Chihuahua Breed Characteristics
Height
15 to 23 cm at the shoulder
Weight
3 to 6 pounds
Life Expectancy
12 to 18 years
Coat Colours
Black, white, fawn, chocolate, cream, gold
Chihuahua
Feisty, friendly and devoted
About the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has a giant dog personality stuffed into a toy dog’s body. Above all else, they love being with their family, and are remarkably devoted and alert companions. While they’re small, they aren’t exactly low-maintenance, and can ask a lot of their owners.
For many dog lovers, this trade-off is more than worth it to have such a lively and affectionate pup. Chihuahua puppies are playful little scamps, but once they’ve gotten enough exercise they’re more than content to snuggle up to you on the couch.
Even though they’re a toy breed, they’re intelligent and agile enough to compete in a number of canine sports. A well-trained and well-socialised Chihuahua is a delightful family dog and loyal protector, only in miniature.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Chihuahua, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
4/5
Friendly with Dogs
2/5
Ease of Grooming
5/5
Exercise Needs
1/5
Prey Drive
3/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
4/5
Good for Novice Owners
3/5
Apartment Living
5/5
Chihuahua Breed History
The Chihuahua is an ancient dog breed and can be traced back to the 9th century. Toltec carvings from Central and South America depict a small dog much resembling the Chihuahua. This ancestor of the modern breed was called the Techichi.
The breed was first discovered by Westerners in the mid 19th century in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which the breed gets its name. However, for a good long while the breed did not have any official name, and was named based on where it was found. It’s been called the Arizona dog, the Mexico dog, Texas dog and the Chihuahua dog.
Chihuahuas have made prominent appearances in popular culture, with stints in TV shows such as ‘Sex and the City’ and movies such as ‘Legally Blonde’. Today, this breed holds a special place in the hearts of dog lovers around the world for its feisty personality and adaptability to any household.
Caring For a Chihuahua
- Temperament: Chihuahuas love being the centre of attention, and tend to be playful and affectionate dogs. They are devoted to their owners, often fixating on one member of the family.
- Grooming: Chihuahuas of all coat types need regular brushing and bathing, but this is usually relatively easy since the dog is so small.
- Exercise: They aren’t overly energetic, and have limited stamina. However, they also aren’t couch potatoes, and need short daily walks to stay fit and healthy.
- Nutrition: Adult Chihuahuas will need around a ¼ to ½ cup of dry dog food each day. A Chihuahua puppy will need around half that amount. It’s best to space out their food throughout the day since their stomachs are so small.
- Training: While most Chihuahuas are very intelligent, that intelligence comes with a self-assured nature that can turn into a stubborn streak. They are very trainable with the right motivation and consistent training routine.
How to Choose a Responsible Chihuahua Breeder
When buying your Chihuahua puppy, the best place to start is by finding reputable Chihuahua breeders. A good breeder should know how to properly care for and raise their animals. Even better if they are part of breeding organisations that uphold standards for the welfare of the animals.
If you are lucky enough to find a responsible breeder near you, make an effort to visit them before committing to a sale. They should have clean and comfortable accommodations for their animals. Your breeder should also be able to tell you the genetic profile of their dogs, so that you have a better sense of their overall health and well-being.
Chihuahua FAQ
Can Chihuahuas be left alone throughout the day?
No, they are not meant to be alone. They bond extremely closely with their family members, and may become sad and lonely if they aren’t involved in family activities.
Are Chihuahuas aggressive?
No. They make great watch dogs since they’re very alert and are protective of their territory. However, when well-socalised and trained, they should not be aggressive if they’ve learned proper boundaries.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Chihuahua
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
