Chihuahua pet insurance

No, Chihuahuas generally cost less than the average dog to insure.

Your Chihuahua's age, health and medical history can all affect the price you pay, along with your location and the type of cover you choose.

The average cost of dog insurance is £12.33^[5]a month. Chihuahua insurance costs an average of £9.17^[4] a month, making it noticeably cheaper than average.

Some factors that change the price you pay for pet insurance are:

• The type of cover you select

• Your pet's age

• Your pet's breed

• If your pet has any history of aggression

• If your pet has any pre-existing medical conditions

• Your location

• Your claim history

On average, owners of aggressive pets pay 8.50%^[6] more for their pet insurance. A pet that has had complaints made about it will cost its owners 6.34%^[6] more.

Some ways to reduce the price of your pet insurance premiums include:

• Compare quotes

• Select a multi-pet policy

• Select an accident-only policy

• Maintain your pet's health

• Increase your excess

• Pay annually

• Spay or neuter your pet

Spaying or neutering your pets will reduce your insurance costs by an average of 0.56%^[6] on average.

You can find much bigger savings of up to 40.41%^[7] by selecting an accident-only insurance policy, but you will get much more limited cover.

Chihuahuas can be prone to a number of health problems, including:

• Dental disease

• Luxating patellas

• Heart disease

• Tracheal collapse

• Eye conditions

• Hydrocephalus

The PDSA also lists hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease and several other inherited conditions among health problems seen in the breed.

Chihuahuas can show aggressive behaviour, but temperament varies considerably between individual dogs.

Royal Veterinary College research involving more than 11,000 Chihuahuas found aggression recorded in 4.2% of dogs in the study, and the researchers found Chihuahuas were more prone to recorded aggression than dogs overall. Training, socialisation and an individual dog's experiences can also influence its behaviour.

Only 0.5%^[12] of Chihuahas owners report that their dog show signs of aggression such as tackling or biting other people or pets.

Yes, Chihuahuas can make loving and lively pets for the right owner.

They're small and adaptable, but they're also active, alert dogs with plenty of personality. Consistent training and early socialisation are important, particularly as some Chihuahuas can be wary of unfamiliar people and situations.

Chihuahuas typically have a lifespan of more than 12 years, although every dog's lifespan will depend on factors such as its health, genetics, diet and veterinary care.

Yes. Dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time they're eight weeks old.

You also need to keep the contact details registered to the microchip up to date. You could be fined up to £500 if your dog isn't microchipped when required.

Not necessarily, but they still need regular exercise, training, dental care and attention despite their small size.

Grooming needs also differ slightly between smooth-coated and long-coated Chihuahuas.

Chihuahuas need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, according to the PDSA.

Walks should be combined with play and mental stimulation, as Chihuahuas are active and intelligent despite their small size.

Chihuahuas are intelligent and can respond well to positive, reward-based training, but they can also have an independent streak.

Starting training and socialisation early and being consistent can help prevent unwanted behaviours developing.

Chihuahuas can feel the cold more easily than larger or more heavily coated dogs because of their very small size.

Keep an eye on your dog in cold weather and consider extra protection, such as a suitable dog coat, when needed.

They can be, but their size shouldn't be mistaken for simplicity.

Chihuahuas may be better suited to owners with experience of training strong-willed dogs. First-time owners may benefit from accredited training classes and plenty of early socialisation.