Chihuahua Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Are you a dog lover? Do you need a pet that fits into your lifestyle? Well, I have a great suggestion for you: Chihuahua.

Wherever you are in the world, I’m sure you’ve heard about the famous Chihuahuas!

Chihuahua Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Characteristics

They are the smallest dog breed in the world and were named after their place of origin (Chihuahua, Mexico).

They are a very interesting dog breed and I can assure you that by the end of this article, you’ll know all of they Chihuahua Dog Information there is to know!

 

Quick Facts About the Chihuahua

  • Intelligent
  • Devoted
  • Fearless

Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs with a mind of their own.

They always try to communicate with you to let you know what they want and they’re good at it.

They are very devoted to their family and can become very protective of them.

They are not afraid of chasing animals twice their size and despite their size, they are fearless and courageous.

 

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Getting to Know the Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are adored by many people around the world because of their cuteness, intelligence and the fact that they are incredibly bold!

These tiny dogs are very loyal and affectionate and will easily bond with you and your family.

Chihuahuas, also known as Chis, love getting attention and playing around (though they also love their beauty sleep!).

 

Name

  • Chihuahua

     

Other Name

  • Chi, Chi-chi

     

Where is the Famous Chihuahua from?

Although there is still some doubt as to how this breed came to exist, it would seem that Mexico is its place of origin.

 

Some tales mention that Chihuahuas are descendants of the Techichi, an ancient Toltec civilization in the area of modern-day Mexico.

 

They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 and became exceptionally popular in the 1930s and 40s.

 

Size

If you haven’t yet met or even seen a Chihuahua, then you should know that they are very small, delicate, and compact dogs with a feisty personality.

 

Their heads have a round shape with short muzzles and well-defined jawlines.

They are the shortest dog breed and also the lightest.

 

Height

 

Male: 6–9 inches (15–25 cm)

In the animal kingdom, it is considered normal for males to be bigger and heavier than females. However, Chihuahuas are an exception.

 

In this case, male Chihuahuas are about the same height as the females (though of course, there can be some exceptions).

Male Chihuahuas stand 6 to 9 inches tall.

 

Female: 6–9 inches (15–25 cm)

As I’ve mentioned just above, when it comes to height, Chihuahuas don’t differentiate much from male to female.

That being said, the females also tend to stand 6 to 9 inches tall.

 

Puppies: 2–3 inches (6–8 cm)

During the first year, the Chihuahua puppy will grow to just about his full adult size.

Don’t get scared if you notice that they grow too fast for a few months and then suddenly stop. It’s quite normal with Chihuahuas.

Nonetheless, if you deem it necessary, then take your pet to the veterinarian to check if everything is alright.

 

Weight

 

Male: 2–6 pounds (1–3 kg)

I’m pretty sure you already know this, but Chihuahuas are NOT a heavy dog breed.

They are the smallest dogs in the world, which also means they are one of the lightest.

 

A male Chihuahua weighs about 2 to 6 pounds, in general. 

 

Female: 2–6 pounds (1–3 kg)

Female Chihuahuas are no different than the males, which basically means they weigh about 2 to 6 pounds as well.

 

But that’s just the usual weight, there are some that can weigh more or less, depending on their overall size.

 

Puppies : 0.55–1.65 pounds (0,25–0,75 kg)

It doesn’t come to a surprise to you that if adult Chihuahuas weigh around 2-6 pounds, then a puppy will weigh a lot less, weighing only 0.55 to 1.65 pounds.

When they reach the fourth month, they’ll be about 30% of their adult weight.

 

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What Group Does the Chihuahua Belong to?

Toy dog breeds are all short when it comes to size. But don’t let that mistake you: what they lack in height, they compensate in personality!

 

All dog breeds in this group tend to be very affectionate towards their owners.

They are a social breed and adapt easily to many different lifestyles.

 

Chihuahua Dog Breed Purity: PureBred or Mixed?

Chihuahuas were first recognized as a pure breed by the American Kennel Club, in 1904.

Since then, they have become especially popular among all populations of the world.

They now stand as a pure breed with a popularity of 33 out of 193 on the AKC Breed Popularity list.

 

There are many types of Chihuahuas out there and breeders have started to cross-breed them with other dog breeds, in order to create different, yet interesting new breeds of mixed traits.

The preferred races for cross-breeding with the Chihuahua dog are the Pomeranians, the Corgis, the Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, and so on.

 

Related Reading: Chi-Chi Dog Mix Breed Information

 

Behavior And Temperament

Chihuahuas are known to be a great companion.

They might be a bit cautious and wary of strangers in the beginning, but once you win their hearts, they’ll love and adore you.

 

Chis are very happy and relaxed dogs who love playing around.

However, despite being a playful breed, they also enjoy jumping into a fluffy blanket and sleeping for many hours.

They are inquisitive by nature and being so intelligent, they quickly catch on to things.

 

Alertness

If you thought that Chihuahuas are meant to be just lapdogs, then you are very wrong!

They are alert and feisty little creatures that stand up for themselves, even when facing a larger adversary.

They are a highly spirited and intelligent breed that loves protecting their own family.

 

Friendliness

Chihuahuas are a bit wary and cautious by nature, but they’ll become quite friendly, once they get acquainted with you.

 

They are known to be fearless and to size up to any situation, if they deem it necessary.

Then again, just like any other dog, this behavior can easily be corrected, if they are well socialized and trained.

 

Gentle

I’ve said this already, but it’s never too much to mention that Chihuahuas are very playful and love running around.

 

They can be a bit rough, but they can also distinguish a child from a grown person, and will be more gentle towards children, as they are naturally aware that children are more fragile.

They also have a tendency to be less energetic with the elderly, so as to not tire them too much.

 

Intelligent

Most Chihuahuas need very little obedience training, as they are highly intelligent.

They do need some form of training, in order to learn certain commands that you’ll want to see them do, but they pick up on the commands very easily.

 

Some of them might be a bit more stubborn or disobedient, but that happens with every dog breed.

 

Outgoing

Chis are a wary dog by nature, so you’ll need to give them proper socialization, so that they can grow more confident.

You’ll also need to give them time to adjust and do things at their own pace.

 

Once they are happy about a person or animal, then they’ll finally relax and become more responsive to you.

 

Personality

Chihuahuas tend to reflect their owners’ personality. Despite this fact, they also have a personality of their own.

They are fiercely devoted to their owners, especially to one person in particular.

This devotion of theirs can sometimes make them over-protective, meaning they’ll easily become snappy or reserved around strangers.

 

Coat Types

When it comes to their coat, Chis usually have either a short-coat or a long, smooth coat.

They are very easy to distinguish, as ones have really long, silky hair and the others are quite the opposite.

There isn’t much difference when it comes to grooming, though to my own surprise, short-haired Chihuahuas shed more than the long-haired Chihuahuas.

 

Read: 23 Non-Shedding Medium Dog Breeds

 

Coat Colors

These tiny dogs come in a lot of colors: solid, marked or splashed.

A solid coat is usually in shades of cream, gold, red, white, black, silver and blue, whereas marked means they’ll have a solid color combined with a few markings on their body.

Finally, splashed means they’ll have patches or spots of color on a white body.

 

Eyes

Chihuahuas are a very small dog breed, and so, naturally, their eyes are equally small.

Most of the dogs in this breed have dark brown eyes, with a very round shape to them.

There are some exceptions, where they develop very light blue eye color. Other can even develop both eye colors, getting one from each color.

 

Nose

Being small-sized dogs, it’s only natural that they have a small nose as well.

Their muzzles stand very close to their heads (which can be either apple-shaped or deer-shaped) which looks adorable when combined with their small noses.

 

Tail

Chis have a long, curved tail that hangs rather low when they are at rest.

 

Having said this, I feel it’s my duty to tell you that you’ll hardly ever see them in this position, as they are usually very cheerful, which means that their tales are always bouncing from one side to the other.

 

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Litter Size

 

1 – 3 number of Puppies

Most Chihuahua pregnancies result in 1 to 3 pups, though 5 or even 6 is not completely unheard of.

Nonetheless, the ideal litter size would be around 4 puppies, as they would be smaller and help the process of birth.

This because most Chihuahua pregnancies result in a C-section and the babies tend to have big heads.

 

Life Span

 

13 – 15 number of Years

Good news: Chihuahuas live for as long as 15 years! Again, this is not a definitive measure, as some can live longer and others shorter.

You can, however, make sure that you do everything that is possible to make your Chi live longer.

You can do this by providing good food and good exercise, much like any other dog breed.

 

Taking Care of your Chihuahua

All dogs need some sort of grooming and Chihuahuas definitely need to be brushed, to make sure their coats and skin are kept in good condition.

 

They should also be fed good quality food in order to make them live a long and happy life.

They also have a need to exercise daily, so that they can spend the accumulated energy in their bodies.

 

Grooming

Chihuahuas are low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. They do need some occasional grooming, but nothing out of the ordinary.

 

These dogs should only be bathed when necessary, as you won’t want to strip them of their body oils, that are necessary to protect their skin.

 

Exercise

Chis have a certain need for exercise, such as:

  • Daily 30 minutes workout
  • Mental Stimulation
  • Interactive Games

If you’re planning on adopting a Chihuahua, then you’ll need to provide them with a certain amount of exercise.

I’d say that a thirty minutes workout would be more than enough, but some Chi’s might need more exercise than others.

Do however, keep in mind that, as an intelligent dog breed, Chihuahuas will not be satisfied by a physical workout.

They will need some sort of mental stimulation as well.

 

Health

As I’ve mentioned above, Chihuahuas can live up to 15 years, but can they live healthy for that entire amount of time?

Well, that depends on you.

Chihuahuas are more prone to injuries than particularly to illnesses.

They are remarkably healthy, but like all dog breeds, are prone to suffer from certain disorders.

Most of these disorders can be avoided by doing certain exams, on a regular basis:

  • Cardiac Exam
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Patella Evaluation

Training

There are a few things you might want to know about Chihuahuas, when it comes to training:

  • They love napping (they can even sleep for 15 straight hours!)
  • They don’t require a lot of exercise, but love playing around 
  • They are very smart

Chihuahuas LOVE sleeping. They can sleep pretty much anywhere and can do so for many straight hours.

They also love playing around, so if you can, try mixing their exercise needs with their will to play.

If you do that, then you’ll be the owner of a very happy Chihuahua.

 

Read : Top 67 Smartest Dog Breeds On Earth

 

Chihuahua Dog Breed Information Infographic

 

Physical Characteristics Of Chihuahua

These dogs are famous for their small size and big attitude. They have big, erect ears, and a long tail.

They are short-legged, apple or deer-shaped heads and small facial features.

Their body makes them perfect for any sort of home you might have (whether it’s a big house with a big yard, or a small apartment) (dogbreedinfo.com/chihuahua).

 

Adaptability

As you already know by now, these tiny dogs can be wary of new things and of people they don’t know, but their intelligence helps them adapting to new environments (provided that you give them some time to do so).

 

You’ll often see a Chihuahua wearing a sweater or coat. This is both normal and recommended, as they get cold very easily.

Then again, if you don’t plan on letting your dog leave the house, then a coat will hardly be necessary.

 

Other Dog Friendly

Most Chihuahuas can easily become friends with other dogs in their own family, especially if it is another Chihuahua.

 

You should, however, be careful about mixing them with larger dogs, as Chihuahuas can easily get hurt and a big bouncy dog might end up accidentally hurting your Chihuahua.

 

Shedding Level

Chihuahuas shed twice a year, like most dog breeds. They shed mostly in Spring and Fall, as the weather changes.

But one thing is curious: the long-haired Chis shed less than the short-haired Chi’s.

Nevertheless, if you’re afraid of having a lot of hair flying around the house, you can try brushing your Chihuahua on a regular basis, to avoid shedding (and to keep their coat healthy).

 

Affection Level

Chihuahuas are excellent companions! They like a lot of attention and are very loyal to their owners.

As they are small dogs with low exercise needs, the elderly tend to love having one as a pet.

 

Exercise Needs

Despite being so tiny, these toy dogs have some energy to them.

They’ll happily content to sleeping most of the day, but will eventually need some form of exercise or they may start getting anxious, neurotic or even develop other behavioral problems.

 

Social Needs

Chihuahuas like having company around.

It doesn’t matter if it is a human being or another animal, but they DO need company.

 

Chihuahuas do NOT like being alone for a long period of time, as they suffer from separation anxiety.

This is why you might want to adopt another friendly dog to keep him company.

 

Apartment Friendly

These dogs adapt to any sort of household, even if it is a very small apartment.

They do have some requirements, like warm environment, but that is pretty much the only requirement you’ll need to satisfy in order to make your Chihuahua happy inside an apartment.

 

Learn: 43 Small Sized Dog Breeds For Apartments

 

Grooming

I’ve already told you that Chihuahuas don’t require much grooming.

But you should brush them occasionally.

 

They love being groomed and it is also good for their skin and coat.

This grooming will help deepen the bond between you and your Chihuahua, as they love the one-to-one attention they get when they are being groomed..

 

Stranger Friendly

Chihuahuas make great pets when they are well trained and respected, but are known to snap at strangers or animals that they feel threatened by.

 

Most Chihuahuas tend to be wary of strangers and will usually try to demonstrate that they are the alpha and that they are in charge of the situation.

 

You should correct this behavior right away, or they may slowly gain courage and start biting people.

 

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Barking Tendencies

Like many other small dogs, these dogs are more prone to barking than larger dogs.

Not only this, but they tend to be quite temperamental.

 

Unlike big dogs that tend to bark when they see some suspicious activity or stranger, Chihuahuas are famous for barking for no reason at all.

The trick here is to train your Chi not to bark at every little thing.

 

Health Issues

Chihuahuas are known to have certain genetic diseases.

Some of their most common health issues are: patellar luxation (problem that affects the kneecaps), epilepsy, hydrocephalus (fluid buildup inside the skull), eye infections, hypoglycemia, among others.

 

But don’t worry, if you are careful enough to test them regularly, then you’ll almost certainly be able to avoid most of these problems.

 

Territorial

If you own a Chihuahua or know someone who owns one, then you’ve probably noticed that they are very energetic and alert for most of the time.

 

They have an incredible amount of courage and will defend their family and home as fiercely as possible.

 

As they often bond very deeply with one person, they can easily decide that it’s their mission to protect that same person at all times.

 

Cat Friendly

Chihuahuas don’t have any issues with cats. Provided that they know the cat is friendly and belongs to the household, they’ll welcome the cat with ease.

Plus, Chihuahuas love having company around, so having a cat around might just be the perfect company.

 

Intelligence

Chihuahuas are a clever breed, and will almost always find a way to overcome their obstacles and considering they are such tiny dogs, this tends to happen very often.

 

On the other side, their intelligence will also lead them into thinking that they have to establish themselves as the alpha, so it’s important that you train them properly.

 

Trainability

Chihuahuas are quick learners and respond very well to obedience training. It’s very fun training a Chihuahua as they are smart and independent.

 

They may prove a little defiant in the beginning but you’ll easily win them over with tasty treats!

Friendly tip: Chis are NOT the kind of dog that likes to fetch, so don’t expect them to run after sticks or even balls.

 

Child Friendly

One thing you should definitely know is: Chihuahuas are not the best option when it comes to a household full of small children.

 

This because they are very small and fragile and let’s face it, toddlers can be a bit too rough around them, which can result in serious injuries for your dog.

 

Playfulness

If you’ve socialized your Chihuahua puppy from a young age, then it’s very likely that it has grown into a confident, outgoing dog.

 

They might need some time to feel comfortable around unknown animals and people, but once they get to know them, then they become real goofballs, who love nothing more than to play around.

 

Watchdog Ability

Chihuahuas are a territorial breed and will try to protect their home and family no matter what.

 

They are highly alert and will often bark at the presence of strangers. They are proud, loyal, and ready for action.

 

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Other Pets

Chihuahuas don’t really have an idea of their real size and so, they are very confident towards other animals.

 

If taught to be friendly towards other pets in the household, then they’ll easily accept them as family.

However, a passing-by cat might get spooked when seeing a crazy, barking dog running in their direction, as they’ll protect their territory with all their might.

The ideal would be to keep your Chihuahua with another small animal, ideally another Chihuahua.

 

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Feeding Time!

When adopting a Chihuahua, it’s important that you learn about their feeding schedule. You should learn about quantity, timing, and type of dog food.

 

As with any other dog breed, any changes in the diet should be made gradually to make sure that it doesn’t upset their stomach.

 

Puppy

Ideally a Chihuahua puppy should be fed small amounts of food over the course of 3 to 4 meals, to reduce the risk of them suffering from hypoglycemia.

This will also keep them from bloating, which can be very discomfortable and even painful.

 

Adult

Most adult Chihuahuas aren’t very picky when it comes to eating, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can feed them a low cost, low quality diet.

 

Choose a high quality dog food and feed your Chihuahua about twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening.

 

Famous Chihuahua Dog All Over the World

 

#1 Gidget, the Taco Bell Chihuahua

Gidget “The Taco Bell Chihuahua”, was the famous mascot behind a very famous commercial by Taco Bell.

She was owned by Sue Chipperton and used to live in California.

 

#2 Peter Pan

Gidget also lived with another famous canine actor, Moonie, a Chihuahua very well known for starring in “Legally Blonde” and “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, & Blonde”.

He played the role of Bruiser Woods, a Chihuahua that has melted the hearts of fans all over the world.

 

#3 Beverly Hills Chihuahuas

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” is a movie that starts a bunch of Chihuahuas: Chloe, a spoiled Chihuahua that was kidnapped in the city of Mexico, where she finds Papi (a very adorable Chihuahua) that helps her find her home.

 

#4 Ren and Stimpy

Chihuahuas are so adored that they even made it to the Cartoon world!

Back in the 90s’, a hyperactive Chihuahua named Ren allies himself with a crazy cat (Stimpy) Together, they got to go on a lot of different adventures throughout their neighbourhood.

 

#5 Dog Whisperer

If you’re a “Dog Whisperer” fan, then you already know my next Chihuahua celebrity!

Coco is a dog owned by Cesar Millan that helped its owner rehabilitating dogs with behavioral problems.

 

#6 Tinkerbell and Bambi

Two other Chihuahuas have gained fame, simply by being companions to the famous Paris Hilton.

Their names are Tinkerbell and Bambi.

But I’m sure you didn’t know that Tinkerbell even has a biography by the name of “Tinkerbell Hilton Diaries”.

 

Read : Rottweiler Dog Breed Information

 

Adopting a Chihuahua

Have you decided to adopt a Chihuahua? That’s great news!

But you should know that adopting a dog, of any breed, is a big responsibility.

You should think about all the care you’ll need to provide the dog with and if you are up for the challenge.

 

Chihuahuas as not toys that you can just set aside when you grow tired of it. They are animals that deserves love and respect.

 

How Much Does a Chihuahua Dog Cost?

The cost of a Chihuahua depends on many factors, such as:

  • Size
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Condition

The price you pay for a Chihuahua can differ on many factors (as I’ve mentioned just above).

If you decide to buy a well-bred pedigree puppy, then you’re looking at a price range of $400-$1000.

However, if you are looking at cheaper options, then you can take a look at the National Rescue Groups that I’ve listed below and found yourself the perfect companion.

 

Breed Group

Toy Group

The Toy Group is consistent with small-sized dog breeds with big-sized personalities.

They aren’t usually aware of their own size, so they have the bravery of a big pupper!

 

Most of them are affectionate, sociable, and adaptable to many different lifestyles.

 

National Breed Clubs

Rescue Groups

So, is a Chihuahua the Right Choice for Me?

Having read all of the Chihuahua Dog Information, you probably already know the answer to this question.

Chihuahuas like barking, are very protective of their owners and if untrained, can even bite.

 

But they are also very smart, playful and make great companions, provided that you give them enough socialization and training.

 

So that’s it, we’ve reached the ending of this article.

And now, I would like to ask you a few questions, that I would like for you to answer in the comments section below:

  • What part did you like most about the Chihuahuas?
  • Were you aware of all their personality traits?
  • Is there anything else you’d like to know about the Chihuahuas?

Don’t forget to share this article with fellow animal lovers!

 

Further Readings

1. 42 Pretty Pomeranian Mixes
2. 51 Crazy Chihuahua Mixes

3. 37 Strikingly Beautiful Siberian Husky Mixes
4. 40 Brilliant Rottweiler Mixes
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed Information
6. French Bulldog Breed Information

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