Many breeders recommend choosing a harness instead of a collar for your Chihuahua due to the dog’s particularly small and fragile trachea (windpipe). This, combined with their excitable nature, can cause a Chihuahua to wheeze excessively. This seemingly uncontrollable gagging sound can easily frighten a new Chihuahua owner. Many dogs also seem to prefer the feel of the harness, since its weight is distributed over a larger area of the body.
Another advantage of harnesses is that they help prevent escape. Chihuahuas are notorious wrigglers and can be impressive escape artists. This could be of vital concern if you walk your dog in an area with a lot of traffic.
If your Chihuahua doesn’t seem to mind wearing one, and he doesn’t suffer from repeated problems with wheezing, there is no problem with using a collar. Just make sure that the collar you choose is made of a comfortable, lightweight fabric. Also for reasons of safety, always select a fixed-circumference collar, meaning the collar doesn’t tighten no matter how hard your dog pulls.
A Chihuahua should have no problem tolerating a carefully selected, properly fitting collar for any length of time. There are other reasons, however, that you may want to consider taking the collar off your Chihuahua when indoors. Although collars that tighten around the neck pose the greatest threat, any collar left on your Chihuahua all the time is a potential strangling hazard.
If your dog will be wearing a collar permanently, make sure to select one with breakaway technology, as it could save your dog’s life.
The most important thing to remember when selecting either a collar or harness for your Chihuahua is proper fit. Never merely guess your dog’s size for these items. If it is too loose, your dog can slip out of it and get away from you. Loose collars and harnesses can also snag on something. If it is too tight, it can make breathing difficult.
When measuring your Chihuahua’s neck to determine his collar size, remember that you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between your dog’s neck and the tape. Most harnesses are adjustable and based on your dog’s chest measurement. To determine this measurement, place the tape gently around the dog’s chest, just behind his front legs—again, placing two fingers between the harness strap and your dog’s body. Your dog’s collar or harness size will never be the exact measurement, but rather slightly larger for a comfortable but snug fit.
Harnesses and collars come in an array of materials and designs, many offering matching leashes. The most practical fabrics for your Chihuahua are cotton and nylon. Both are washable and relatively durable. Leather, while a wonderful choice for many other breeds, is just too heavy for a Chihuahua.
Choosing a Leash
Your Chihuahua’s leash should also be lightweight and an appropriate length for the area in which the two of you will walk. If you are on the taller side, make sure the leash is long enough for your Chihuahua to walk comfortably alongside you—eight feet is usually sufficient.
An overly wide or double-ply leash is a waste for a Chihuahua; it will do little more than weigh too heavily on both Your dog and your hands. Nonslip handles are a good idea, as is reflective material for greater visibility if you will be venturing out at night.
Like collars and harnesses, leashes are available in a number of styles and materials. Metal link leashes are too heavy for Chihuahuas. Choke chains, which can be made of metal or nylon, should never be used with a Chihuahua, due to his small neck.
A versatile option for owners who like to walk in different types of environments is a retractable leash. Offering the dual conveniences of keeping your dog at a short distance when necessary and allowing him to roam a bit in safer settings, a retractable leash saves both space and money. With the touch of a button, you can promptly switch from a 6-foot leash to a 16-foot leash, and back again.
It is quite literally several leashes in one. These plastic covered reels are available in a number of lengths, colors, and models—many with comfortable, ergonomic handles. This is also an excellent tool for safely teaching your dog to come when called.
It is very important to remember that you should never yank your Chihuahua’s lead, especially when the dog is wearing a collar, as you could unintentionally injure your dog’s delicate neck.
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