Chihuahuas offer their owners loyalty and affection, but at a steep price.
Chihuahuas are some of the most expensive dogs people can buy.
The maintenance costs associated with Chihuahuas are also higher than average.
Have you ever wondered why Chihuahuas are so expensive?
Do you find it surprising that Chihuahuas are one of the most expensive dog breeds you can own?
A Chihuahua costs between five hundred to one thousand dollars if purchased from a professional breeder.
Breeders can vary and the prices may differ based on reputation and geographic location.
The Teacup Chihuahua is more expensive and costs about two thousand dollars.
Animal lovers who have never owned a Chihuahua need to take note: taking care of a Chihuahua is expensive.
The initial purchase price is not the most expensive part of owning and caring for a Chihuahua.
Here are some of the reasons owning a Chihuahua is expensive.
By learning about these costs you will determine if you are ready to own a Chihuahua.
Chihuahua Puppies
Chihuahua puppies can range in price from five hundred dollars to two thousand dollars.
Breeders may also include medical and vaccination costs in the purchase price.
Thus potential owners need to be prepared to pay more if their Chihuahua puppy has been vaccinated or medicated.
The particular bloodline of a Chihuahua puppy can affect its cost.
Being a member of a championship bloodline can raise the price of a Chihuahua puppy to four thousand dollars.
Competitions are a major part of Chihuahua culture and potential buyers need to be aware of this variable before they decide to purchase a Chihuahua puppy.
The benefit of purchasing a Chihuahua from a championship breed is that they often have milder temperaments.
Chihuahua puppies may also have higher prices depending on their breed certification.
If the Chihuahua puppy you desire has a breed certification then it could make the puppy more expensive.
The American Kennel Club is an example of an organization that certifies puppies.
Unfortunately, Chihuahuas are likely to have health problems as they mature.
Breeders will often test Chihuahua puppies for several diseases before selling them to owners.
Orthopedic tests are performed to make sure the knees are strong and canine tests detect eye problems.
Potential owners may need to pay for these tests if the breeders have not tested the puppies before selling them.
Different breeders will charge different prices for Chihuahua puppies.
Reputable breeders will charge more money for Chihuahua puppies.
However, paying the extra money to a reputable breeder is a good investment.
Good breeders often produce strong and healthy Chihuahua puppies.
Good breeders provide complete vaccinations before putting their puppies up for sale.
Deworming and tick removal are also important procedures that breeders may handle on their own.
Puppies receiving this quality of care will cost more but they will have healthier lives.
Buying a Chihuahua puppy from a reputable breeder is a great first step in Chihuahua ownership.
If you purchase a Chihuahua from a disreputable breeder then the long-term healthcare costs will be excessive.
Chihuahua Breeders
There are as many types of breeders as there are Chihuahuas.
This is a basic list of the types of breeders selling Chihuahuas.
Puppy mills are commercial enterprises that spend time breeding lots of dogs in a short amount of time.
These businesses are not focused on the quality of their puppies.
Puppy mills want to produce as many puppies as possible so they can make more money.
Puppies from these mills are usually unhealthy due to poor living conditions.
Many puppies living in puppy mills are sold for one hundred dollars to three hundred dollars.
Most puppy mills are scams and it is best to avoid purchasing Chihuahua puppies from puppy mills.
Puppy mills also do not care for their puppies by providing them with adequate medical care.
Producing the cheapest dogs is the only thing puppy mills care about.
The other type of breeder is known as the backyard breeder.
Many of these breeders are dealing with unexpected pregnancies, and the dogs are sold as a way to alleviate the burden of caring for several puppies.
Backyard breeders do not have the knowledge or experience to properly prepare puppies for their homes.
Health issues can be a big factor when purchasing a dog from a backyard breeder.
Many of these breeders do not understand the health issues Chihuahuas may experience as newborns and as puppies.
The backyard breeders may offer Chihuahua puppies for three hundred or five hundred dollars.
However, potential owners will have to pay more money long-term because of the problems caused by the health issues associated with these dogs.
The backyard breeder will never guarantee a puppy’s quality.
Potential Chihuahua need to purchase their puppies from reputable breeders.
These breeders are known to care for their puppies and socialize them well.
Purchasing a Chihuahua puppy from a reputable breeder may cost five hundred dollars to one thousand and five hundred dollars.
The Teacup Chihuahua may cost two thousand dollars due to its cute appearance.
Paying more than five hundred dollars for a Chihuahua puppy will generally guarantee that it is free of serious health issues and the breeds are good.
Costs of Owning A Chihuahua
Pet insurance and pet registration are only some of the costs associated with Chihuahua ownership.
Grooming fees also increase the total cost of owning a Chihuahua.
Grooming a Chihuahua is not as expensive as grooming a larger dog, but it is still a factor in the overall cost of raising a Chihuahua.
Many states require pet owners to register their dogs with the city and obtain a pet license.
These licenses have a range of prices depending on the owner’s state of residence.
Pet insurance fees can cost $40 annually.
First Vaccinations can cost almost $100 and need to be performed early in the Chihuahua’s life.
Bowls, toys, and beds are also expenses associated with Chihuahua ownership.
The breed is mentally agile and Chihuahua’s need mental stimulation.
Therefore Chihuahuas need toys and treats to keep them calm and happy.
Also, the first veterinarian visit can cost approximately $70.
These prices are only estimates and they may change according to the geographic region in which you raise your Chihuahua.
Many forms of pet insurance exist and you may spend more according to your needs as a pet owner.
The First Year With A Pet Chihuahua
The daily expenses associated with pet ownership can accumulate over time.
Any potential Chihuahua owner needs to take these costs into consideration before purchasing a Chihuahua puppy.
The first year owning a Chihuahua is the most expensive year.
The toys, beds, and leashes can easily add up to $300 in the first year.
Also, grooming costs may exceed $300 in the first year of Chihuahua ownership.
Treats can cost an owner $180 depending on the kind of treat you want to buy for your Chihuahua.
If you want to reduce the overall cost of Chihuahua ownership you can groom your puppy at home.
Learning how to trim your Chihuahua’s nails and coat will help you save money during the first year of pet ownership.
Buying too many treats can raise your annual pet cost, and the best way to reduce this expense is to purchase less treats.
If you want to spoil your Chihuahua you may not be able to resist buying him or her special treats, but if you want to reduce your annual bill you can resist the temptation to give your Chihuahua too many treats.
Training costs are another expense that can be eliminated if you do not take your Chihuahua to puppy school.
If you do not have a temperamental Chihuahua then you may be able to afford skipping puppy school.
However, if your puppy needs a professional trainer then this expense may add up quickly.
One positive effect of owning a small dog is that one bag of dog food can last several months.
Chihuahuas do not need to eat excessive amounts of food, and this can help you save money as an owner.
If your Chihuahua has thicker fur or a longer coat then additional grooming costs may accumulate.
Styling the fur and designing specific clothes for the Chihuahua will cost more money.
Chihuahuas are small and may accidentally injure themselves.
You need to set aside an emergency fund in case your Chihuahua injures itself and needs medical attention.
We think $300 to $500 is enough money for a starter emergency fund.
Dog care services will factor into the cost of raising a Chihuahua if every member of the household works full time.
You will need to pay a dog sitter or a dog care company to care for your Chihuahua.
You need to leave your Chihuahua with someone you know and trust.
Pet insurance is yet another expense associated with Chihuahua ownership.
Some policies cost $100 per month.
The more expensive plans offer more benefits and perks.
You need to investigate these different policies to discover the best one to purchase for your Chihuahua.
The American Kennel Club offers AKC registration for unregistered dogs.
Your Chihuahua will receive its own certificate and it will be eligible to join various events.
This initial cost will range from $30 to $40.
Reputable breeders will automatically include certifications when you purchase a puppy.
Shipping fees might be another cost to consider before you buy your Chihuahua.
Shipping dogs is a common practice, but Chihuahuas have smaller frames and are more fragile.
These factors make it more dangerous to ship Chihuahuas across the United States.
Clothing
Chihuahua clothing is a complex subject and there are many styles you can purchase for your Chihuahua.
It may be difficult to find small clothing items for Chihuahuas, but many websites offer different clothing designs for Chihuahuas.
Chihuahuas can wear clothes that will help them regulate their body temperature.
Also, some designer clothes can protect Chihuahuas from insects and allergies.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a Chihuahua requires time, money, and patience.
If you do not have these elements in place when you purchase your Chihuahua then you will not be able to provide him or her with the best life possible.
Becoming a Chihuahua Dad or Chihuahua Mom is a serious undertaking.
If you want to provide a happy, healthy home for your Chihuahua then you need to make sure that you understand the factors that make Chihuahuas one of the most expensive breeds to own.
Animal companions do not deserve to live without having everything they need to be healthy, strong, and content.
If you cannot afford a Chihuahua right now then you should consider adopting a less expensive breed or waiting until your finances are more stable.
The worst thing you can do is enter into a relationship with a Chihuahua while you are unprepared for the commitment.