Chihuahua Breed Information

The Chihuahua is a mighty little dog that is easy to recognize with his small stature, erect ears and big dog personality. Chihuahuas were rightly named after the state they originated from in Mexico. How Chihuahuas ended up in Europe and the US is much debated, but we know that this dog breed can now be found worldwide. Chihuahuas have become so popular that the majority of dogs surrendered at the LA animal shelter are Chihuahuas.

General Characteristics & Personality

Chihuahuas are irresistibly adorable with large eyes, pricked up ears and a pint-sized body. Chihuahuas must weigh fewer than 6 pounds to be shown at a dog show, but Chihuahuas weighing more than 6 pounds are still fabulous pets. 🙂 This tiny dog breed can be any solid color or have spotted and patched markings scattered along their bodies. Plus, Chihuahuas have two varieties of coat length: short or long.

These tiny bodies are filled with a huge personality! They will certainly bark to warn strangers are approaching and will fiercely protect their property. Chihuahuas love the finer things in life, such as a warm lap, soft bedding and complete human devotion.

Buyer Beware: Teacup & Merle Chihuahuas

Before bringing a Chihuahua home, it’s important to know a few important details about this breed. Unethical breeders are using marketing ploys to charge more for runts within a litter. Plus, some are causing horrible health issues.

Teacup Chihuahuas

In the dog show ring, Chihuahuas should weigh under 6 pounds. However, it seems unethical breeders are using marketing tactics to increase the value of smaller sized Chihuahuas. Don’t be fooled by celebrities touting “teacup” Chihuahuas in designer bags. Smaller Chihuahuas shouldn’t cost more than their littermates. If a “breeder” proclaims a higher price tag for a smaller Chihuahua than his normal-sized littermates, you know this is a marketing scam.

Merle Chihuahuas

Oh, this is a big one. Merle coat coloration is certainly beautiful to look at with those blue dapples interwoven with white and gray. Sometimes, not always, merle coat coloration produces lighter colored eyes too. But there’s something you should know about the merle color gene, and it’s recessive.

In other words, merle coat coloration carries several nasty health issues with it, such as deafness, blindness, skin issues, aggression and so forth. And if an unethical breeder breeds two merle Chihuahuas together, this is a recipe for disaster.

This poor double merle puppy has received a double dose of these nasty health issue genes, which is completely unfair and could’ve been prevented. Be careful of this coloration. Purchase a puppy from a responsible dog breeder, and spay or neuter your merle dog.

Health

For the most part, Chihuahuas are very healthy and live long lives (15-18 years). Before a Chihuahua can be bred, they must complete health testing to ensure they’re not affected by congenital disease. All Chihuahuas, after two years of age, must have their hearts, paellas (knees) and eyes health tested and pass OFA requirements.

Responsible breeders health test all of their dogs before breeding—there’s no exception. If your breeder doesn’t complete health testing, or is unable to provide official OFA certificates, then walk away. It’s important to note that responsible breeders charge the same or less than unethical breeders.

Grooming Requirements

Short-coated Chihuahuas should be brushed once or twice a week while long-coated versions should be brushed more frequently. You should trim your Chihuahua’s nails every week and brush his teeth every day.

RELATED: Small Dog Dental Care Tips

Exercise & Dog Training Needs

While this dog breed is small, Chihuahuas still need plenty of physical and mental exercise. Daily walks for 30 minutes a day are recommended. Enroll your Chihuahua into puppy and basic manners class too, so they’re exposed to different sized dogs and myriad people. Small dogs should also learn polite manners, such as sit, come, polite leash walking and no jumping.

Where to Find Chihuahuas

Rescuing a dog is always strongly recommended. Local shelters are packed with Chihuahuas, so start your search there first. Also, you can contact a rescue for dogs and puppies in your area. If you decide to purchase a puppy, please choose from this list of reputable breeders who health test dogs before breeding.