How much exercise does my Chihuahua need?

Chihuahuas are known for their tiny stature and big personalities and are great for people looking for a smaller dog. But how much exercise do these active and spirited dogs actually need?

How much exercise does an adult Chihuahua need?

Adult Chihuahuas may be small, but they still need an average of 50 minutes of exercise daily, which can be made up of walks and play. Of course, play can be slightly more challenging to track than a walk, so if you want to make sure you’re getting the balance right, it’s time to invest in a PitPat Dog GPS Tracker. This little device attaches to your dog’s collar and tracks all their activity, including walking, running, and playing. And it only weighs 30g which is light enough that most dogs, including Chihuahuas, aren’t even going to notice it.

How much exercise does my Chihuahua puppy need?

Puppy bodies are delicate while they’re growing, and excessive exercise can lead to strain on their developing bones and joints. Playtime indoors and short, supervised outdoor adventures (once vaccinated) are more than enough for puppies under three months of age to meet their exercise needs. 

If you want a more precise answer, download the PitPat app. We’ll give you an exercise goal tailored to your puppy based on their age, weight and breed. Better yet, the app will adjust their exercise goal as they grow, so you won’t need to worry about overexercising them.

How much exercise does a senior Chihuahua need?

As Chihuahuas age, their exercise requirements will change as their energy levels reduce, and they’re more likely to encounter health issues. Opt for gentler walks, shorter play sessions and more low-impact activities like scent work. It’s also important to pay attention to your dog’s cues during exercise, as some dogs may not always tell you when they’re tired. So watch out for excessive panting, difficulty breathing or a reluctance to continue with what they’re doing.

You might also find that your dog starts to get more forgetful, which can make walks stressful as older dogs can be prone to getting lost. So make sure they have a PitPat GPS on their collar so you can find them quickly and easily if they wander off.

What types of exercise are best for Chihuahuas?

Chihuahuas might not need a lot of exercise but still benefit from engaging and varied activities. Why not give some of these a try?

Hide and seek. Ask your dog to stay in one place and then go and hide somewhere in your house. Once you’re hiding, call your dog’s name so they’ll come and find you.

Tug-o-war.  Use a favourite toy or rope toy specifically made for dogs and let your dog take one end. Then take the other end, get down to floor level, and tug horizontally so your dog’s neck stays straight.

Puzzle toys. Keeping Chihuahua’s mentally stimulated is key, and a puzzle toy is a great way to do that. There are lots of options available, or you could even try making your own.

Remember, a well-exercised Chihuahua is a happy and thriving Chihuahua, so lace up those walking shoes and get ready for all the fun adventures you’re going to have. And don’t forget to bring PitPat along with you too. After all, with PitPat GPS by your side as well as your best pal, you’ll have all the insights and the helping paw you need to keep having adventures for a long time.

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