Chihuahua Puppies
The Chihuahua is an adorable small-sized dog breed that gives birth to more adorable and cute puppies. It can give birth to 2-4 puppies at a time. The puppy goes through the same developmental process but the maturity time depends on its size.
The Chihuahua is a tiny breed, so the growth of its mind and physique is quicker compare to a large-sized dog breed. They mature fast and reach adulthood by the first year, unlike larger breed who does not reach adulthood until 2 years.
Newborn
The newborn Chihuahua puppies are completely blind, deaf, and toothless. They are not able to see and hear anything for few weeks. however, they have the sense of smell and touch. Which is how they get to their mother. The puppies can track the scent of their mother and get to them by crawling, which also helps in their muscle development.
Since they do not have any teeth, the puppies completely rely on the mother’s milk. They should not be fed any other food besides the milk of their mother. The milk is rich in antibodies that keep the Chihuahua puppies safe from any fatal diseases.
Image Source: @HibicusPaws
Neonatal Stage (0-2 Weeks)
For the first few weeks, the Chihuahua puppy’s eyes are sealed and you should not try to open them. They will open the eyelid naturally by themselves in 10-14 days. However, the vision is blurry and the puppies are not able to see clearly. They also cannot generate heat on their own, so the mother keeps them warm and cozy.
The puppies are not able to pee and defecate on their own so the Chihuahua mother lick their belly for stimulation. During the first week, the puppies requires 90% time of the day to sleep. It helps in their development of both body and mind. You will see them becoming double the size of the birth in 10-14 days.
Transitional Stage (2-4 Weeks)
The transitional stage is an important period in the Chihuahua puppy’s life. They are able to stand, walk their wobbly steps, create their own vocabulary, and make different sounds. The puppies start walking around more, playing with the littermates by pawing each other, biting each other faces but not in hurtful manner.
The vision and hearing power are improving day by day and their teeth also start erupting by the end of the stage. They starts sampling solid food from the plate of their mother. You will see the Chihuahua puppy developing personality and becoming mischievous and lively.
Image Source: DogTime
Socialization Stage (4-12 weeks)
The golden period of any puppy’s life is the socialization stage. As soon as your Chihuahua puppy gets 4-5 weeks old, they are ready to know the world outside them. They are very fearful at this age, so be gentle with them and expose them slowly to the outside world.
The puppies are fully able to see and hear and are more playful than ever. It is the right time for their introduction to new people and other dogs. Socialize them with different people and other pets so they are well-behaved and calm dogs around strangers while growing up. Basic training should be started from this very stage.
Juvenile Stage (3-6 months)
At this stage, the Chihuahua puppy has almost lost their puppy face and is growing an adult personality. Their baby teeth start getting replaced by a strong set of teeth. They start teething and chewing on stuff which might damage a lot of stuff in the house.
However, never scold or raise a hand on them as the teething is due to the itch on their mouth. Better keep the stuff out of their reach and buy them toys and dog bones.
Continue the Chihuahua puppy training and take them out at least once a day. A well socialized puppy is more comfortable and friendly around people and other dogs. Continue their training with new tricks and command to challenge them and stimulate their mind.
Adolescent Stage (6-12 months)
When the Chihuahua puppy hits puberty, that is when adolescence begins. Puberty occurs around six to twelfth months of birth. The female experienced her first heat around this time whereas the male starts showing interest in females. however, never breed at this young age because they are not fully matured and it might harm the health of your Chihuahua.
Image Source: Dog Food smart
Around seven months old, the baby teeth of your Chihuahua is completely replaced by adult set of teeth. Their brain and body are fully developed as development in small breed is faster then large breed that usually occur in 15 -18 months.
Vaccination Chart for Chihuahua
| 6 to 8 Weeks | Distemper, parvovirus |
| 10 to 12 Weeks | DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus, parinfluenza, and parvovirus) |
| 16 to 18 Weeks | DHPP, rabies |
| Every 1 to 2 Years | DHPP |
| Every 1 to 3 Years | Rabies (as required by law) |
Vaccination cost for Chihuahua
According to American Kennel Club, the vaccination cost on average range between $75-$100 for DHPP. For rabies, the vaccine cost is between $15-$20.
Visit Doglime for more dog breeds information and their puppies.
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