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Chihuahua Dogs
Breed Rating (3 Reviews)
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History
The exact origin of the Chihuahua is a mystery. There are a few theories; either from China and brought to the USA by traders or originating in Central and South America. In 1850, a few dogs were found in Chihuahua, Mexico, which were brought to the U.S. They weren't popular at first as they were little use as a working or utility dog, but people soon realised what a fantastic companion dog they made. Nowadays, it is in the top 20 breeds in the United States.
Behaviour
Often described as a miniature Terrier, the Chihuahua's personality makes up for it's tiny size. They are feisty and confident dogs, loyal and often temperamental. They bark a lot, probably due to their size as often they are hidden under a blanket or somewhere equally as comfortable so owners often sit of them. The bark lets everyone know where they are. They will cuddle up to you and like being held. The one problem with Chihuahuas is their tendency to bond with one person very closely, usually the main carer. They will often be very protective of their owner and can snap at others who try to get close. They aren't the easiest to train, but it is vital to prevent the dog becoming too fixated on the owner. Chihuahuas do need exercise, but they will be happy running around the garden, house or taken on a short walk. Being so tiny, they are ideal for small houses and flats. Their confidence is massive. They are rarely intimidated by anything, including much larger dogs, so care should be taken when out walking. Again, training and socialising is vital. They are generally okay with children who respect dogs and are usually fine with other pets. Chihuahuas are inquisitive by nature and will bark at the door. They distrust strangers and will be wary towards them. They shiver when excited, frightened or cold and will need a coat in Winter (if you can get them out of the house when it's cold - they aren't big fans of cold weather). As a breed, they rarely suffer any health concerns.
Chihuahuas come in two varieties - Short coated and long coated.
Temperament
Chihuahuas have a devoted and loving personality. They will often become solely attached to one person and may behave timidly around others.
These are quirky little dogs with lots of personality. They are small in size but you would be forgiven for thinking they more than make up for it. Care should be taken when selecting a puppy and always ensure you meet the parents as temperament can often be passed down and this can be particularly hard to change in Chihuahuas.
Health Problems
Health problems that may affect Chihuahuas include patella luxation (dislocation of the knee cap), hydrocephalus (build up of fluid around the brain), heart problems and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 12 - 20 years
- Weight: 1.8 - 4.5 kg
- Height: 6 - 9"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Short
- Grooming Requirements: Once a week
- Town or Country: Either
- Minimum Home Size: Flat
- Minimum Garden Size: No Garden
- Breed Type: Toy Dog
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: High
- Exercise Required: Up to 30 Minutes
More to love
Chihuahua Pictures
Latest Reviews For Chihuahua (3 of 3)
A lot within a little package - Jenni,
I have 2 female chihuahuas. One is 3 1/2 pounds with red and white short hair named Poppy & the other is 9 pounds with blue short hair named Dolly. Poppy is affectionate with everyone and loves to be cuddled. She will make soft yipping sounds if other dogs bark but doesn’t leave the room she is in. Dolly is a grump and is standoffish with everyone. She tolerates pets when she comes up to you but doesn’t cuddle and hates to be picked up. Dolly will bark loudly and race to the living room if other dogs bark but she doesn’t initiate the barking. She loves playing with and destroying toys. Poppy loves going for rides while Dolly only likes going the short distance to my son’s house. Since they are only a month apart in age they were both socialized the same but definitely have different personalities. Both are “extra” though. Very dramatic, insistent when they want attention, playful and feisty with each other & my other dogs that are way bigger. These small dogs rule over the big dogs and will even take toys & treats from them if I don’t watch closely! When they get dressed, even just putting their coats on, they act like little Divas with their heads up & proud. Delightful darlings but not for everyone.
Love, love, love my Chihuahua babies! - Marsha,
They can be lazy or run you crazy with demands for pets and love! I love when mine know I'm feeling down or poorly and will snuggle up like they know what's on my mind. It never fails to bring me out of my mood and brighten my day! I lost my husband last September of 2022 and they both have rallied around me like they know when I'm lonely or down. I think they know what I'm talking about when I talk to them. They are so intuitive!
Loving, protective, and full of personality! - Ben, Merseyside,
I have two Chihuahuas a lad named Loki and a lady named Lilly. They are both neutered and are the greatest companions to me and my wife. They are fearless, got both of us through health issues with their love and care, make great door bells, fierce defenders of their Mum, and use most of our king sized bed when we go to bed at night :^) I went from dobermans to chihuahuas as I have gotten older I wanted an easier dog to handle but funny enough I spend more energy on my two then I ever did on my dobermans but they more than make up for it, as it is a need to take care of them that gets me out of bed in the morning especially during the pandemic. They are barky and protective so I take care with anyone visiting or when out walking them and even though short haired I am always covered in "chihuahua glitter" much to my wife's annoyance. Very intelligent and stubborn but when my wife engages them they respond well to training (I am too soft on them, lol, and they rule me for sure) enjoying puzzles/games that we have acquired for them. Anything for a treat and they think ALL food is meant for them so you have to watch their weight. They are sun bunnies loving a spot in the sun but even more they love laying on you and being cuddled .... our Loki will give a smell yelp/bark to let you know you have stopped petting whilst Lilly simply gives you a paw smack. If thinking of a companion dog think Chi! Regards, Ben