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Known for their small size but larger than life personalities, Chihuahuas are an exceptionally loyal breed who generally enjoy the lap dog life. Often regarded as feisty yet affectionate, Chihuahua dogs have both a lot of energy and a lot of love to give, and they aren’t afraid to be vocal if they need to be! These sweet little pups are full of life, and with the proper care and training can make excellent canine companions.
If you’re here it is likely you want to know more about Chihuahuas as a breed, and you may even be looking to invite one into your home.
We have put together a profile of all the need-to-knows about the Chihuahua dog breed, including their size and appearance, how to care for them, how much Chihuahua puppies will cost and whether they will be a good fit for your household. Bringing a new dog into your life is a big commitment, and so finding the right breed to fit your family is super important.
Could a Chihuahua be the pup for you? Let’s find out!
Lifespan
14 - 16 years
Size
Small / Toy Breed
Weight
3 - 6 lbs
Height
5 - 8 inches
Colors
Common colors include tan, chocolate, white, black, silver/blue - Chihuahuas can also be tricolor
Size of home
Any size - Chihuahuas are a toy breed and so are a good choice for those with smaller houses or apartments
Exercise
Chihuahuas are high energy and will thrive through stimulative play, however they will only require short walks or a daily run around to keep them in tip top shape
Grooming
Short-haired Chihuahuas be brushed at least once a week; long-haired Chihuahuas will likely require 2-3 brushes per week
Chihuahuas are small, toy breed dogs with petite features, pointed ears and bright-eyed little faces. They come in both short and long haired varieties, as well as having differing facial shapes.
They are companion dogs, meaning they will often form a close connection with one member of the family in particular and stick to them like glue! They are extremely loyal and affectionate to those they trust, but do have a tendency to bark at other people or dogs if they feel uneasy.
Due to Chihuahuas’ small size and the boisterous nature of children, they are not always a compatible choice for families with kids. Roughhousing can lead to the dogs getting injured, and in return they may bark or snap at the child. Chihuahuas prefer the life of a lap dog, with lots of gentle fuss and attention, especially from their chosen ‘person’.
Chihuahuas are alert and spritely in nature, and can sometimes be highly strung with a tendency to bark at other people or animals. However not all Chihuahuas are ‘yappy’, with many loving nothing more than snoozing and lounging about in luxury.
Originally hailing from Mexico, these pint-sized pups are thought to have come from the ‘Techichi’, a small dog that was kept by the Toltec people of Mexico. It is then thought that during Aztec civilization, the Techichi bred with the Mexican hairless dog, ‘Xoloitzcuintli’, creating the Chihuahuas we know and love.
Chihuahuas were extremely prevalent in Aztec culture, often being sacrificed after an Aztec noble passed away. This was in the hopes that the noble’s soul would ride the back of the Chihuahua’s soul and make it across the river that led to the afterlife.
The American Kennel Club later recognized Chihuahuas as an official breed in 1904, and they have since become an exceptionally popular breed throughout the world.
In pop culture, Chihuahuas have become something of a symbol of wealth and fashion, appearing as major accessories in films such as Legally Blonde and Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
Chihuahua dogs often have expressive, somewhat comical faces, and tend to be quite animated in both looks and mannerisms - they may even look like they are smiling at you! They have petite features with rather large eyes, giving some an adorable bug-eyed expression.
These little dogs come in both short and long haired varieties, short-haired types often smooth and sleek, while long-haired types are covered in tufts of luscious fluff. Not only that, their coats can boast a whole range of different colors, from tan and chocolate, black and white, to blue/silver, and many are even tricolor, with multicolour markings making them totally unique.
They can have either ‘deer-shaped’ or ‘apple’ shaped heads. The former typically sport a longer snout and more narrow face, with eyes that are less-pronounced and they tend to have a larger body in general. The latter are what many people imagine when they think ‘Chihuahua’, with a smaller, rounder dome-like head, larger, more pronounced eyes, a shorter snout and an overall smaller body.
Weighing in at around 3-6 lbs, it is no wonder they are sometimes referred to as ‘purse dogs’, with their light bodies and small frame (often only standing at 5-8 inches tall!) make them ideal for traveling and carrying off on adventures.
In general, Chihuahuas are known to be very loving and affectionate, particularly to those they trust. They love attention and their favorite thing is often to bask in a sea of cuddles and fuss, with ‘lap dog’ being their preferred job title. They are known for being funny and quirky, and each will have their own unique little tricks and habits to amuse their people.
It is important to remember that they also have a tendency to be feisty and independent, and may sometimes get a little too big (and loud!) for their boots. They have earned a reputation of being ‘yappy’ which, if trained properly, should not be an issue. However, Chihuahuas do like to be vocal, and may bark at other people or animals, out of excitement or anxiety.
Chihuahuas are high energy, and while they only require a little exercise to tire them out, when they are ready to play, oh boy do they play! They love to run about at top speed, and these pocket rockets will also thrive through stimulative play with toys and other dog friendly games.
They are not fans of being left on their own and can be a little needy, and as a result they can get a little anxious or aggressive if they feel uneasy. Ensuring they receive proper playtime and stimulation will help to ensure any unwanted behaviors are kept at bay.
Due to their undeniable cuteness and small frame, Chihuahuas are not always trained properly, being treated more like dolls than dogs. It is imperative that Chihuahuas receive the correct disciplinary training to ensure not only their safety, but to regulate how they socialize and interact with the world around them.
Chihuahuas have gained something of an unsavory reputation for being snappy and yappy, and are not always fond of people and animals that they don’t know. If dogs are taught the right way to behave from day one, they are less likely to develop antisocial behaviors.
While Chihuahuas are small and more fragile than some breeds, many needing extra care and warmth particularly in the colder months, they should not be coddled to the point that they no longer act like a dog. It is the job of a pet parent to guide their dog and teach them that the world is not to be feared if safety precautions are put in place. It may be tempting to carry your Chihuahua everywhere, but how will they learn to stand on their own four paws?
Socializing your Chihuahua with other dogs and people when they are old enough to do so safely is an important step in reducing their fear and wariness around new encounters, and will help stave off behaviors like barking or snapping.
The breed is notoriously tricky to housebreak, and so a regular and regimented potty training routine will need to be implemented to get your pup peeing in the right places.
Chihuahuas are heat seekers and will look to get cozy wherever they can. The breed naturally struggles with the cold, and so extra measures may need to be taken in the colder months to ensure they stay toasty. Dog jumpers and coats are particularly popular, and even booties if your dog is really suffering.
Longer-haired Chihuahuas will naturally need more regular grooming; it is recommended they are brushed 2-3 times a week or more if needed, as well as regular checking of their fluffy little trousers to ensure the swift removal of post-potty debris.
Shorter-haired Chihuahuas can usually be kept in good looks with once-weekly brushing; both hair types should be bathed when needed.
Dental health in Chihuahuas is important to keep in check, with both teeth-brushing and regular vet checks, and their nails should also be kept trimmed to avoid discomfort. If your dog tends to spend more time indoors than out it is less likely that their claws will file down naturally, so you will need to keep on top of this.
While Chihuahuas’ ears tend to stand up and so are less likely to get infections compared with floppy-eared breeds, it is still important to check their ears regularly and clean them if needed. Chihuahuas can also be prone to teary eyes, and so excess liquid and gunk may need to be wiped away regularly to avoid build up and infection - no one wants a crusty Chi!
When it comes to nutrition, this small breed will naturally eat less than their larger breed cousins. There are commercial dog foods catered to all sized breeds, and so it is worth consulting with your vet to find the perfect meals for your pup. Chihuahuas are particularly prone to weight gain, and so this will need to be monitored closely. Treats and table scraps may help with the training process, but they should be given sparingly to avoid risks of canine obesity.
All dog breeds will naturally be more prone to certain illnesses and conditions, and Chihuahuas are no different. Here are some of the most common health issues found in the Chihuahua breed:
A common ailment amongst Chihuahuas, these pups are naturally more prone to pilling on the pounds. This is often due to overeating, being fed too many treats or table scraps, and not receiving enough exercise to counteract their diet. This condition puts strain on the dogs’ joints and can lead to more serious issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
Also known as low blood sugar, this is a condition which is frequently seen in smaller dog breeds, and young Chihuahuas are often particularly susceptible. The dog may become weak and lethargic, with decreased appetite and may even collapse or begin to seize. More regular feeding and the right diet is typically used to treat the condition, however in more serious cases dogs may require specialist hospital care.
Due to their large eyes, Chihuahuas can be more prone to eye complications such as chronic dry eye, cataracts and glaucoma. The breed generally may have teary eyes, however more serious symptoms that point to the aforementioned conditions include eyes that bulge or become red, excessive discharge coming from the eyes, they may rub at their eyes due to the discomfort, and these conditions may even result in canine blindness.
Chihuahuas are small with a narrow pelvis but large heads - understandably this can make reproduction and birth extremely difficult for them, and can result in complications for both mother and puppy. A C-section procedure can be performed if the dog gets into real trouble. We always recommended consulting your vet if you intend to breed Chihuahuas, to ensure the safest outcome for both the parents and their pups.
Also known as dental disease, this condition occurs when a dog’s teeth become overcrowded, encouraging a buildup of plaque and tartar and, subsequently, bacteria. This can then cause gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, tooth rotting and painful abscesses, making it harder for your dog to eat, not to mention making infections more likely.
Chihuahuas and other small dog breeds tend to be more prone to dental issues as their mouths are naturally smaller. Not only this, but many Chihuahuas will not get rid of their baby teeth, making overcrowding even more common. It is recommended to brush your Chihuahua’s teeth regularly and get frequent check ups at the vet to catch any significant issues early.
Sadly, Congestive Heart Failure is known as the main cause of death amongst senior Chihuahuas, and occurs due to a buildup of fluid as a result of the heart’s ineffective pumping of blood. This condition is very often linked to Chronic Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease, wherein the heart’s left-side valve becomes weakened, resulting in blood being leaked backwards - their heart can then become enlarged and, ultimately, fail.
A heart murmur will often be an early indicator that your dog may have this condition, and your vet will be able to guide you further on testing and subsequent treatment and medications.
First and foremost, it is important to know you have rapport with your puppy. It is always recommended that you go and see your puppy in person before buying or rescuing them, and always shop from a reputable charity or breeder. By seeing your puppy face to face, you will be able to gauge whether they will be the right fit for your home; what is their temperament like? Have they been properly cared for? Do you have a connection?
It is important to consider whether your family and living situation is conducive to raising a Chihuahua puppy. If you have children, larger dogs or other animals at home, it is vital that you can rely on the fact that they will be careful and comfortable with having a new member of the family.
The Chihuahua lifespan also ranges between 14-16 years, so this is a long-term commitment for you and your household to undertake - are you ready for the challenge?
One thing to watch out for is breeders who boast they are selling ‘Teacup Chihuahuas’. These pups are very often bred to be extremely small in size, which comes with a whole host of health risks and is unfair to the animal.
In the US, the going rate for Chihuahua puppies is between $800 - $2,000. This will of course depend on the breeder, and we would always recommend trying to rescue rather than buy if at all possible.
There are many charities trying to rehome puppies and fully grown Chihuahuas, and you could be just the family they are looking for.
Chihuahuas are a fun, loyal and adorable option for anyone looking for a canine companion to be by their side. With the correct care and training, Chihuahuas can be loving, amusing and full of life, always ready for fuss and belly rubs and nothing like their ‘yappy’, ‘small-dog syndrome’ stereotype.
What they may lack in size, they make up for in heart and longevity, providing many years of joy and entertainment to those who show them affection and kindness.
We wish you all the best on your quest for the perfect Chihuahua - and remember, keep them warm and well-loved!
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