Are Chihuahuas Lazy? (Solved & Explained!)

Known as the smallest breed but having a large amount of energy, Chihuahuas are not lazy.

In the following sections, I will cover why Chihuahuas are not lazy, what are some lazy behaviors they may begin to exhibit, what these behaviors mean for their health, and what an owner can do to help a Chihuahua get out of their lazy state.

How Lazy Are Chihuahuas?

Due to only requiring 12-15 hours of sleep and having a moderate to high level of energy, making them one of the more active dogs to own. They enjoy attention from their owners and enjoy light activities like fetch, tug-o-wars, and walks in the warm weather. They can be seen often following their owners around from room to room. If trained well they can be very social with other animals and children.

How Long Do Chihuahuas Sleep?

An adult Chihuahua will sleep between 12-15 hours. This includes both nighttime and any naps it may take throughout the day. However, this amount may vary based on the age of the Chihuahua. Newborn Chihuahuas will sleep between 20-23 hours and by the time they are an adult, they will sleep between 12-15 hours. They do have a moderate to high level of snoring which can be distracting to young children or owners they share a room with.

What is the Energy Level of Chihuahuas?

Chihuahuas have a moderate to high level of energy. Although some may underestimate their need for exercise due to their small stature, Chihuahuas require at least 20 minutes of exercise in order to avoid developing behavioral problems.

Due to only weighing between two and six pounds and being the smallest dog breed in the world, exercising indoors is a great option especially during colder months. Providing adequate exercise will help maintain Chihuahuas mental and physical health.  Health care professionals recommend that when walking Chihuahuas, a harness should be used in order to prevent damage to their delicate spine and small windpipe.

How Can I Get A Lazy Chihuahua To Exercise More?

To get a lazy Chihuahua to exercise more, rotate the toys and activities available to them. Playing with the same toys can be boring and repetitive. Giving your dog a new toy or set of toys can get them re-excited to play and something to look forward to.

You don’t need to buy new toys every time. Hiding some of their old toys for a period of time and then reintroducing them can bring them just as much joy as brand-new toys bought from the store. Just as toys can get boring, playing the same game with your Chihuahua can cause them to lose interest. Setting up obstacle courses or introducing them to a food puzzle can re-stimulate their interest in interacting and re-gain their active behaviors.

What Are Symptoms Of A Lazy Chihuahua?

Symptoms of a lethargic Chihuahua are no desire to partake in their daily activities like walks and toy play, failure to respond when called, staying in one area of the house for a prolonged period of time, failure to eat their normal meal or during their normal meal times, and sleeping more than normal. Exhibiting these behaviors for an extended period of time can be a sign of illness and your Chihuahua should be brought to a vet for examination.

Why Is My Chihuahua Lazy?

A Chihuahua may become lazy or lethargic because of anemia, anxiety, allergies, respiratory infection, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, endocrine disease, cancer, or arthritis. It is important to monitor your Chauhan’s behaviors and share them with a certified veterinarian if they continue to be lazy or lethargic for a few days. A potential underlying health condition may be the cause for such behavior and should be addressed as soon as possible.

At What Age Do Chihuahuas Become Lazy?

Chihuahuas overall life expectancy is between 14 and 18 years. They start to become a senior around the age of 10. As Chihuahuas age, their mobility begins to decrease as well as their exercise tolerance. Stiffness, slowed movement, and becoming tired more quickly are some signs of aging. As a result, Chihuahuas may sleep longer or take more time to rise from seated positions. To prevent continued deterioration, it is important to make sure your Chihuahua is staying hydrated, being given more frequent rest during activity, and taking them to get more frequent wellness checks.

Can I Use Food To Help A Lazy Chihuahua?

Food can be a great way to get a Chihuahua moving. Using a food dispensing toy can help Chihuahuas become more active during feeding time and offer some motivation during a time of inactivity. A great food that can be put in these toys are peanut butter. Playing a treat hunt game can also help your Chihuahua become active and give you and them some bonding time. More difficult hiding places can be chosen to offer more activity and challenge.

Are Lazy Chihuahuas At Risk of Health Problems?

Yes, lazy Chihuahuas are at risk of health problems. A lazy Chihuahua may gain weight, participate in destructive behavior, become withdrawn from their owner or other animals, suffer from stiff joints, and become lethargic. If these problems are not addressed or taken care of, Chihuahuas may develop chronic conditions and life-threatening illnesses. These conditions or illness can affect the lifespan and quality of life of ones Chihuahua. Medication may be prescribed but may cause the Chihuahua to be in constant pain.

Will Socializing With Other Dogs Help My Lazy Chihuahua?

Socializing a lazy Chihuahua can help it become more active while also learning how to get along with other dogs. Some ways to socialize a Chihuahua is to bring them to a dog park, drop them off at a doggie daycare, choose a walk path that has a higher volume of dogs, or introduce another dog to the family. However, many Chihuahas are dog avoidant, and forcing them to interact with other dogs could lead to anxiety and aggression if they havent been properly socialized before.

Kevin "Ken" Davies

My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.