The tiny Chihuahua is chock full of spunk and attitude. If you are looking for a dog that will fit into an oversized purse to accompany you around the town, consider this tough little diva. The Chihuahua originated in the Mexican state of the same name, and it is one of the oldest breeds in the American continent. The exact history of the breed is shrouded in mystery and folklore, but depictions of dogs that were similar in appearance were discovered in ruins that date back to before the 1500s. A letter that was written by Christopher Columbus to the Spanish king references a tiny dog that was seen in the New World. The Chihuahua was considered a sacred animal, and it was a prized pet among those of the upper class. In 1904, the American Kennel Club recognized the Chihuahua as a member of the toy group.
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a compact build that has long legs for its size. This allow them to move at a fast pace. Its coat is either smooth and glossy or long. Coat care is minimal. Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that stand six to nine inches tall at the shoulder and weigh two to six pounds. They have apple-shaped heads with large, round eyes and large, pointed ears that stand erect. Their tails are long, curving over the back or to one side. Chihuahuas may have smooth coats or long coats, which may exhibit any solid color or color combination.
Personality
The Chihuahua tends to bond with its master and is devoted for life. This dog breed is lively, curious and affectionate with its master. It needs daily exercise but is not necessarily an outdoors dog. It prefers warm environments and can get exercise from short walks or running indoors. It is timid or protective toward strangers and can appear yappy and nervous. They are generally friendly towards other dogs. Despite their wee size, Chihuahuas make excellent watchdogs. They are alert, brave and will bark intensely at all intruders and perceived threats. They are not outgoing toward strangers. Chihuahuas do not make ideal companions for younger children. The breed can be nippy if disturbed or frightened, and their bodies are too delicate for rough housing. Chihuahuas are lively and active on their own, requiring little extra exercise. They are well suited to apartment living. Early socialization and training by a patient owner who will address the dog in an assertive manner are essential to prevent the Chihuahua from becoming a feisty and tenacious tyrant. A Chihuahua that is properly trained and handled will bond with its chosen person and become a faithful friend.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Southern |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | United States |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 13-18 Years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Chihuahua Build Information
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a compact build that has long legs for his size. This allow them to move at a fast pace. His coat is either smooth and glossy or long. Coat care is minimal. Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that stand six to nine inches tall at the shoulder and weigh two to six pounds. They have apple-shaped heads with large, round eyes and large, pointed ears that stand erect. Their tails are long, curving over the back or to one side. Chihuahuas may have smooth coats or long coats, which may exhibit any solid color or color combination.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Chihuahua tends to bond with his master and is devoted for life. This dog breed is lively, curious and affectionate with his master. He needs daily exercise but is not necessarily an outdoors dog. He prefers warm environments and can get exercise from short walks or running indoors. He is timid or protective toward strangers and can appear yappy and nervous. They are generally friendly towards other dogs. Despite their wee size, Chihuahuas make excellent watchdogs. They are alert, brave and will bark intensely at all intruders and perceived threats. They are not outgoing toward strangers. Chihuahuas do not make ideal companions for younger children. The breed can be nippy if disturbed or frightened, and their bodies are too delicate for rough housing. Chihuahuas are lively and active on their own, requiring little extra exercise. They are well suited to apartment living. Early socialization and training by a patient owner who will address the dog in an assertive manner are essential to prevent the Chihuahua from becoming a feisty and tenacious tyrant. A Chihuahua that is properly trained and handled will bond with its chosen person and become a faithful friend.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Chihuahuas with smooth coats require minimal grooming. Using a grooming mitt weekly with remove dead hair, reduce shedding in the home and maintain the coat’s glossy luster. Chihuahuas with long coats also require minimal grooming. Brushing the coat once or twice each week will remove dead hairs, reduce shedding and prevent tangles. Due to the Chihuahua’s tiny mouth, he is highly prone to dental disease. Brushing the teeth at least every other day will help to reduce plaque buildup and maintain good oral and overall health.
| Colors: | Black, Black & Tan, Blue, Chestnut, Fawn, Parti-color, Sable, Sandy, Silver, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Chihuahua Common Health Conditions
Chihuahuas live an average lifespan of 15 years. Some health problems that can plague Chihuahuas include patellar luxation, eye disorders, periodontal disease, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, collapsing trachea and congestive heart disease. Many Chihuahuas are born with an open fontanel, which can be felt as a soft opening on top of the skull. The opening closes by adulthood in the majority of these dogs. A Chihuahua with an open fontanel is highly susceptible to brain injury, and great care must be taken to protect the dog from situations where he can bump his head.
Chihuahua Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Chihuahua originated in Mexico. The Chihuahua is now often referred to as the Taco Bell dog, thanks to a Chihuahua’s starring role in one the fast food chain’s advertising campaigns. The Chihuahua is a feisty, tenacious little dog that will serve well as a watchdog. With the right training, the Chihuahua makes a loyal companion. The Chihuahua stands six to nine inches tall at the shoulder and weighs two to six pounds. Chihuahuas have a high energy level. Chihuahuas require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Chihuahua is 15 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
