Chihuahua – A Guide To The World’s Smallest Dog Breed

What’s In This Guide

• Chihuahua At A Glance
• In-depth Breed Review
• Chihuahua Training And Care
• Pros And Cons Of Getting A Chihuahua

Chihuahua FAQs

Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the Chihuahua:

• Are Chihuahuas good family dogs?
• What were Chihuahua dogs originally bred for?

The lovely Chihuahua is a tiny and portable dog.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the Chihuahua’s good points and bad.

We’ll look at their temperament, health, and a few special needs.

We’ll talk about different types of Chihuahua. And discover some cute Chihuahua mixes.

You’ll also find reviews of fun products that you can buy for your Chihuahua. As well as tips for caring for your tiny friend.

Breed At A Glance

• Popularity: No. 32 on the AKC register
• Purpose: Companion
• Weight: Up to 6lb
• Temperament: Loving but feisty

Chihuahua Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose of the Chihuahua
• Fun facts about Chihuahuas
• Chihuahua appearance
• Chihuahua temperament
• Training and exercising your Chihuahua
• Chihuahua health and care
• Do Chihuahuas make good family pets
• Rescuing a Chihuahua
• Finding a Chihuahua puppy
• Popular Chihuahua breed mixes
• Chihuahua products and accessories

History and origins of the Chihuahua

Let’s begin by finding out where Chihuahuas come from.

There is some debate about the origins of the Chihuahua.

Most people assume they come from Mexico. The land who gave the Chihuahua dog their name in the late 1800s.

However, it is quite possible they came along at this point from another country.

Some of their ancestors may also have been native pet dogs.

The Techichi dogs of the Toltec civilization are very similar.

This would mean the breed has been in Mexico for a very long time. Possibly thousands of years!

Some people believe they can trace the Chihuahua’s ancestors back to the 1500s.

Whatever their origins, these tiny dogs have been lovingly bred for generations.

And are now one of the most wanted Toy breeds in the world.

Fun facts about Chihuahuas

Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Paris Hilton and Madonna. They have all been pictured with their Chihuahuas.

You can bet photos of Chihuahuas with celebs has helped to increase the popularity of these little cuties.

Despite his tiny size the Chihuahua is as much a dog as any other breed.

These little dogs enjoy doggy activities, and have a long history of being friends with humans.

Although small in size, Chihuahuas have quite a loud bark and are great watch dogs.

In this way, they are like many terriers.

And it’s something to consider if your neighbors are not keen on noise!

Chihuahua appearance

The Chihuahua is a very small and dainty dog. He has a balanced body shape and long arched neck

Both the USA and UK Chihuahua breed clubs put a top weight limit of 6 lbs on the breed.

Despite this, many pet Chihuahuas weigh more. And that is not a bad thing if the dogs in question are not fat.

The breed standard

The Chihuahua has an apple-shaped dome, fairly short muzzle and round but not protruding eyes.

There are some Chihuahuas with flatter, less domed heads. These are known as Deer Head Chihuahuas. Some people prefer the dogs with flatter heads.

Large upright ears complete the look. They also add to the Chihuahua dog’s ‘cute as a button’ appeal!

Teacup chihuahuas

Fans refer to very small dogs of this breed as teacup Chihuahuas.

The teacup Chihuahua is not a separate breed of dog. It’s just a way of describing much smaller pups.

Sadly there are some problems with teacup Chihuahuas. It’s important to read up on these if you’re thinking of taking on a teacup.

Chihuahua coats – long and short haired

Chihuahuas are split into two coat types, short-haired and long-haired.

It is thought that the short-haired variety came first.

A short-haired Chihuahua’s coat will be smooth, soft to the touch, close and glossy.

They come in a wonderful variety of colors. Check out our guide to brindle dog breeds to learn more!

The Long Haired Chihuahua

The long-haired Chihuahua is the same size and shape. They simply have longer fur.

This should be soft and flat or slightly wavy.

Long haired Chihuahuas have more fur on their ears, legs and tail too.

Other than that, there is really no difference between them!

Chihuahua temperament

You may have heard that this breed can be grumpy or even prone to snap. There is some truth in that, but there are many friendly Chis too.

Chihuahuas have a terrier like temperament.

They can be a little ‘feisty.’

With their long history as companion dogs, many Chihuahuas are loving and devoted to their owners.

This devotion can however lead to guarding. This in turn can lead to growling, and even snapping.

Are chihuahuas aggressive?

They also seem more capable than some other breeds of turning on their owners. A 2008 study found that chihuahuas were one of the most aggression prone breeds.

This included attacks on both strangers and their own families.

They are also prone to injury due to their tiny size.

Sadly for all these reasons they are not recommend for homes with kids.

Training and exercising your Chihuahua

Some chihuahuas are easier to train than others.

Some work at advanced levels in competitions or on TV.

However, your devoted Chihuahua friend may show his loyalty with unwanted guarding, or be difficult to potty train.

He also will need socializing thoroughly as a puppy.

It’s important to get good training advice from the beginning.

Due to their small size, Chihuahuas don’t need a huge amount of exercise.

This doesn’t mean that they can go without a daily walk or having some yard time. Little dogs still need to run and play outdoors

Regular but light exercise will also help keep this dog in top condition.

Keeping your Chihuahua safe

The Chihuahua is not just small. He is also fragile and prone to broken bones.

These dogs are at risk of injury from being knocked or dropped by their human family. Falls and other accidents in the home can be serious.

Protecting your Chihuahua from attacks

Tiny dogs are also at risk from other dogs. A bouncy larger dog could pick a chihuahua up and shake him.

Sadly, fatal attacks can and do happen . So you will need to take steps to ensure your dog’s safety outdoors

You will need to be careful when out walking. Mind who you allow your dog to approach or play with.

You can’t be as off-hand as you might be with larger dogs. This is most true with Chihuahua puppies, they’ll be even tinier!

Potty training patience

Potty training very tiny dogs can be a little more tricky. You will need to be patient.

Very tiny dogs have very tiny bladders. They therefore need to empty them more often.

Be patient and persistent. Follow good potty training rules, and you’ll succeed.

Chihuahua health and care

Most Chihuahua health problems are due to their size.

Being on the small side is a health advantage when it comes to dogs. But being very tiny indeed, is not.

Hence tiny dogs share a range of sometimes serious health problems. And many have severe dental problems too.

Let’s look at those first.

Chihuahua teeth

Extra dental care is needed for tiny dogs. Their teeth get crowded together in their little mouths.

This crowding makes decay more likely.

This breed needs all the help it can get against dental disease. But daily toothbrushing is a must. However, it can’t ensure good dental health.

Diet can be an ally in fighting tooth decay. Steer clear of sweet treats.

Food high in sugar content could make dental issues more likely.

Your Chihuahua will need regular dental checks.

Keep an eye on his mouth yourself too.

This way you can spot early on if it looks bad.

Dental work can then be carried out early.

Birthing problems

Chihuahuas also suffer from difficulty giving birth. They often need assistance.

Why this happens exactly isn’t incredibly clear.

But it is likely to be due to the extreme features of the Chihuahua. Namely the bulging head shape

Breeding for this head shape, sadly, isn’t helpful when it comes to health.

This is vital to keep in mind if you intend to have puppies.

She will need extra care during birth. This is likely to mean additional costs.

Common Chihuahua health issues

The Chihuahua is also more prone to stress injuries like patellar dislocation. This is where the kneecap pops out of place.

There are some other common health concerns.

These include epilepsy and low blood sugar. There is also tracheal collapse.

It’s usually possible to avoid very low blood sugar by feeding your Chihuahua little and often.

In other words, more small meals rather than one or two larger meals each day.

Brain problems

There is also the danger of necrotizing meningoencephalitis.

In this illness, brain tissue swells and dies off. This results in random and strange movements.

It can also bring about severe pain.

Chihuahuas have this risk in common with some other toy breeds. It’s likely also a result of their small heads.

Don’t forget, if you have any worries about your dog’s health, your vet is the person to contact.

Accidental poisoning

Chihuahuas can easily be poisoned by quite small amounts of chocolate. Or indeed any other substances that are toxic to dogs. This is due to their size.

Be very careful to avoid your Chihuahua eating chewing gum. It often contains xylitol, which is a poison to all dogs.

Chihuahua lifespan

We’ve seen many claims for long life in Chihuahuas.

But a study published in 2010 looked at 407 Chihuahuas including 71 death reports.

The study found that Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of about 12.4 years.

Despite this, the Chihuahua lifespan is by no means the worst dog breed when it comes to a long life.

Grooming and clipping

Short haired Chihuahuas are very low maintenance. They don’t need much grooming.

Still, it’s good to get any dog used to having a brush run through it’s coat.

If you are busy, the short haired Chihuahua will be fine if you skip a few days.

Their long-haired cousins will require more frequent brushing. Their fur may also need a light trim to keep them in good order.

Do Chihuahuas make good family pets

Chihuahuas are fragile and easily injured if dropped by children.

Children under the age of seven also can’t control how tightly they grip your little dog. They can hurt them.

For this reason, and because of the possible aggression and guarding problems mentioned above, the Chihuahua is not recommended as a family pet.

Finding a Chihuahua Puppy

Make sure you pick a breeder who is open about health testing and parents’ background.

The parents of your puppy will help to give you a good idea of the puppy’s future nature.

It is a good idea to ask to meet both parents.

Make sure they are each friendly when you see them.

But temperament is only partly inherited. The way puppies are raised is important too.

Being very thorough with socialization is the key to a friendly dog.

This will help to avoid the puppy growing into a snappy or grumpy adult.

Rescuing a Chihuahua

If you are thinking of getting a Chihuahua do consider rescuing an older dog that needs a home.

Consider adopting a Chihuahua from an animal shelter.

There are many small dogs waiting for a loving home.

Breed rescue organisations include

• Chihuahua Rescue and Transport (USA)
• Chihuahua Rescue UK
• Chihuahua Rescue Australia and
• Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport

Do you know about a breed rescue that’s not on our list? Comment below and let us know.

TIP: Bringing home a rescue Chihuahua? A great way avoid ‘accidents’ is to treat them like a puppy.

They won’t instinctively know where you want them to pee. Let them out often. And keep them on a washable floor until they have settled in.

Avoiding the tiniest chihuahuas

Don’t be sucked into buying a puppy from very tiny parents.

Slightly larger dogs may even be healthier.

More space in the skull and mouth will help ensure a better quality of life.

So it’s a good idea to avoid any breeder that is selling ‘teacup’ Chihuahuas.

A bigger dog will have a better chance of a long and healthy life.

Popular Chihuahua breed mixes

Are you interested in a mixed breed Chihuahua?

There are lots of varieties available:

• Chihuahua Poodle Mix
• Jack Chi
• PomChi
• Chihuahua Terrier Mix
• Chorkie
• Chihuahua Dachshund Mix

Comparing the Chihuahua with other breeds

We compare the Chihuahua with the Shih Tzu. Which breed is right for you?

Similar Breeds

If you’re thinking of getting a Chihuahua you might also like to consider these other small breeds.

• Yorkshire terrier
• Jack Russell
• Whippet

Pros And Cons of Getting A Chihuahua

Chihuahuas don’t suit homes with kids. But they can work well for some adult only families.

If you are looking for a very small and devoted companion dog, this could be the breed for you.

Be aware of the need to avoid accident and injuries both at home and out on walks. And of the risk of aggression in some dogs of this breed.

Your Dog

Don’t forget to tell us all about your pet.

Tell us how old your little dog is and what you like best about them!

You can share in the comments box below.

Chihuahua products and accessories

• Beds And Baskets
• Food For Adults
• Chihuahua Clothing
• Food For Puppies

References And Resources

• Adams, 2010. Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK. Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Capik, 2010. Periodontal Health vs. Various Preventive Means in Toy Dog Breeds. Acta Veterinaria
• Priester, 1972. Sex, Size, and Breed as Risk Factors in Canine Patellar Dislocation . JAVMA
• Higgins, 2008. Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis in Five Chihuahua Dogs. Veterinary Pathology
• The Chihuahua Club Of America
• The British Chihuahua Club
• The American Kennel Club
• Gendler, 2007. Canine dystocia: Medical and surgical management Vet Folio
• Crossley, 2005. Periodontal Disease in Carnivores Dentistry For Small Animal Practitioners
• Peridontal Health vs. Various Preventive Means in Toy Dog Breeds
• Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
• O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Dogs Owned In England. The Veterinary Journal
• Schalamon et al. 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics
• Duffy D et al. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2008
• Packer et al. 2015. Impact of Facial Conformation On Canine Health. PlosOne