Chihuahua

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Size: Small
Other Names: Chihuahueño
Country of Origin: Mexico
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Toy
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Toys
United Kennel Club (UKC): Companion Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Toys
The Kennel Club (KC): Toy
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Toy
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Toy

Chihuahuas is a very small breed of dog. There are two types of Chihuahuas: the Long-Haired and the Short-Haired Chihuahua. Words like "teacup", "pocket size", "tiny toy", "miniature", "Mandy" and "standard" are often used to describe different-sized Chihuahuas, but these terms refer to the size of the Chihuahua, and are not different types of Chihuahua.

A tiny companion who fits an apartment; almost no coat work on the smooths, a bright hallway voice, and as much personality as a much larger dog.

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Chihuahuas are popular amongst urban residents with smaller homes.

Height: 6-10 inches average
Weight: 2-10 pounds
Color: While the classic Chihuahua color is fawn, Chihuahuas can be any color, solid, marked or splashed. Merle coloration is a sort of speckled or dappled effect, and often also affects the eye color of the dog. While the merle appearance is much admired by some, the gene that causes it can also cause blindness and deafness.
Coat: Long-coat, smoother to the touch than short-haired, with soft, fine guard hairs and a downy undercoat, which give them a fluffy appearance, and it may take up to 2 years for a full long-haired coat to develop; or, smooth-coat (short-haired, short-coat), hair can range from having a velvet touch to a whiskery feeling
Lifespan: 14–16 years
Litter size: 2–4 puppies

Temperament

Chihuahuas are prized for their devotion, ferocity, and personality. Their curious personality and small size make them easily adaptable to a variety of environments, including the city and small apartments. Chihuahuas are often stereotyped as high-strung, though it has been shown that correct training and socialization can result in an outstanding companion animal. They can also be quite affectionate with their owners. Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size, temperament, and tendency to bite when frightened. It is recommended that children be school aged or older before adding a Chihuahua to one's home. Chihuahuas also tend to have a "clannish" nature, often preferring the companionship of other Chihuahuas over other dogs.

Training

Very quick to learn commands, the clever Chihuahua is easily trained. Many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person, becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships. This can be mitigated through socialization.

Care and grooming

Overfeeding a Chihuahua can be a grave danger to the small dog's health, shortening their life and leading to diabetes. One unique trait in most chihuahuas is the tendency to "burrow" into blankets or clothing in order to sleep. This can prove a danger if a person sits on a bed or sofa without checking for sleeping dogs. Short-haired Chihuahuas require no trimming and minimal grooming.

Shedding

Low to moderate; long-coated dogs leave more hair than smooth coats.

Health

Chihuahuas may be prone to patellar luxation, dental crowding, heart murmurs, and hypoglycemia in tiny puppies. Keep them lean and protect them from cold and rough play.

Crosses that include the Chihuahua

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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