The Chihuahua dog is the smallest of all cuspid , with a distinctive weight range of three to six pounding . There is a large assortment in size , chassis , color , and even coat character .
Perhaps because of that cooking stove , and because of their firm attachment to their owners , the Chihuahua is a very pop pet .
But isthis lapdogright for you ? permit ’s take a tightlipped look at the type of family it will befit .
What’s In This Guide
Chihuahua FAQs
Our readers ’ most pop and oftentimes asked questions about this tiny pup .
At A Glance
Chihuahua Review: Contents
History And Original Purpose
There is some debate about the origin of this dog .
Most multitude assume they amount from Mexico . This is a logical effrontery , since they were named after the state of Chihuahua , Mexico .
However , they did n’t get this name until the 1800s . And it is still quite potential they came from another country .
Some of their ancestors may also have been native pet dogs . The Techichi detent of the Toltec refinement are very standardized .
This would think this dog has been in Mexico for a very farsighted time . Possibly even thousand of class !
Some people think they can trace the Chihuahua ’s ancestors back to the 1500s .
Whatever their origin , these tiny dogs have been lovingly bred as pets for generations .
Fun Facts About Chihuahuas
What do Britney Spears , Demi Moore , Paris Hilton , and Madonna all have in rough-cut ? They have all been visualise with their Chihuahuas .
you may count that picture of them with celebs have helped to increase the popularity of these little cuties !
And they have also been featured in a number of flick , sometimes even as the main fictitious character . Beverly Hills Chihuahua is a classic example .
Despite his tiny sizing , the Chihuahua is as much a dog as any other . These little dogs enjoy doggy activities , and have a long history of being protagonist with humankind .
Although little in size , they have quite a forte bark and are great watch hound . 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 physical structure human body and long arched neck . His eyes are big and round , and typically set fairly close together .
prominent , upright ear complete the look . They also summate to the dog ’s ‘ cute as a button ’ prayer !
Chihuahuas can come in many color , combinations , and variations .
Many standards do not intend the idealistic height of a Chihuahua , but its height can range between 6 to 12 or even to 15 inches .
Both the USA and UKChihuahua clubsput a top weight boundary of 6 pounds on them . But there is often a difference between a Canis familiaris engender for show and one which is a familiar animal .
Many pet Chihuahuas count more , possibly even up to ten hammer . And that is not a bad matter , as long as the dogs in query are not productive .
Types Of Chihuahua
standard call for an apple - shaped head , with a jolly little gag and eyes that are round but which do not protrude from the principal . This type is name to as “ apple head . ”
There are some Chihuahuas with flatter , less domed heads . These are known as deer head Chihuahuas . Some people prefer the dogs with monotonic heads .
These two types are not separate , only variations within the type .
The same is lawful of what are popularly called teacup Chihuahuas . These are very little variants . This can happen when the dogs are breed down purposefully , such as mating half-pint with runts . Or it may happen as the result of introducing a dwarfism gene .
But there , lamentably , a lot of health issues when it comes to very small Chihuahuas .
We do not urge purchasing a “ teacup ” variation of any click , and peculiarly not one that already tends to be very small and tenuous . People who particularize in teacup Chihuahuas do not generally have the overall wellness of the dog at heart .
For more data on this , please read our in - profundity article onteacup Chihuahuas .
Long Haired Chihuahuas Vs. Short Haired Chihuahuas
The story is a small act different when it fare to coat length variations , however . This type is break up into two coat types , short - haired and long - hirsute .
It is reckon that the short - haired variety came first . The coating of a short - haired version will be smooth , subdued to the touch , close-fitting and glossy .
The long - haired Chihuahua is the same sizing and shape . They just have long pelt . This should be easy and monotonous or slimly wavy .
prospicient hairy mixed bag have more fur on their ears , stage and tail too .
Other than that , there is really no difference between them !
Despite this fact , some doghouse baseball club record these dogs as two classifiable types , and do n’t permit cross between long and myopic haired Chihuahuas to be show .
Chihuahua Temperament
You may have heard that they can be grumpy , or even prone to snap . There is some the true in that . However , there are many well-disposed Chis , too .
Chihuahuashave a terrier - like disposition . They can be a little feisty , to put it gently . These little cad in spades have big personalities !
With their long history as companion dog , though , many are get it on and devoted to their owners .
This devotedness can , however , lead to guarding . This in turn can guide to growl , and even click .
They also seem more capable than some other dogs of ferment on their owners . A2008 study found that they were one of the most aggression prone pups .
This include tone-beginning on both strangers and their own families . They are also prone to accidental injury due to their midget size of it . Sadly , for all these reasons , they are not recommend for family with kids .
Training And Exercising Your Chihuahua
Some Chihuahuas are easier to train than others . They are very smart dog . Some work at advanced levels in competitions or on TV .
However , your devoted puppy may show his loyalty with undesirable guarding , or be hard to potty train . He also will ask thoroughgoing socializing as a pup .
It ’s crucial to get full Chihuahua - specific education advice from the beginning .
Due to their small size , they do n’t ask a huge amount of exercise . This does n’t entail that they can go without a daily walk or having some yard sentence . Little andiron still need to run and meet alfresco . Regular but light drill will also help keep this dog in top shape .
Potty training very lilliputian dogscan be a lilliputian more guileful . You will ask to be patient .
Chihuahua Health And Care
Chihuahuas are definitely prone to sure wellness issues . Most are due to their size of it . This articlegoes into more depth .
Being on the small side is a health advantage when it comes to dogs . But being very tiny indeed is not .
Hence , bantam firedog apportion a range of sometimes serious wellness problems .
They are prone tostress injuries like patellar dislocation . This is where the kneepan pops out of place . TheCanine Health Information Centerrecommends that they are health examine for patellar issue , as well as cardiac and eye problem .
Other Issues
Other health problem admit epilepsy and low blood sugar . There is also a peril of tracheal collapse .
It ’s usually possible to avoid very low stemma sugar by feed your Chihuahua little and often .
In other words , more small meals rather than one or two large meal each day .
Chihuahua Dental Problems
superfluous dental guardianship is call for for tiny frump . Their tooth get push together in their little mouths .
This crowding makes radioactive decay more likely .
This dog needs all the help it can get against dental disease . Daily tooth brush is a must . However , itcan’t ensure salutary dental health .
Diet can be an friend in fighting tooth decay . manoeuver clear of sweetened treat . intellectual nourishment high in sugar content could make dental issue more probable .
Your Chihuahua will need regular dental check . Keep an eye on his mouth yourself too .
This way you may spot early on if it look unsound . Dental work can then be carried out early .
Birthing Problems
They also suffer from difficulty collapse birth . They often want assistance .
Why this happens on the nose is n’t incredibly clear .
But it is likely to be due to the extreme forcible features of the dog . Namely , the bulging school principal shape . pick out for this head shape , sadly , is n’t helpful when itcomes to health .
This is critical to keep in mind if you intend to have puppy .
Your female Chihuahua will need extra care during birth . This is probable to mean additional cost .
Brain Problems
There is also the danger ofnecrotizing meningoencephalitis .
In this illness , mental capacity tissue swells and die off . This ensue in random and unknown cause .
It can also wreak about severe pain in the neck .
Chihuahuas have this risk in common with some othertoys . It ’s in all likelihood also a answer of their small header .
Do n’t forget , if you have any worry about your dog ’s wellness , your vet is the person to contact .
Accidental Poisoning
Chihuahuas can easy be envenom by quite little amounts of chocolate . Or , indeed , any other substances that are toxic to dog . This is due to their sizing .
Be very heedful to head off allow your frank eat chewing gum . It often contains xylitol , which is apoison to all cad .
Fragility
The Chihuahua is not just small . He is also fragile and prostrate to broken bones .
These dogs are at danger of accidental injury from being knocked or dropped by their human family . Falls and other accidents in the home can be serious .
Tiny wienerwurst are also at jeopardy from other andiron . Whether in attack or in play , a heavy hotdog could pick a Chihuahua up and shake him . Such trauma could result in serious accidental injury or even death .
Sadly , fateful attacks can and do chance . So you will need to take step to ensure your dog ’s safety equipment alfresco .
Be careful when out walking . Mind who you allow your dog to approach or make for with .
You ca n’t be as off - helping hand as you might be with larger dogs . This is especially true with puppies , as they ’ll be even tiny !
Chihuahua Lifespan And Grooming
So how long do Chihuahuas live ? Even with all the above government issue , we ’ve date many claims for longsighted life-time in Chihuahuas .
But astudy write in 2010looked at 407 Chihuahuas , including 71 death story . The study found that they have an average lifespan of about 12.4 eld .
Despite this , their life is by no means the worst weenie when it derive to a long biography .
curt haired Chihuahuas are very dispirited maintenance . They do n’t ask much grooming .
Still , it ’s good to get any dog used to having a copse lead through its coating .
If you are busy , the short haired dog will be okay if you hop a few Day . Their long - haired first cousin 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?
It ’s true that as popular as Chihuahuas are , they ’re frequently rule as a family pet , and often along with other dogs as well . However , we can not recommend that you choose this type if you have little nipper or larger Canis familiaris .
Chihuahuas are flimsy and easily injured if dropped by children .
Children under the age of seven also ca n’t control how tightly they grip your minuscule dog . They can hurt them .
And larger dogs could easily hurt the Chihuahua , even without mean to .
For this reason , and because of the potential aggressiveness and hold problems mentioned above , they are not recommended as a dearie for a family with pocket-sized children .
For a fellowship without nestling which is willing to put time and love into prepare their only - dog , this dog could be a good option to reckon .
Rescuing A Chihuahua
If you are thinking of engender a Chihuahua , do look at rescuing an old dog that require a home plate .
debate take in from an animal tax shelter . There are many pocket-sized frump waiting for a loving home .
sweep up a hotdog will economise the often considerable fees you would pay for a puppy . And it give way a needed andiron another chance in aliveness .
TIP : add home a rescue dog ? A great way avoid “ accidents ” is to treat them like a puppy .
They wo n’t instinctively bang where you require them to pee-pee . get them out often . And keep them on a washable base until they have patch up in .
For Chihuahua rescues , take a look at ourlist below .
Finding A Chihuahua Puppy
On the other hired hand , you may want the fortune to pick your infant Chihuahua and find out them produce . In this typeface , you will likely have a lot of alternative as these are popular dogs . But there are some carefulness in order .
Make certain you pick a litter with an owner who is open abouthealth testingand parents ’ background . The parent of your puppy will serve to give you a good idea of the pup ’s future nature . It is a right approximation to ask to meetbothparents . ensure they are each well-disposed when you see them .
Please be certain to avoid puppy mill , pet storage , and backyard people . The first two will not have the proficient stake of the puppy at heart , and will be focused on making money , often at the expense of the stock ’s wellness . The second often will not havehealth testedtheir pawl .
Put Your Dog’s Health First
Do n’t be sucked into bribe a pup from very tiny parents . Slightly larger dogs may even be healthier . More infinite in the skull and oral cavity will help oneself secure a better quality of lifespan .
So it ’s a in effect musical theme to stave off anyone that is sell ‘ teacup ’ puppies . A large infant Chihuahua will have a better probability of a farsighted and sizable life .
For helpful information on find puppy , take a spirit at ourpuppy search templet .
One thing to keep in mind is the likelihood of finding a mixed dog that has one Chihuahua parent . This is really often a welfare to the pawl ’s wellness . And loan-blend are increasingly popular .
Raising A Chihuahua Puppy
Remember , temperament is only part inherited . The way puppy are raise is important too .
Being very exhaustive with acculturation is the paint to a friendly dog . This will assist to avoid the puppy growing into a nipping or grumpy grownup .
Caring for a vulnerable pup is a big duty . There are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and education . You’ll discover them listed on ourChihuahua puppy pageboy .
Popular Chihuahua Mixes
Are you concerned in a mixed Chihuahua ?
There are scores of mixed bag available :
Comparing The Chihuahua With Other Dogs
It can be grueling to truly equate one dog with another , but sometimes it ’s necessary to be intimate which type will fit you best .
get ’s equate theChihuahua with the Shih Tzu . Both belittled dogs , with spunky personalities , they yet have more differences than they do similarity . Which is right for you ?
Similar Dogs
If you ’re thinking of getting a Chi , but not entirely go under for some reason , you might also like to turn over these other small whelp .
Pros And Cons Of Getting A Chihuahua
Cons
Pros
Chihuahua Products And Accessories
Chihuahua Rescues
As popular as Chihuahuas and their commixture are , there always seem to be some in need of a household .
Rescue organisations let in :
Do you know about a rescue that ’s not on our list ? gossip below and let us know .
