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Pet Insurance for Chihuahuas

Find out all about Chihuahuas and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$6,000

Height

15cm - 23cm

Weight

1kg - 3kg

Personality

Fiesty, independent, loyal

Coat length

Short & long-haired varieties

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

14 - 17 years

Chihuahua

Overview

The Chihuahua is a tiny yet confident little toy breed originating from Mexico. They are an ancient breed, known for over 3,000 years, which makes them one of the oldest known dog breeds in the world. Aztec carvings show a tiny dog similar to a Chihuahua used to guard temples.  

There are two coat varieties available: smooth-coated and long-haired. In addition, they come in two distinct sizes – standard, and micro or teacup, and a wide variety of colours. The teacup sizes can be as small as 1.2kg and stand less than 11cm at shoulder height. They’ve gained a great deal of attention in the past ten years due to their many famous owners who are regularly seen out with their dogs, including Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Mariah Carey.  

Chihuahuas are known for their bold and spirited personality. They tend to bond with one person and can be shy with strangers. They are highly intelligent, but are very strong-willed, requiring consistent training and socialisation to stop them from becoming yappy. Despite their size, Chihuahuas make loyal and loving companions but must be handled with care due to their small size and fragile nature.  

Common diseases and conditions of Chihuahuas

  • Patellar Luxation: Chihuahuas may experience patellar luxation, where the kneecap dislocates. 
  • Dental issues: They can be prone to dental problems due to their small size. 
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar is a potential issue with all toy breeds of dog, as they don’t have the fat reserves to supply adequate glucose in times of stress, or if they become overheated.  

Breed-specific issues:  

Due to their small size, Chihuahuas are quite delicate and should be handled with care. For this reason, they should not be left alone with boisterous children. They may be reserved around strangers, but form strong bonds with their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety if left alone. They can be yappy dogs and can display ‘small dog syndrome.’  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Chihuahua?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Chihuahua, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Chihuahuas

Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs and pets?

No, Chihuahuas can be territorial and may not always get along with other dogs or pets. Early socialisation and proper introductions can help them adapt to other animals in the household, but they do not have a pack mentality and prefer to have their owner’s undivided attention.  

Can Chihuahuas be aggressive?

Yes, Chihuahuas can become aggressive if they think their owner is being threatened or is at risk. They are fearless and effective guard dogs who will protect their home and owner without regard for their small size.   

 
 
Do Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living?

Yes, Chihuahuas are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size, low shedding and exercise needs. However, they still require daily exercise outside and mental stimulation, which is why they have become known as ‘handbag dogs.’  

Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?

Yes, Chihuahuas are known for their tendency to bark frequently. Due to their small size and alert nature, they often serve as watchdogs, alerting their owners to any perceived threats or changes in their environment. While this can be beneficial, it's essential for Chihuahuas to receive proper training and discipline as they can become very yappy if overindulged and not socialised from an early age.  

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Chihuahua

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