Chihuahuas: A Guide to Chewing Bully Sticks

Chihuahuas are the world's smallest dog, but they have surprisingly strong jaws relative to their size. Their apple-shaped heads and compact builds pack considerable bite force into a very small package, while their brave, spirited personalities mean they approach chewing with the same fearless attitude they bring to everything else in life.

Concentrated Power in Miniature Form
Despite their low weight, Chihuahuas compact skull structure and relatively large masseter muscles allow them to generate bite forces ranging from 100-180 PSI. This might seem modest compared to larger breeds, but when concentrated over the tiny surface area of their smaller teeth, it creates remarkably intense pressure.

Their dental structure presents unique challenges. Chihuahuas have 42 adult teeth packed into an extremely small mouth, leading to severe crowding issues. Many Chihuahuas develop dental problems early in life due to this overcrowding, making proper dental care through appropriate chewing absolutely essential.

In Short—Which EverChew Holder?
Chihuahuas should primarily use the Small Dog EverChew holder. Its flexible elastomer construction provides the necessary durability while offering enough give to protect their delicate dental structure. If the dog is a superchewer, then they should use the Plus holder which is made from the same medical grade elastomer.

Understanding Bully Stick Benefits and Why Holders Are Critical
Chihuahuas are natural chewers despite their small size, and this behavior is particularly important for their dental health. Due to their extreme dental crowding, Chihuahuas are prone to plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to early tooth loss and serious periodontal disease. Bully sticks are pure protein treats (similar to beef jerky) that provide an ideal chewing texture for tiny mouths—firm enough to effectively scrape away plaque while soft enough to avoid damaging delicate teeth and gums.

However, Chihuahuas face particularly serious risks from bully stick stubs. Their tiny tracheas and narrow throats could make a stub a potentially fatal choking hazards. Additionally, their fearless personalities often lead them to attempt swallowing pieces that are far too large.

Life Stage Considerations and Chewing Patterns
Puppy Phase (2-6 months): Chihuahua puppies experience intense teething between 3-5 months as their adult teeth emerge. During this period, their already crowded mouths become even more uncomfortable, making appropriate chewing outlets essential for pain relief.

Adult Phase (6+ months): Adult Chihuahuas continue active chewing throughout their lives, often using it as a stress-relief mechanism. Their bold personalities mean they don't let their small size limit their chewing ambitions, often targeting items much larger than themselves.

Selection Guidelines
Choose the Small Dog holder if your Chihuahua:

· Is a normal chewing Chihuahua.

Select the Plus sized holder holders for Chihuahuas:

· If the Chihuahua is larger and can chew the leg off of a chair.