In terms of dog breeds, chihuahuas are the most popular in the United States. They are in great demand because of their small size, friendly dogs, and family pets. Despite their little stature, these posh puppies command a hefty price.
Knowing the expenses of owning and caring for a dog like this might help you decide whether or not you can afford it. It’s common for individuals to think about the cost of the puppy from the breeder, but there are other costs involved in caring for a dog.
The costs of pet care, feeding, grooming, doctor appointments, pet insurance, entertainment, plus environmental upkeep may rapidly mount. They are also unpredictable; therefore, preparations should be made in advance.
Here is a rough estimate of the expenses associated with owning a Chihuahua. It’s important to remember that these costs may be higher or lower than they are, depending on the circumstances.
For your reference, below is a breakdown.
One Time Costs: Chihuahuas
Even if you can adopt a Chihuahuas puppy from a rescue group or bring one home for free, there are still significant one-time fees. Food bowls, beds, collars, and other necessities, may add up to a significant financial commitment.
Depending on whether or not you already own a dog, you may have some of this stuff lying around, but for Chihuahuas on this site, you will need products specifically designed for them, and puppy mills must be avoided.
Chihuahuas Breeders
The price you pay for a Chihuahuas depends on several factors, including the kind of Chihuahuas you want to buy and the reputation and responsibility of the responsible breeder you choose. Toys and tiny Chihuahuas are often costlier than standard Chihuahuas.
Responsible breeders that do not sell to pet shops should get their dogs tested for health issues, breed only healthy Chihuahuas puppies each year, and keep the number of litters they produce limited. You should expect to pay between $400 and $2,000 for a Chihuahuas from a reputable breeder.
A good breeder of a Chihuahuas costs around $400-$2,000.
Chihuahuas Adoption
It is possible to welcome a dog into your life while also providing a loving home for a dog in need via adoption. Adopting a dog may cost as little as nothing or as much as a few hundred dollars, depending on where you go. The price of a Chihuahuas from a rescue group might go into the hundreds of dollars, depending on the organization.
Keep in mind that obtaining a purebred Chihuahuas via adoption is difficult since there will likely be little information available about the dog’s lineage. There are several reasons why owners choose to sell rather than give away Chihuahua pets.
Adoption of Chihuahuas costs around $50-$500.
Chihuahuas Free
It is quite unusual to come across one of these canines for free, so proceed with caution if you do come across one. When a dog is given away for free, it’s often because they haven’t been given much money to invest in them. Occasionally, unwanted pups are given away for free, but they don’t always get the required health checks.
Even if you don’t spend any money on the dog right now, the higher vet costs you’ll accrue mean you’ll have to pay for it in the long run.
Chihuahuas Setup & Supplies
You’ll need a few things to take good care of your Chihuahuas. The majority of these items are suitable for Chihuahuas of any age, even though they’re essential for a young dog.
There may be changes in Chihuahuas’ demands as they become older. You’ll need a leash and ID badge and a collar and a brush. A food dish and proper water are also helpful.
A dish that’s the proper size for your Chihuahua’s mouth will help him from smacking the rim or reaching for the last piece of food if the bowl is too deep.
Spaying or neutering a dog, as well as microchipping it, are popular options.
A Chihuahua’s setup and supplies will cost between $50 and $345.
Monthly Costs: Chihuahuas
Monthly expenses for Chihuahuas are in the center of the pack. They don’t need a lot of food since they aren’t very huge. They’re in good shape, so you shouldn’t have to take them to the vet on too many occasions.
Things like shampoo & toys are likely to be necessary, as is a standard charge for these puppies. Your dog’s upkeep costs are mostly under your hands. A larger maintenance expense is likely if you require a dog walker and take your puppy to the clinic more often.
The monthly cost of a Chihuahuas is $50-$300.
Chihuahuas Dog Food Costs
Chihuahuas food costs may vary depending on the size of your pet and the sort of food they’re eating. For a small or toy Chihuahuas. It’s critical to consider the brand of food you’re purchasing. Poor-quality food may harm your health in the short term as well as the long term.
After moving into a new home, puppies should gradually be exposed to a new food brand by providing them with the food they are already familiar with (should you not agree with what he is currently consuming). If you’re concerned about dry skin, skin irritation, and hair loss, steer clear of meals that contain chemicals. What your dog eats is solely to blame for this.
Every day, puppies need anything from 1 – to 3 cups of food. They will need at least a bowl of water each day as they become older. Roughly 120 portions of food may be stored in a 30-pound sack that costs around $100.
Once every four months, if they just drink one cup a day, you’ll have to replace your supply (they may eat more at times).
An average month’s supply of dog food will cost between $50 and $100.
Chihuahuas Grooming Costs
Chihuahuas, in general, need a lot of care and regular grooming. Visiting a dog groomer four to seven times a year is recommended by dog groomers. If you spend $40 to $60 for each appointment, you may expect to pay roughly $300 a year.
Taking the dog to a skilled groomer will benefit its overall health and well-being. This includes a wash & shampoo, hair care products, brushing & styling, teeth brushing, nail trimming, or eye & ear cleaning for dogs who are groomed by a professional. Variables, such as the dog’s height, hair condition and health, age, temperament, and what services are requested, affect dog grooming price.
It’s possible to make your cleaning kit. It costs on average $75 to buy one online or at a store, and it comes with all the supplies you have to look for your Chihuahuas at the house!
A Chihuahuas’s grooming can set you back anything from $75 to $250.
Entertainment/Toy Costs: Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas need just a little amount of physical activity and dog sports. Most dog owners can handle this on their own. Nevertheless, if you will be gone for long periods, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker regularly.
Many dog walkers cost between $15 and $25 for a one-hour outing with your pet. There’s not much here. Paying $60-$100 per week for a dog walker if you need them five days a week isn’t unreasonable.
In certain cases, Chihuahuas need solitary walks due to their inability to get along with other dogs.
Playing with toys is a favorite pastime for these dogs. Toys are a year-round expense for dogs, and this is no exception. A few are going to break, and a few will disappear.
Toys for your dog are often purchased once or twice a month. Like a Chihuahuas could demolish any soft, plush toy in minutes, they must be tough. Even if costlier, toys that last a long time are a better investment.
You may anticipate paying between $15 and $30 a month if you get the right toys. If your dog’s toys seem to be disappearing quicker than usual, it’s time to invest in bigger, more durable options. Firehose and other comparable materials may be used to make various products.
You may find yourself spending less money on toys as your dog ages. After six or seven, they’ll probably cease playing rough and more often trash their toys. On the other hand, Chihuahuas Puppies are far more likely than Chihuahuas adults to engage in physical play.
The Entertainment and Toys of Chihuahuas can cost around $400.
Chihuahuas Veterinarian Costs
You’ll spend the most money on your dog’s medical care since the expenses rise swiftly in this area.
Flea prevention, as well as any drugs they need, will cost money. The expense of dogs with underlying illnesses is much higher than that of dogs without any underlying issues. This is where the bulk of your expenses will be incurred.
Veterinary care fees will eat up a large chunk of your dog’s monthly expenses. Puppies are costlier than adults since they need more preventive care than older dogs. You may anticipate seeing the veterinarian three times if you have a puppy.
Vaccines and parasite prevention are included in these appointments and a physical examination. If your breeder has already paid for the initial test, it will save you money.
Adults just only one yearly checkup for preventive care. This visit, though, will be more comprehensive. Due to their increased size, parasite prevention will cost little extra costs.
Puppies are cheaper than adults on average, although the difference isn’t huge. Most dog owners spend about $40 a month caring for their pets, but most are spent on a few doctor appointments.
You may expect to pay between $50 to $265 for a visit to a veterinarian.
Potential Additional Costs: Chihuahuas
You may not have considered the cost of hiring a pet sitter or dog walker yet. Suppose you’re taking a summer vacation. You can bet that at least one youngster in the neighborhood would jump at the chance to help you out with the dog’s care and maintenance for $30 per day while you’re gone.
Your puppy’s potential for damage is also a concern, and that is something you do not know about. That which he can demolish is all that matters! Remember to include instruction in the areas of conduct and compliance!
All of this may add up. At the very least, you can expect to add $75 a month to your budget to accommodate for the unknown factors.
Pet Insurance Costs: Chihuahuas
We strongly suggest that you get insurance for this kind of animal. However, they are susceptible to a lot of health problems that may be quite expensive to cure. For example, hip dysplasia, a dental disease, and renal dysplasia may cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix, and these are common problems.
Pet insurance comes in a variety of types. The lowest plans only cover physical injuries, such as a dog breaking a leg or sustaining a wound. In contrast, these policies do not provide coverage for sickness.
How much insurance will your dog cost depending on where you live and how old your dog is? As they become older, it becomes costlier.
You should expect to pay between $30 and $45 a month for pet insurance
How to Save Money Owning: Chihuahuas
You may save money on a professional dog groomer by brushing your dog daily to avoid matting and keep an eye on their skin’s condition. To save money on dog grooming costs, you may want to consider doing it yourself if you’re comfortable with it.
To save money on Chihuahuas care and maintenance, keeping an eye out for deals and coupons at online and brick-and-mortar stores is a good option. With these coupons, food, toys, snacks, cleaning supplies, pet grooming products, and other items may all be purchased for far less.
The Bottom Line: Cost to Own a Chihuahuas Summary
Dogs of the Chihuahuas breed may cost up to $2,500. They aren’t as pricey as other breeds, but plenty of less costly options are. Even if they aren’t ideal for individuals on a tight budget, these canines are more than affordable for most families.
Those who appreciate Chihuahuas will find these animals to be exceptional investments.
A pup from a breeder will cost you between $400 and $2,000 this is the average price of a pup. Puppy expenditures and socialization are often included in the sale price of these pups, which might help you save money in the long run. Be aware of this while making financial plans.
Most of the $300 in dog supplies must be acquired before bringing your new pet home. Most Chihuahuas owners will stick at the low end of the scale of the $65-$600 monthly expense range. It costs roughly $100 a month if you don’t take your pet to the groomer and employ a dog walker.
- Breeder Cost $400-$2,000
- Adoption Cost $50-$500
- Setup & Supplies $50-$345
- Monthly Costs $50-$300
- Dog Food Costs $50-$100
- Grooming Costs $40-$60
- Entertainment Cost $400
- Veterinarian Cost $50-$265
- Pet Insurance $30-$45
Mixed Breeds Similar to Chihuahuas
Best Puppy Food for Chihuahuas
Here are our reviews of puppy foods for Chihuahuas.
1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food
Give your Chihuahua puppies a treat with a dog food featuring six unique ingredients to handle their food allergies. Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food is produced with the best ingredients consisting of essential amino acids to maintain good health. This food is packed with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints and also enhances movement.
- Features digestible carbs without glutens., corns, soy, or wheat.
- The first ingredient is turkey meal or lamb meal.
- Supports healthy skin and fur using omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food
Let the small jaws of your Chihuahuas puppies crunch the small kibbles of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food to remove tartar from their teeth. It is fortified with high-quality ingredients for muscle building and strength. This dog meal contains DHA and ARA to improve the development of your puppies’ brains and eyes.
- No chicken by-product, soy, corn, or wheat.
- Boosts the puppies’ immune system.
- Real animal protein is the first ingredient.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is formulated to promote healthy weight and lean muscles in your Chihuahua’s puppies. It is blended with the right amount of calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth in your little pets. Each cup of this dog diet contains about 350 kcal for optimal strength and energy during the day.
- Supports healthy brain and eyes functions with DHA from fish oil.
- Formulated in a new formula with new kibble sizes for small dogs.
- It contains no preservatives, colors, flavors, soy, and corn.
4. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food
Improve the digestive processes of your Chihuahuas by feeding them with a diet containing prebiotic fiber. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food promotes better joint health and mobility of this small breed dogs even in later years. It has no sugars or glycerin, antibiotics, and GMOs.
- It contains taurine to maintain a healthy heart.
- Relieves allergy and stomach sensitivities.
- Supports healthy hair and skin in Chihuahua puppies.
5. ACANA Real Meat Dry Dog Food
Satiate the tastes of your Chihuahua’s puppies with ACANA Real Meat Dry Dog Food made with the best ingredients. It contains proteins from animal products such as meat, organs, bones, and cartilages of beef, lamb, and pork. This dog food is grain-free with no tapioca, gluten, or potato.
- Formulated with 60% animal protein and 40% vegetables and fruits.
- Suitable for Chihuahuas of all stages of life.
- It contains wholesome grains with no additives or preservatives.
Puppy Food for Chihuahuas Buying Guide
Chihuahuas’ puppies need to consume dog foods made of high-quality ingredients to improve their health and enhance longevity. There are varieties of dog foods on the market but choosing the right diet depends on your knowledge of the features of each brand.
Some dog foods are dry while other wet foods. Another categorization features on the ingredients used in making the foods. Therefore, we have dog foods with grain and grain-free products.
Depending on the nature of your Chihuahua and the budget for feeding your pet, you can make a choice. But consider some features of dog foods before buying such as
Ingredients used in making the Dog Foods
Dog foods are produced with various ingredients such as
Proteins
Consider buying a dog food loaded with proteins from different animal sources to give your puppy a healthy treat with an exclusive taste. This variety of ingredients in small-sized kibbles makes your Chihuahua puppies enjoy natural nutrients comfortably.
Some dog foods are made with only one source of protein such as duck, chicken, or beef with other wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables. Others could be made with five or six ingredients. This limited ingredient diet (L.I.D) is done to minimize allergies or stomach sensitivities.
Some food products such as grains, peas, and glutens are allergic to most pets. But if your Chihuahuas can consume these food substances without hassles, you can embrace dog foods with grains. Otherwise, stick to grain-free dog foods for the optimal health of your canine friends.
Fats
Dog foods with the right amount of fats are suitable for your small breed dogs like Chihuahuas. This is the animal type of fats that contribute to the needed calories more than carbohydrates. Most carbs are not digestible leading to allergies and sensitivities, therefore animal fats are the preferred sources of calories.
As young pups, they are vibrant and restive. They used up more calories than adult dogs or seniors that live passive lives. Consuming more fats in small kibbles will help your Chihuahuas to live healthy and productive lives.
Besides, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids can be obtained from animal fats or plant fats. However, these essential fatty acids help your young Chihuahuas to maintain healthy skin and shiny hair.
DHAs are products of fatty acids that help to boost the eyesight and brain functions in Chihuahuas puppies.
Fruits and Vegetables
Antioxidants are necessary for a Chihuahua pup to maintain its high level of immunity. Dog foods made with vegetables and fruits contain a good amount of antioxidants that can tackle oxidative stress. This will maintain good health and promote longevity.
Costs of Dog Foods
Consider the cost of each dog food before buying. This will ensure that you stick to your budget.
Additional Recommended Products for Your Chihuahuas
- Best Dog Food
- Best Dog Bowl
- Best Automatic Dog Feeder
- Best Interactive Dog Toys
- Best Dog Playpen
- Best Outdoor Dog Kennel
- Best Dog House
- Best Dog Crate
- Best Dog Treat
- Best Automatic Fetch Machine
- Best Dog Activity Monitor
- Best Dog Food Container
- Best Electronic Dog Door
- Best Dog Ramp
- Best Dog Cooling Vest
- Best GPS Tracker for Dogs
- Best Dog Bed
- Best Dog Cooling Pad
- Best Indestructible Dog Bed
- Best Dog Training Book
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