Two Chocolate Chihuahua Puppies Met the Snow Nose to Nose

Two chocolate-brown Chihuahua puppies stand face to face in a backyard blanketed in fresh snow. One has her mouth open in a surprised little pant, and the other watches with wide, curious eyes. Snow dusts their noses and paws, and their long ears droop. A wooden fence, bare branches and a neighbor's house frame the quiet winter background. It looks like they have only just discovered that the ground can be cold.

Chihuahuas are tiny with little body fat, so snow and cold are a real challenge. Keep winter outings very short, consider a warm coat or sweater, and dry your puppy off afterward. Watch for shivering, lifting paws or a hunched posture, which are signs to go back inside. Ice, salt and de-icing chemicals can irritate paws and should not be licked, so wipe paws after walks. Ask your vet how much cold is safe for your puppies.

Many small dogs prefer to do their business quickly and run back to a warm bed. Many Chihuahuas love a lap, a sunny spot and a soft blanket more than almost anything else in the world. Gentle socialization with calm people and friendly dogs helps a naturally watchful Chihuahua feel at ease in new places. Chihuahuas are often described as big dogs in small bodies, so early, gentle training pays off for years to come.

For now, the snow is new, and the two of them are deciding what it means.