Chihuahua sitting before a pink background

Chihuahua

avatar Christy McDowell, LVT, VTS (ECC)

Height5-8"

Weight6 lbs

TypeToy

Life Expectancy14-16 years

Area of OriginMexico

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Chihuahua is famous for being among the smallest breeds in the world. Though these dogs are small, they have a big personality to make up for their size, which is one of the reasons they're a treasured companion worldwide. They are believed to have originated in Mexico, but many images from centuries past resembling the Chihuahua have been found all over the world. They are well known for their playful nature and lovable attitude, and they make great alert dogs.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Chihuahuas From?

Evidence of the Chihuahua has been linked back to China, Egypt, Malta, Mexico, South America, and parts of Europe from as early as the 9th Century. Many believe that the Chihuahua’s ancestors were the Techichi, a breed that was common to the Toltecs. There is also evidence that the Chihuahua breed we know today may be a mix between the Techichi and a small, hairless Aztec breed, which came to prominence following the conquering of the Toltecs in the Twelfth Century.

The royal Aztecs held the breed in high regard and considered Chihuahuas that were blue in color to be the most sacred. Their remains have even been discovered in ancient graves, placed next to their owners. In 1520, after Hernando Cortes conquered Mexico, the breed was briefly lost to history. They were rediscovered in the 1800s and named “Chihuahua” after the Mexican state that possessed the most relics and statues in their likeness. The Chihuahua made its way to the States around 1850, when Americans transported them from Mexico. At this time, the breed typically had longer snouts, smaller eyes, and bat-like ears. Over time, US breeders have produced today’s “”American”” version of the dog, boasting a rounded head and pleading, baby eyes. The Chihuahua is the 33rd most popular breed in America today.

Where Are Chihuahuas From?

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Chihuahua Need?

The Chihuahua does best with any high-quality dog food. They can be picky eaters and require some trial and error when selecting a diet. Discuss any dietary concerns with your veterinarian. Chihuahuas are also prone to obesity, since overfeeding is a big concern for small-breed dogs. You can avoid this by carefully measuring your Chihuahua’s meals and only offering infrequent treats.

Are Chihuahuas Healthy?

The Chihuahua is a hardy toy-breed dog. They are generally healthy, but are prone to certain issues like heart disease, patellar luxation, and tracheal collapse. Due to their head shape, some have a soft spot in the center of the head, called a fontanel, that should be protected to prevent damage. The average lifespan of the Chihuahua is 14 – 16 years.

Chihuahuas are predisposed to: hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, luxating patellas, cryptorchidism, urolithiasis, tracheal collapse, chronic valvular heart disease, patent ductus arteriosis, anal sac disease, congenital elbow luxation, testicular tumors, atlantoaxial subluxation, lens luxation, glaucoma, melanoma, and corneal dystrophy.

What Kind of Diet Does a Chihuahua Need?

Are Chihuahuas Healthy?

Caring for a Chihuahua

What Kind of Diet Does a Chihuahua Need?

How Often Should You Bathe a Chihuahua?

Are Chihuahuas Healthy?

Are Chihuahuas Easy to Train?

How Much Exercise Does a Chihuahua Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Chihuahua Need?

What Are the Characteristics of a Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are an elegant and alert toy breed with a fiery expression and a terrier-like temperament. The desired height is 5 – 8 inches at the shoulder. The breed should not exceed 6 pounds in weight.

The Chihuahua head is well rounded with an apple-shaped dome skull. The eyes are full, but don’t jut out, and are far apart. The ears are pointy and project outward. The nose is relatively short.

The body of the Chihuahua is lean, well-balanced, and slightly longer than tall.

The tail is relatively long, with the tip of the tail slightly hitting the back.

The shoulders are lean, balanced, and sound. Feet are small and dainty.

Chihuahuas come in smooth and rough coat types. In smooth-coated dogs, the coat should be soft and glossy. Long-coated dogs may have curly hair and a soft undercoat. Any color is an acceptable breed standard.

The hindquarters are firm and sturdy.

Chihuahua Facts

1

Famous Chihuahuas include Gidget (the Taco Bell Chihuahua), Bruiser Woods from "Legally Blonde," and Boo Boo, the world's smallest dog.

2

Chihuahua means "between two waters" in Spanish.

3

The President of Mexico awarded opera singer Adelina Patti with a Chihuahua in 1890. The gift was small enough to be concealed in a bouquet.

Other Breeds to Explore

Choosing a Brussels Griffon

Chinese Crested

Choosing an English Toy Spaniel

References

Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. Random House Digital, Inc., 2006.
Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H Publications, Inc., 1995.
“Chihuahua Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/.