Chihuahua
Chihuahua Dog Breed Information
| Size | 6-9 in (15-23 cm) |
| Weight | 3.3-6.6 lb lb (1.5-3 kg) |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Color | Brown and white; red and white; black, white and brown |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Suitable As | Family dogs and therapy dogs |
| Personality | Brave, confident, suspicious, friendly |
| Exercise |  |
| Drooling |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Fur Care | |
= very/a lot; = not very/a little
Breed Characteristics
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. It looks incredibly cute, gets on well in an apartment and can even learn to use a litter box. Although this dog is so small, it is surprisingly brave and even makes a good watchdog. Whenever a stranger is at the front door, the "Chihuahua" alarm (= barking) starts.
While they’re quite reserved with new people, they are open hearted and friendly to other pets and dogs in the house. In puppy age, they can be become quarrelsome, so it is very important for them to be socialized properly.
Discipline and Training
The Chihuahua is one of those dogs that quickly learns new tricks, e.g. paw, turn around, slalom, jump through your arms, crawl and sit up. Training isn’t just fun, it also comes with another benefit: when a Chihuahua is anxious and nervous in a new environment, chances are that showing off its tricks will calm and relax it. The reason? Its attention is no longer on uncertainty, but on something that makes it feel happy and safe.
Top Activities
Dogdancing, Find the Treat
Exercise
Little dog, short walkies? It is true that they don’t need a lot of exercise, and because of their small size. But Chihuahuas want to go for a walk, too. They want to breathe fresh air, romp around outside and run. Sure he does not run as long distances as a Jack Russel, but you should not underestimate his need for exercise either.
Pros
- Small and easy to carry
- Suitable for smaller homes
- Can use a litter box
- Can come with you on trips
- Doesn’t shed a lot
- Easy grooming
- Good guard dog
Cons
- Not a “beginner” dog
- “Delicate”
- Barks often as wary
- Can be aggressive
- Doesn’t deal well with cold
Appearance
Chihuahuas have either an apple or a deer shaped head. It is more bulbous and rounded (apple) or narrow with a long nose (deer). The dogs have large ears. Their coat can be short or long and their colors are are diverse. They can be white, black, cream, tricolor etc. Chihuahuas were bred smaller and smaller over time. Originally Chihuahuas were significantly larger.
Health and Care
Grooming a Chihuahua is uncomplicated and requires a minimum of time. Comb the coat once a week and you're done.
Records
Chihuahuas have set all kinds of records. The smallest police dog was Midge. He helped as a narcotics detection dog and was 11 in (28 cm) at its withers. The "shortest" Chihuahua had a body length of 6 in (15.2 cm) from nose to tail tip. The smallest dog in the world is Chihuahua lady Milly. She measures only 3.8 in (9.65 cm) at its withers.
How to Pronounce Chihuahua
There is one thing we still have to clarify: How do you pronounce the name? The Chi is like a soft „She“. The „h“ is very soft and rather breathy. The „a“ is almost an o (like in palm). The u is almost not heard. So you could write it down like this: She(h)a(h)a.
History
It is known that the Chihuahua originates in Mexico. And that the breed was named after the largest state in Mexico. Everything else has yet to be established. It might have descended from the Techichi, a companion dog of the Toltecs (a culture in Central America, 10th-12th century).
Did You Know?
In relation to its body size, Chihuahuas have the largest brain of all dog breeds.
Comparable Breeds
Back to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Continue to Cocker Spaniel