuscule size is part of what makes Chihuahua puppies so endearing to people.
Even the largest Chihuahua newborns do not usually exceed 5.5 ounces in weight.
During their first few weeks of life, Chihuahua puppies grow rapidly, more than doubling in size.
They are usually finished growing by the time they are about 18 months old.
THEIR BIRTH
Even though baby Chihuahuas are extremely small, mother Chihuahuas often have a difficult time giving birth.
This is partly because the puppies’ heads are proportionally large and partly because the bone structure of adult Chihuahuas is unusually small.
The mother’s pelvis is often simply too small for her to be able to give birth naturally.
Baby chihuahuas are usually born in litters of two to five, and a cesarean section is often required to get them out.
THEIR FEISTINESS
Litters of baby Chihuahuas may be small, but that doesn’t mean that the possibility of sibling rivalry is eliminated.
In fact, Chihuahua puppies can be somewhat aggressive towards their siblings and may bully each other. They may fight for dominance, with the larger puppies in the litter often coming out on top.
The social dynamics in a litter of puppies may affect the development of each puppy’s personality.
For example, exceptionally small puppies who get picked on by their siblings may grow up to be more timid and docile.
CHUBBY PUPPIES
It is normal for baby Chihuahuas to be a little bit chubby. While they are growing, very young Chihuahua puppies can have proportionally big tummies.
There is usually no reason to be worried about this. The puppies tend to slim down as they transition into adulthood, so enjoy seeing them with their adorable round tummies while they last.
If a puppy is over six months old and still seems a little chunky, it may be time to cut back on the amount of food the puppy is consuming.
Making sure the puppy is getting enough activity is also important. Baby Chihuahuas are usually full of energy and are happy to get extra playtime.
If you have a young Chihuahua and are not sure if it is getting the appropriate amount of food and exercise to maintain a healthy weight, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
THE MOLERA
Baby Chihuahuas have very fragile heads. This is because they are born with a hole in the skull, known as a molera.
Chihuahua puppies typically have this hole until they are about six months old. If they still have it by the time they are a year old, then they will have it for life. My Lucy has this issue.
Even though the molera is normal and extremely common in Chihuahuas, it can make the puppy vulnerable to injuries.
It is important for people to be mindful of this when handling Chihuahua puppies that are six months old or younger. Be especially gentle when petting a baby Chihuahua’s head, and do not press on its head.
Of course, it is a good idea to be gentle when handling any kind of puppy!
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Another health risk that affects baby Chihuahuas is hypoglycemia. This is a medical term that means that the puppy’s blood sugar has dropped too low.
Chihuahua owners should be aware of the symptoms: fatigue, lack of coordination, lack of focus, and convulsive movements.
Baby Chihuahuas are at risk for this because they are so small. Feeding the puppies often can help.
Young Chihuahuas that are less than three months old should eat at minimum three times a day, but some puppies may need to eat more often than that.
Owners of Chihuahua puppies can keep sugar syrup around to put in the puppy’s mouth in the case of a hypoglycemic emergency.
Despite having a few scary health risks like those mentioned above, Chihuahua puppies are one of the healthiest dog breeds!
Hypoglycemia becomes less of a threat as they age, and the molera that the puppies are born with usually closes most of the way by the time the dogs become adults.
If you decide to adopt a young Chihuahua puppy, you can expect to keep him or her around for up to 18 years, and sometimes even longer.
Be prepared for the commitment, but also be prepared to fall in love. The Chihuahua puppy you adopt may not be a baby forever, but he or she will always be your baby.
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