Behind the Breed: Chihuahua

Have you ever wondered about the origins of a dog breed? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

They may be one of the world’s smallest dog breeds, but their larger-than-life personality means you can’t easily overlook a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are intelligent, lively little dogs that are loyal to their family and love to go everywhere with their favorite person.

Characteristics of the Chihuahua Breed

Chihuahuas belong to the toy breed group. Even though they’re small, their high energy levels mean they still need lots of playtime and exercise that’s appropriate for their size — in other words, they’re probably not going on a 5-mile hike with you. However, carrying them in a doggy backpack is certainly an option.

Chihuahuas are very intelligent and are generally easy to train. They love to please their owners and will respond well to praise and rewards. Many Chihuahuas excel at dog sports like agility or obedience trials.

Not surprisingly, modern Chihuahuas are named after the state in Mexico that they were found in. However, their origin is thought to go all the way back to Toltec and Aztec times. They were recognized as an official American Kennel Club breed in 1904.

Chihuahua Size

Most Chihuahuas weigh less than 6 pounds and usually max out at 8 inches tall. Due to their tiny size, rough play with Chihuahuas should be avoided, and they should be supervised around larger dogs and very young children to prevent injury. Leaving a Chihuahua outdoors unsupervised is generally not recommended as they can easily be injured by wildlife (e.g., birds of prey) or other dogs.

Chihuahua Temperament

If you’re looking for a lap dog or a “purse dog” that you can take with you everywhere you go, Chihuahuas fit the bill. Keep in mind that if you do take your Chi with you everywhere, it can lead to separation anxiety when they’re away from their favorite person.

A Chihuahua’s personality tends to be loyal and protective, and they will often bark at strangers. These feisty dogs typically have no problem confronting dogs who may be 10 times their size. This means that, just like any puppy, early socialization is important for a Chihuahua puppy. Make sure puppies spend time with a variety of people and animals, including children, adults, dogs of all sizes and other animals.

Types of Chihuahua

Chihuahuas can have either short or long hair that comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have an easy coat to maintain with just occasional brushing. Long-haired Chihuahuas require more frequent grooming, about two to three times a week. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, tan, brown, red, fawn and combinations of these colors.

As well as differences in their coat, Chihuahuas can have different skull shapes: apple-shaped or deer-shaped. Apple-head Chihuahuas have larger, prominent eyes, a shorter snout that joins their head at right angles and a smaller body. Deer-head Chihuahuas have a more angular head with a longer snout, longer legs and longer ears. Both types of Chihuahuas tend to have erect ears, but floppy ears are possible, too.

Teacup Chihuahuas are the same breed but have been bred to be a smaller size — around three pounds and up to six inches tall. These extra tiny and fragile dogs can have increased health problems and usually require extra care.

Common Chihuahua Health Issues

If you’re wondering, “How long do Chihuahuas live?,” they’re actually one of the longest-living dog breeds with a life span of around 15 years. The Chihuahua breed is generally a healthy one, but they do have some health concerns. Chihuahuas are prone to periodontal disease due to tooth overcrowding, so brushing their teeth regularly (ideally daily) will help prevent dental disease. They can also be susceptible to heart disease, eye issues, kneecap issues (patellar luxation) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may have heard that Chihuahuas shake. It’s not clear why they do this. Possible reasons are that they’re cold, excited or stressed or that they have low blood sugar.

It’s important to watch how much you feed a Chihuahua, as what seems like just a small treat or food scrap here and there can quickly add up. You can help prevent obesity in Chihuahuas (or any dog) by limiting treats and feeding them a complete and balanced diet according to the food label or your veterinarian’s directions. Regular exercise and playtime will also help reduce their obesity risk.

Chihuahuas make great companions for pet parents and families looking for a bundle of love and energy in a tiny, tiny package. Just make sure you focus on training and socialization to keep that big personality in check!