CHIHUAHUA: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BREED

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world. Long-haired or smooth-haired, these tiny dogs can just about fit in your pocket! But don't be fooled by their size: they're just as fearless as they are small.

Chihuahua Dog Breed Info

Build

  • Male size: 16 to 21 cm

  • Male weight: 1 to 3 kg

  • Female size: 16 to 21 cm

  • Female weight: 1 to 3 kg

Life Expectancy

  • 12 to 15 years

Origin

  • Mexico

FCI

  • Group 9: Companion and Toy Dogs - Section 6: Chihuahueno

  • N°218

Colour

  • Chihuahuas come in many different colours and shades

  • The FCI standard does not accept merle coats

Coat

There are two varieties:

  • Smooth Coats (smooth-haired) have a shiny, soft coat that lies close to the body

  • Long Coats (long-haired) have a silky, fine coat which is either straight or slightly wavy

Disease Risks

  • Dental diseases

  • Ocular disorders

  • Joint disorders, including luxating patella

  • Tracheal collapse

  • Hydrocephalus

  • Hypoglycaemia

Diet

  • Between 50 and 80g of food per kilo per day

Grooming

  • Regular teeth brushing

  • Regular eye cleaning

  • Regular coat brushing

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A Brief History of the Chihuahua

This dog is famous for being the smallest dog in the world. Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, there are many theories about the origin of the breed. The most common theory is that they’re descended from the Techichi, a popular companion dog of the Toltec civilisation.

16th-century Conquistadors claim that the Aztecs raised and sold these dogs as food, while colonial archives dating from the 19th century attest to the presence of a significant number of these small dogs in the Chihuahua region. The breed as we now know it remained a rarity until the early 20th century: it wasn’t recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) until 1959.

Chihuahua Physical Characteristics

Size

This is a very small dog. Males and females both measure between 16 and 21cm at the withers.

Coat

Their coat can come in all colours, shades, and blends. However, the standard prohibits merle coats (a dominant colour with mottled patches).

Face

Chihuahuas have a characteristic apple-shaped head with a definite stop and a rounded forehead. Their eyes are large, round, and very expressive. They also have large, erect ears.

Chihuahua Temperament

This companion dog is lively, alert, and fearless.

Chihuahua Skills

This is a pooch who loves to play. Chihuahuas also like to act like cats by climbing up to high places and curling into a ball to take a nap. Due to their small size and fragility, they don't have much in the way of athletic ability, but they do like to let off steam outdoors.

Chihuahua Living Conditions

These little dogs are fragile and cautious. They can live in either a house or apartment, so long as they have sufficient space to expend their energy and take daily walks.

Chihuahua Compatibility

Chihuahuas get along very well with other Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes. Dog/cat cohabitation or cohabitation with other dog breeds is also possible, provided they have been properly socialised. Due to their small size and tendency to react badly if they feel attacked, Chihuahuas are not very compatible with children, especially young children.

Are You the Perfect Master for this Type of Dog?

These little dogs are very loyal to their owners. They like to build a close relationship and don’t cope well with separation. Being rather fragile dogs, they are best suited to owners who can be present and attentive. A calm, patient person who has time to spare is the ideal master for this small dog.