Aren’t Chihuahuas the cutest animals to walk on this planet? They are a tiny yet confident breed of dogs. Moreover, they are excellent companions and loyal to the tee.
If you love Chihuahuas, you would know that these are very energetic dogs.
Don’t let them fool you with their petite and delicate appearance. They have a unique personality and can be quite quirky, bold, and even comical at times. However, since they are very cuddly and fragile, it is important to plan an exercise routine for them. In this article, we shall tell you everything you need to know about exercising and running your Chihuahua.
Average exercise time for a Chihuahua
Planning out a suitable exercise routine for your Chihuahua is important. These teeny animals tend to be extremely hyper. Therefore, they need to have daily outdoor activities to stay healthy.
The American Kennel’s Club states that they need to exercise for at least 30-minutes every day to release all of their pent up energy. By indulging in a healthy exercise regime, they can also avoid being prone to destructive behavior like chewing. Thus, a well-exercised Chihuahua is not only healthy but also a well-behaved dog.
Having said that, there are exercise restrictions that you should follow for your pet. For this, you’ll need to consult a reliable vet to plan out activities during the day.
When can I run a Chihuahua?
Because of their miniature body, they carry less weight, meaning that they experience less stress on their joints while moving. But a lengthy, exhaustive run will make them tired.
Before going out for a run with your dog, you must visit a veterinarian to get a clean bill of health. Running is an intensive exercise, and your dog can be at risk of an injury or illness if you’re not aware of their bodily functions.
At the same time, if your pet is over 12 months old and has fully developed his/her bones without any joint problems, then you can always take them out for a brisk run with an occasional relaxing walk for 20-30 minutes outside.
How fast can a Chihuahua run?
Extra-small breeds like Chihuahuas are slower in speed compared to their long-legged cousins. Their little, cute legs just don’t let them move fast enough!
So a typical Chihuahua’s running speed is between 15 to 21 mph. They can burst into a ball of energy for a quick second, but that doesn’t last for long. However, this is enough time for them to let out all of their energy and enjoy to the fullest.
How long can a Chihuahua run?
If you want a Chihuahua, then you should know that they are sprinters rather than marathoners. They are little dogs, so they don’t really need to run as much as the bigger dogs do. But yes, to keep themselves healthy and well behaved a good run of at least a few miles every day is the best option.
These tiny creatures will sprint and run around with all their energy at its maximum, but for almost less than an hour. After all the enthusiasm has died down, they will take a well-deserved nap for hours at a stretch.
Many of the dog owners have said that Chihuahuas can run approximately for less than half an hour in most cases.
Summing it up
Chihuahuas are very big personalities in small bodies. They are smart, alert, attentive, affectionate, and, all in all, a little bundle of joy. All they want at the end of the day is a lap to curl up in.
Having a Chihuahua as a pet will make you a very relaxed and happy owner. Just make sure that you treat them as lovingly as they do, and don’t forget to give them their daily dose of an energized run.