Chihuahua Dog Breed Information

A chihuahua is a miniature companion dog. Kind, cheerful, very devoted to its owner and its entire family.

• Country of origin: Mexico
• Size: miniature
• Height: 15-20 cm
• Weight: 1.8-2.7 kg
• Age: 12-15 years
• FCI breed group: companion dogs

Key facts

• These pets are considered the smallest dogs in the world, because their weight does not exceed 2.7 kg.
• There is a version that initially such animals were wild. They were domesticated by the peoples who lived on the territory of modern Mexico. They revered dogs as sacred, totem animals.
• It is believed that the fur of representatives of this breed has no smell.
• The life expectancy of such dogs is quite long. Some dogs live up to 20 years.
• The Guinness Book of Records lists a Chihuahua named Miracle Millie as the smallest dog on the planet. She is only 7.5 cm tall.

Description of the Chihuahua breed

Chihuahuas are miniature dogs. The breed is usually divided into two types – cobby and deer.

The first is distinguished by its compact size and well-developed muscles. The muzzle of such dogs is short and blunt. The cobby’s coat is thick, long, with a fluffy undercoat.

The second type looks much more graceful, thanks to the high legs. Their ears are large, like those of bats. There is no undercoat.

Head
The Chihuahua skull comes in two shapes – deer and apple. Experts believe that the apple-shaped type is a normal variant. This head shape indicates that the animal is purebred.

The forehead is convex and rounded. The stop is very clearly defined. The nose is quite small. Its lobe points upwards. Any color is allowed – black, beige, brown, pink.

The muzzle in profile is absolutely straight, its base is wide. The cheekbones do not protrude. The lips are not pendulous. The bite, according to the standard, can be straight or scissor-shaped. Salivation is moderate.

Some adults have an open fontanelle on their head. It is usually about 2 cm long. Since 2010, this feature has been considered unacceptable.

Eyes
Chihuahuas have large and round eyes. There is no bulge. According to the norm, the iris can be either dark or light. Hazel, green, amber and blue eye colors can be present in pets of apricot and beige shades. The animal’s gaze is always thoughtful and interested.

Ears
In such pets, they should be large and widely spaced. They are located at an angle of 45 degrees in relation to the skull. The base is always wide. When the dog is alert, they tense up and rise.

Smooth-haired Chihuahuas have short hair on their ears, while long-haired Chihuahuas have long hair. Trimming it is not recommended. The inside of the ears is completely bald.

Neck
The neck of males is always wider than that of females. There is no dewlap. Its length is medium. According to the standard, long-haired dogs have a voluminous “mane” on the neck.

Frame
The Chihuahua’s body looks harmonious and elegant. The animal’s back looks strong and short. The loin is muscular. The chest is preferably round. According to the standard, it is located at the same level as the dog’s elbows. The withers are poorly visible. The croup is wide and absolutely straight.

The belly is always tucked up, sometimes there may be a slight sag. Cobbies look stocky and strong, while Deer look more elegant due to their elongated legs.

Tail
In Chihuahuas, it looks flat. The length is medium. The base is wide, the end is sharper. When walking, the animal can carry it straight or bend it slightly over the body. In a calm mood, the tail hangs down.

The length of the hair on the tail depends on the type of breed. In long-haired dogs, the hairs at the end of the tail resemble a brush.

Limbs
When looking at the dog from the front, the front legs should form an absolutely straight line. The muscles of the shoulder blades are very clearly expressed. The elbows move freely during walking, adjacent to the ribs. The forearms look straight, the pasterns are sloping. The paws are small in size, the claws on the fingers are of moderate length.

The Chihuahua’s hind legs should be parallel to each other according to the standard. The muscles on them are more developed than on the front legs. The thighs look strong. During walking or running, the front legs are in perfect harmony with the back legs.

The paws are oval in shape, with well-spaced toes. The claws look convex. The pads are very elastic.

Gait
Chihuahuas move quickly and energetically. The stride is long and springy. The limbs move parallel to each other while walking.

Normally, the tracks from the front paws should completely coincide with the tracks from the back. The dog keeps its back straight while walking. When running, the center of gravity shifts. The movements remain energetic and free.

Wool cover
The skin of such a pet is very smooth, without folds. The coat can be different. It is customary to distinguish between long-haired and short-haired Chihuahuas.

The first ones have thinner and softer fur. Normally it can be either straight or wavy. Fringes are present on the ears, paws, and tail. Shagginess and tousle are considered unacceptable for such dogs. The complete absence of undercoat in these Chihuahuas is the norm. If there is undercoat, it is always thick and dense. There may be a “fur frill” on the neck, which adds even more attractiveness to representatives of this breed.

Smooth-haired dogs have a denser and smoother coat. It fits very well to the animal’s body. On the ears and paws it is more sparse and shorter.

Color

It can be any color in such animals. Exceptions are marble and merle. According to the standard, the color of the nose, fur and eyes of purebred representatives of the breed must match each other.

The most common Chihuahua colors include:

• White;
• Sable;
• Wolf;
• Chocolate;
• Ginger;
• Black.

The color of representatives of this breed is determined immediately after birth, since the color does not change during the growing process.

Chihuahuas can be either solid or two-colored. Tricolor is also acceptable. Pets of fawn and cream color sometimes have a darkening on the muzzle. Experts call it a “mask”. The size of the spot can be any, sometimes it reaches the level of the forehead.

Size and weight

These dogs are quite small in size. Chihuahuas reach their maximum weight by the age of one year. The standard weight is considered to be from 1.8 to 2.7 kg. If the indicator exceeds the 3 kg mark, then this is considered impure breed. These animals cannot participate in competitions.

The pet’s height at the withers should be from 15 to 20 cm.

There are such varieties of the breed as mini and micro. These dogs weigh record-breakingly little – from 0.5 to 1.5 kg.

Chihuahua character

Chihuahuas are extremely active pets with a cheerful character. They are very sociable and cheerful.

The main feature of this breed is a strong attachment to the owner. They need constant communication, they cannot be alone. They tolerate long walks around the city perfectly. They are not afraid of public places. However, they do not like to walk very much – the animals prefer to be in the arms of the owner.

After separation from the owner, Chihuahuas can hardly contain their emotions. They begin to jump, bark and run around him. Many representatives of this breed are monogamous – they recognize only their owner.

Such dogs are distinguished by great courage and, without realizing their size, can stand up for “their person”. Training and socialization of these dogs requires sufficient time.

With small children they behave relatively restrained, however it is not advisable to leave dogs alone with a very small child. These animals, due to their small size, easily get various injuries, including fractures. It is important to explain to older children how to behave correctly with a pet: it cannot be pulled by the tail and paws, thrown from a height, etc.

The guard instinct of the breed is quite well developed. Regardless of its size, the dog is always ready to protect its family members.

These dogs are considered to be quite noisy. The voice of a Chihuahua is ringing and loud. It is recommended to wean the animal from constant barking from a very early age.

Education and training

Dogs of any breed need training, even miniature ones like this one. That is why training should be started in a timely manner. Ideally, as soon as the animal gets used to its new place of residence. Puppies are taught the most basic skills – to respond to their name, to walk with a collar and leash, to eat only from their own bowl, etc.

Miniature dogs should be taught to go outside in clothes from a very early age. This will protect the pet from colds.

Chihuahuas are very smart and intelligent. They are able to learn new commands quite quickly.

Training should be carried out in stages: you should start learning a new skill only after the previous one has been fully mastered. If you find the right approach to your pet and organize training in the form of a game that will be interesting for the dog, it will bring results very quickly.

Chihuahuas should be able to behave well in public places – not be afraid of large crowds, not bark at passers-by, etc. After all, owners of such dogs often take them to shops, parks, cafes. That is why you should not forget about the timely socialization of the animal.

Some dog experts believe that male Chihuahuas are more willful and are more difficult to train. Therefore, the owner needs to be patient. In response to the demands, the dog will sooner or later give in and recognize the human as the leader.

Training can be done at home or professionally. In order to train a Chihuahua, you need to have certain skills and knowledge. If the owner understands that he cannot cope with the process on his own, it is better to contact a specialized organization. Do not let the situation slide. Experienced dog handlers will be able to find the right approach to a dog of any age.

• Listen to the owner in everything;
• Eat food according to the schedule and only from your own bowl;
• Be quiet and don’t bark;
• Sleep only in your own place, not in the owner’s.

There is no need to demand the impossible from a Chihuahua. A miniature dog will not be able to become a guard or perform too complex tricks. A standard set of skills and commands is quite sufficient for the animal.

To learn a command, you need to clearly pronounce it, backing it up with gestures. For example, when learning the command “Lie down”, you need to point your dog to the ground with your hand or start sitting down with him. The action needs to be brought to automatism. Only in this case will the command be considered learned.

In order for the pet not to be distracted by other animals and people, it is necessary to conduct training alone with it. For independent training, it is mandatory to purchase a collar, leash and toy. The equipment will allow you to keep the dog under control. The training equipment is selected in accordance with the size of the pet.

During the training process, it is imperative to use rewards. This can be a favorite treat or toys. If the owner prefers to use food as a reward, then you should not feed the dog before training. It is also imperative to praise the pet verbally. As soon as the dog successfully performs a command, you should tell it: “Well done”, “Clever girl”, “Excellent”.

Training must be regular. For adult individuals, the duration of training is usually at least 20-30 minutes. It is better to conduct them every day. With puppies, you need to train less – 10-15 minutes. It is necessary to gradually increase the training time as they grow older.

Punishing an animal is absolutely forbidden. It can have a negative impact on its psyche. The dog will stop trusting its owner.

As soon as the owner notices that the pet is tired, it is necessary to stop training. A tired pet is not able to perceive the owner’s commands and carry them out correctly.

Maintenance and care of a Chihuahua

Caring for miniature pets differs significantly from caring for large and medium-sized dogs. For example, Chihuahuas are very cold and can catch a cold. Such animals must be given special clothing – for autumn, spring and winter. In addition, it is worth protecting the pet from injuries – such dogs have quite fragile bones, and some even have an open fontanel on their head.

Both long-haired and short-haired individuals need to be brushed regularly with a special brush. If you accustom the Chihuahua to this procedure from an early age, the dog will not break free and run away.

The pet’s claws are trimmed as needed – when they grow longer than normal. Usually, trimming is required once every 10-14 days.

Ears are cleaned with veterinary lotions 1-2 times a week. If the pet begins to show anxiety and scratch them, shake its head , then you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Perhaps the problem is serious – otitis has begun or a foreign object has gotten into the ear.

Pets’ eyes are cleaned as needed. The presence of small accumulations of mucus in the corners of the eyes is considered acceptable. You should only consult a doctor if there is severe tearing or obvious inflammation.

It is not recommended to bathe a Chihuahua very often. It is advisable to wash the dog only if the coat is very dirty – once a month will be enough.

It is absolutely necessary to purchase the following for your Chihuahua:

• Tray;
• A warm lounger (preferably in the shape of a house);
• Several sets of clothes for the street and for home;
• A bowl for water and food;
• Toys.

The miniature size of the Chihuahua allows you to walk them only when necessary. In very cold weather, it is better not to take such pets out at all. The dog easily agrees to go to the toilet in a tray or on a diaper. You need to teach your pet this from childhood.

Nutrition

Such dogs are not picky about food. Despite this, owners should take care of their pet’s nutrition. You can choose one of the feeding types for your dog – natural products or ready-made rations.

Natural food is not the easiest option for the owner. Every day you will have to cook food yourself, and also calculate the calorie content in it, observing the required norm of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

With ready-made food, everything is simpler. Such food is completely balanced. The dog owner only needs to measure out a certain amount of food and give it to the dog.

You don’t have to worry about storing dry food. This food can be stored for a very long time without a refrigerator. Considering that the Chihuahua, due to its size, eats little, you can make a supply for a long period. This will help to save the owner’s time to a large extent.

• Purchasing complete feeds allows you to:
• Don’t worry about buying vitamin and mineral supplements;
• Don’t waste time choosing products in the store and preparing them;
• Don’t worry about where to store perishable food.

The diet is created by a nutritionist depending on the age of the animal and its lifestyle. If the dog is active, it needs more calories. Elderly dogs should not be overfed, as they move little and can gain weight due to excessive calorie consumption.

You can accustom a Chihuahua puppy to ready-made rations from an early age. For babies, it is recommended to soak dry food. For this, you can use boiled water or low-fat broth.

The manufacturer of ready-made food must include feeding recommendations on the packaging of its products. The caloric content of the food is also indicated. Having studied this information in detail, nutritionists calculate how much food is needed for a particular dog.

Puppies eat many times a day – from 3 to 5. Adults should be trained to eat no more than twice a day. Snacks should be avoided if possible.

A separate bowl should be purchased for water. Access to it should be constant. It is recommended to change the water to clean water regularly.

Chihuahua Health

Chihuahuas are quite healthy. Their tendency to catch colds can only be explained by their fear of the cold. If you keep your dog warm, such diseases can be easily avoided.

The most important thing for the owner is to identify the symptoms of the disease in time and take the pet to a specialist. The veterinarian will be able to either diagnose the disease on their own or prescribe tests for the animal.

Vaccinations for dogs must be done in a timely manner. Until the dog is vaccinated, it is not recommended to walk it in public places. After vaccination, it is also important to protect the animal from contact with others for two weeks.

The condition of the pet’s ears, teeth and eyes must be constantly monitored. If any problems arise, you should immediately contact the clinic.

Regular stool is an indication of the dog’s health. If it is loose or too hard, you should also consult a vet.

Representatives of this breed most often suffer from the following types of diseases:

• Rapid formation of plaque;
• Sensitive digestive system;
• Obesity ;
• Colds;
• Head injuries.

You can clean the enamel with a toothbrush or fingertip every day. It is also acceptable to give your dog special dental bones. They help quickly rid your pet of plaque. In a veterinary clinic, if necessary, specialists can perform professional cleaning.

Some representatives of this breed have an open fontanelle on the head. This is why this area is very vulnerable. Chihuahuas should be constantly protected from falls and blows.

Obesity in animals can occur if the wrong diet is chosen. Dogs should not be given some human food, such as sweets, flour products, spicy and smoked food.

Historical background

Most scientists are confident that the homeland of this breed is Mexico, specifically its largest state – Chihuahua. It is known that Mexican traders sold these dogs to travelers as pets – this is how the dogs were brought to America.

The diversity of the appearance of such animals was surprising even at that time – there were Chihuahuas with both long and short hair. The colors also varied greatly. The dogs were very popular due to their friendly nature and attractive appearance. At that time, the breed did not yet have an official name. It appeared when the first standard was released – in the 1920s.

Some experts are sure that the ancestors of such dogs were Techichi. These animals were domesticated by the Toltecs, an ancient people who inhabited Mesoamerica in the 9th century AD. Those dogs were much larger than modern Chihuahuas.

There is also a version that long before the Toltecs, the ancient Mayans began to breed these animals. Representatives of this civilization ate them and used them as sacrifices. These dogs were considered sacred at that time.

In many burials of that period, archaeologists found skeletons of Chihuahua ancestors. The Mayans had a custom of burying pets with their owners.

In the 12th century, the territory that had previously belonged to the Toltecs was inhabited by the Aztecs. The idea of sacrifice was key to their religion. They used both humans and small dogs as victims in such rituals.

Both the Mayans and the Aztecs believed that totem animals helped people find their way to the afterlife.

In 1521, the Aztec tribe was completely destroyed. The Spanish conquistadors destroyed their temples, as well as writing materials. Sacred animals were also exterminated. Only a small number of dogs managed to hide in the jungle. Without people, they became completely wild.

The first detailed written mention of this breed dates back to 1888.

American cynologist James Watson became interested in the tiny dogs and made a special trip to El Paso to buy one. He bought a Chihuahua from a local dealer for just $5.

The first time a dog of this breed was presented at an exhibition was in 1904.

The peak of Chihuahua popularity was in the 1990s. It was at this time that Taco Bell fast food restaurant advertisements were released in the USA, the main character of which was a dog named Gidget.

Who is this breed suitable for?

This breed is ideal for keeping in a city apartment. There is no need to take the dogs for a walk regularly. That is why they can be purchased by elderly and lonely dog lovers, as well as people with disabilities. The most important thing is not to leave the pet alone for a long time. Separation from the owner is very painful for him.

Families with older children are also suitable for Chihuahuas. However, it is worth understanding that these animals do not like strong hugs – their bones are fragile. Therefore, it is important to explain to children in advance how to behave with a pet.

Young girls often choose this breed. They really like to take these pets with them to various events. Chihuahuas tolerate city walks, shopping, and trips to cafes very well. The main thing is to dress the dog warmer in the cold season.

How to choose a puppy

When buying a puppy, first of all, you should pay attention to the dog’s appearance. It should look well-fed and strong. The coat of a healthy animal is always smooth and silky, without bald spots.

The puppy’s belly should also be checked. Ideally, it should always be soft, without any lumps.

It is better to buy a pet from trusted sellers. You should not go to dubious retail outlets – markets, bazaars, private breeders with a bad reputation.

It is imperative to pay attention to the conditions in which the puppies are kept. The place where they are kept should be clean, and only high-quality food should be used for the babies.

A good breeder will always be able to provide all the necessary information about both the puppies and their parents.

The Chihuahua’s head should be apple-shaped, the forehead convex, the muzzle relatively short. Only non-purebred individuals have muzzles that are too long. The puppy’s ears must be clean, without pus or irritation. The eyes must be free of discharge. The look is clear.

The skin should be absolutely healthy, without visible inflammation or rash. Each paw should be felt and checked for dislocations and fractures.

Chihuahua price

• The price of a dog depends on several factors:
• Floor;
• Size;
• Length of coat;
• Color;
• Availability of documents.

You can buy a Chihuahua puppy from a private breeder or from a kennel. The second option will cost more, but it is much more reliable. If it is important to buy an elite class dog, it is better to contact an experienced breeder.

The price of a Chihuahua in a kennel varies from 25 to 60 thousand rubles. A puppy with minor deviations from the standard (pet class) can be purchased for 20-30 thousand. A show class dog will cost more.