Last Updated on November 23, 2021 by Marco
Chi lovers may wonder how fast is a Chihuahua – seeing its energetic nature. If you’re the same, this article has the answers you need!
All dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. How much of it is necessary depends on the breed and size. Larger breeds require more activity in order to stay in shape, while smaller ones need less of it. A chihuahua may be tiny, but it is a bundle of energy that needs to be let loose regularly to stay fit and active.
If you own a Chihuahua and need to know how to keep it in top form, this article is for you! Vets recommend taking your Chihuahua running or even just walking for at least thirty minutes a day. You can divide it into two sets of walks a day if your schedule allows it.
How Fast Is A Chihuahua?
There is no hard-and-fast rule to it. How fast is a Chihuahua can be determined by several factors such as genetics and medical history. If your Chihuahua is a mixed breed, it can take after one or the other parent. If it is ill or has had a long period of sedentary routine, it may need some practice before reaching its top speed.
In any case, so long as your dog is getting the required amount of exercise, you should not be harsh with it or try to push it beyond its limits. Before embarking on a physical regimen, make sure to consult a vet and ask them about your dog’s physical fitness. Get advice on what precautions to take and how to avoid exhausting it.
A vet can also help rule out any health concerns that a new fitness routine may exacerbate. Also, make sure you regularly get it checked by an expert so you can keep an eye on potential or nascent ailments. This is especially necessary if your dog seems to be growing lethargic or tires quickly. Give it sufficient rest after exercise and take off-days to help it rejuvenate.
Learn more about: Do Long-Haired Chihuahuas Shed; The Grooming Guide
How Fast Are Chihuahuas In Comparison To Other Dogs
Other Breeds
An average canine runs at around nineteen miles per hour. In running dogs, two things count; speed and endurance. A good running dog’s speed clocks in at approximately thirteen to fifteen miles per hour. Some dogs, such as Jack Russells, have a fantastic speed of thirty miles per hour but can only do so in short-lived sprints.
Compare this to the far less impressive average speed of Labrador Retrievers, which is fourteen to eighteen miles per hour. The difference is Labs can keep up their pace for long periods. Similarly, greyhounds are celebrated as the fastest dog breed and are frequently used for hunting and dog racing due to their astonishing rate of 45 miles per hour. The endurance of a Husky is well-known and made it pull sleds in snowy regions. The acclaimed Iditarod is a dog race event celebrating the Alaskan husky sled culture.
Various physical traits play a role in the dog’s ability to cover long distances without tiring. St. Bernards are too big to be good runners as their weight is a hindrance. A Shih Tzu is too tiny, and its short legs can only reach an average of six miles per hour. Running dogs have nails for traction, giving them a good grip on the ground and making them sure-footed in tricky areas.
A trick known as ‘double-suspension gallop’ is used by swift dogs, which helps them max out to exceptional paces for brief intervals. Flat-faced dogs are generally not distance runners as they can become overheated and are prone to breathing issues.
Chihuahuas
Dog runners can train their pets to increase their stamina and speed by gradually adding to their exercise time. Younger dogs are also likely to be better runners than more senior counterparts. That’s because they’re generally healthier and more robust.
Some physical features of the typical racing dog are long legs, a flexible spine, and strong abdominal muscles, which grant them power and stamina. Great cardio power is necessary for continuous running, and a Chihuahua has none of these, making it one of the slower dogs around. A typical specimen’s height reaches up to ten inches at most, and weight is no more than six pounds.
Their excitable nature can overcome their physical strength, so practicing caution is up to the owner’s discretion. Understanding your dog’s limitations is crucial in canine ownership. A cyclist or jogger wanting to take a Chihuahua for a sprint should be wary not to tire out their energetic partner.
Chihuahua Speed
You might consider racing your pet, thinking how fast can a chihuahua run, anyway? Well, you’ve got another thing coming! Don’t let the tiny size fool you because Chihuahuas can run up to ten to fifteen miles per hour.
However, you should also note that this speed is the dog’s upper limit, and they may not be able to keep it up for long. Allowing it to sprint or play fetch is an excellent way to help it exercise without making it fall sick from overexertion.
Chihuahuas cannot run as fast as other breeds due to their small stature, which results in short legs and small hearts and lungs. One of the perks of their small size is that a lighter body means less strain on their joints. This means a long, active life for them in the best of circumstances.
Even when taking them out for a run, remember to take breaks if your dog seems tired or if you are planning on having an outing of more than a half-hour. Keep treats and water with you and keep your Chihuahua well-hydrated to avoid adverse health effects.
Conclusion
As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure a good exercise regime for your fur baby. Doing so will keep it from becoming susceptible to obesity and subsequent health issues like joint pain, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. A dog without exercise can also become disruptive and aggressive due to a lack of mental stimulation. Building a proper physical regimen for them can counter a lot of these potential problems. Besides, as companion doggos – a Chihuahua’s speed doesn’t really matter. What matters is how adorable and loving they are!
