The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, yet it possesses a personality that far exceeds its diminutive size.
In this post, we will explore the wonders and quirks of this unique breed, beloved by many for its lively character, fierce loyalty, and distinctive appearance.
Don't be fooled by its small size: the Chihuahua is a dog full of courage, affection, and other surprising qualities.
From its historical charm to its care needs, through to its behavior and health requirements, this post is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in learning more about this extraordinary breed.
Join us on a journey of discovery about the Chihuahua, a dog that, despite its pocket size, has won the hearts of even the most steadfast lovers of large dogs.
History of the Chihuahua
There are various theories about the Chihuahua's country of origin: some breed experts have theorized that the Chihuahua, or a very similar dog, might have been imported from the island of Malta by Spanish conquerors.
It is on this island, in fact, that remains of small dogs with an open molera (the Chihuahua's fontanelle, or the soft spot in the dog's skull where the bones are not completely fused) have been found.
Others hypothesize that the breed may have originated in China, where small dogs often accompanied court ladies or Buddhist monks.
The most widely accepted theory, however, is that the Chihuahua originated in Central and South America and descends from a very ancient breed with a large body and long ears called the Techichi, widespread in Mexico, particularly in the Tula region.
It was the favored dog of the wealthy indigenous Toltec people who considered it a sacred dog, and of the Aztec princesses who chose it as a companion dog.
The Toltecs considered it a guide for the deceased in the afterlife, and it was held in such high esteem that it was sacrificed during funeral rituals when a person died, or its meat was consumed for therapeutic purposes.
Subsequently, the Toltec civilization gave way to the Aztecs during the 11th century, and the new dominant populations continued to venerate the Chihuahua as a sacred animal.
It was also a common belief among the Aztecs that it was necessary to kill a Chihuahua and bury or cremate it along with the body of the owner.
The spirit of the deceased Chihuahua would act as a guide through the afterlife to help the soul of the noble dead in the passage between the two worlds.
The human spirit needed help to swim through the tumultuous river that divided the earthly world from the afterlife, and to do so, it would have to crawl on the back of the Chihuahua's spirit to reach its celestial destination.
From artifacts found in ancient Aztec communities, there is evidence that the nobility raised large herds of hundreds of dogs precisely because they performed their role as celestial companions.
Many remains of bones of a type of dog similar to the Chihuahua have been found in the pyramids of Cholula, in Mexico.
The same mystical powers were attributed to it as the Xoloitzcuintle, the Mexican Hairless Dog, with which it was believed to be crossed.
The theory is unproven, but in support of it, there is a hairless variant of the Chihuahua, which we will discuss later.
Apparently, the breed was present only in the New World and arrived in Europe after Columbus' arrival in the Americas, particularly in Cuba.
In the 1800s, the breed began to attract modest interest in the United States, where it was recognized by the AKC in 1904, while by the FCI only in 1959.
Curiosities about the Chihuahua
The theory that the Chihuahua arrived in Europe after the discovery of America in 1492 is challenged by a particular fact: The most famous work that could prove the Mediterranean origins of this dog is a fresco by Sandro Botticelli from 1482, located in the Sistine Chapel. Since the painting predates Columbus's arrival in the New World, we may need to reconsider the theory that traces the origins of the Chihuahua to Mexico.
Considering their small body size, Chihuahuas have the largest brain in the dog world.
Chihuahuas are born with their ears down, which assume an upright position around 6 months of age.
Character of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a dog that, despite its small size, has a surprisingly strong and active character.
Chihuahuas are full of energy and personality, often described as bold and self-confident.
This breed is known for its liveliness, intelligence, and loyalty, and it is well-known that it develops a very close bond with a particular family member.
Unfortunately, this characteristic makes the Chihuahua rather possessive by nature, and often snappy.
When it comes to dealing with children, Chihuahuas can be tolerant, but they tend to get annoyed easily. Additionally, their small stature makes them vulnerable to accidental injuries.
Therefore, they are more suitable for families with older children who understand how to interact gently with small animals.
With strangers, Chihuahuas can be reserved and sometimes suspicious, and often quite hostile.
Even though their size doesn't make it their main purpose, their natural distrust of strangers makes them excellent alarm dogs, although they can bark excessively if not properly trained or socialized.
Living with other animals can vary. Some Chihuahuas can coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if raised together, while others may show territorial behaviors.
Their dominant and courageous nature often leads them to be unaware of their size, which can lead to very risky confrontations with larger animals.
Chihuahuas are perfectly suited to apartment life due to their small size and relatively moderate activity level.
They are adaptable dogs that can live comfortably in confined spaces, as long as they have regular opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.
Despite their small stature, they have a good level of energy and enjoy short walks and play sessions.
Training a Chihuahua can be a challenge due to their stubborn and independent character. However, they respond well to positive and consistent training methods.
It's important to start training and socializing at an early age to develop good habits and behaviors.
Chihuahuas are not excessively demanding in terms of physical exercise. Brief daily activity, such as walks or indoor play, is generally sufficient to keep them fit and satisfied.
Regarding aggression, as mentioned earlier, some Chihuahuas may show protective or territorial behaviors, especially towards strangers or in unfamiliar situations.
This behavior can be mitigated with proper socialization and consistent training, but unfortunately, this breed has a fair tendency to bite.
The tendency to escape is not typically a significant problem for Chihuahuas, but like all dogs, they can be curious and attempt to explore if the opportunity arises.
Finally, Chihuahuas are known to be rather noisy dogs. They tend to bark to attract attention, respond to unfamiliar sounds, or express their emotions, and have a rather high and sharp voice tone.
This characteristic, coupled with their distrust of people not part of the family, can make them an unhappy choice for those living in situations where there is little tolerance from apartment neighbors.
Physical Characteristics of the Chihuahua
Note: These are the breed standards set by FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and ENCI (Ente Nazionale Cinofilia Italiana) and are therefore valid for Europe. Standards for size, color, or coat recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) or other federations, such as the Canadian one, may differ. For more information, check the standards in the country of interest.
The photos on this site may represent both FCI and AKC standards or those of other federations.
ENCI FCI Standard
Group 9
Companion and Toy Dogs
Without working trial
Size
There is only one recognized variant:
Height at the withers: 15-25 cm, weight 1-3 kg
In addition to the standard size, the smaller variant called Toy Chihuahua or Miniature Chihuahua, with adults weighing even less than 1 kg, is becoming increasingly popular.
There are also individuals marketed as Mini Toy Chihuahuas, which according to sellers should weigh about 500 grams. These variants are often the result of thoughtless breeding or specimens with growth disorders.
No undersize version is accepted by the FCI or ENCI.
Coat Type and Texture
There are various types, but only two varieties are accepted by the FCI, the long-haired and the short-haired variants.
Long-haired Chihuahua: The coat is long and silky, slightly wavy but not curly. Excessive coat length is not accepted by the FCI. The coat can be double-layered or single-layered.
Short-haired Chihuahua: Has a soft coat that can be double-layered or single-layered. The coat must be short and not sparse. Hairless dogs are not tolerated by the FCI.
There is a third variant, which is very rare, the Hairless Chihuahua, or Naked Chihuahua.
The Hairless Chihuahua is a less common variant of the popular Chihuahua breed, characterized by a lack or scarcity of hair.
This particularity is the result of a genetic mutation affecting hair growth.
Despite their lack of hair, Hairless Chihuahuas retain all the distinctive physical characteristics and temperament of the standard breed.
Colors
The coat can have a wide variety of colors: fawn, white, gray, black, honey, harlequin, apricot, brown, lemon, charcoal, cream, tan, golden, ruddy, lilac, sand, red, sesame, spotted, brindled, blue, light, pepper and salt, silver, liver, orange, mouse, chocolate, cinnamon, sable, purple, bronze, suede.
The Italian Cynological Federation accepts all variants except the merle, as it is genetically linked to some pathologies.
Head
The Chihuahua comes in two variants, deer-headed and apple-headed. Only the latter variant is accepted by the FCI.
The deer-headed Chihuahua is not considered a pure specimen. The skull must be very rounded on the forehead, with well-separated and pointed ears, a short and broad muzzle at the tip. The eyes must be round and protruding, in a beautiful dark brown.
Tail
Curved upwards and of moderate length, it should form a semi-circle pointing towards the back.
The hair depends on the variety and must be in harmony with the body hair. In the long-haired breed, the tail hair forms a beautiful plume.
Body
Compact and small, light if the dog is in good physical shape. The body dimensions must be well balanced. The body length is slightly greater than the height.
The life expectancy of the Chihuahua is about 13-16 years. The longest-living Chihuahua, according to the Guinness World Records, lived 21 years and 66 days.
Health Issues in Chihuahuas
Like many small breeds, Chihuahuas are susceptible to a range of health conditions, some of which may be influenced by genetics and breeding.
Here are explanations of some common diseases that can affect this breed:
Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. In Chihuahuas, it can be hereditary. The severity of seizures can vary and may require long-term management with medication.
Patellar Luxation: This orthopedic problem occurs when the patella (or "kneecap") shifts out of its normal position. It can cause lameness and pain, and in some cases, may require surgery.
Potential for Small Bone Fractures: Due to their small stature and delicate bones, Chihuahuas are at risk of fractures, especially if mishandled or if they suffer from falls or injuries.
Dental or Gum Problems: Chihuahuas are prone to dental issues such as tartar, decay, and gum disease. Good oral hygiene and regular veterinary check-ups are important for maintaining dental health.
Heart Diseases: Chihuahuas can develop heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease. These conditions can vary in severity and may require monitoring and treatment. Heart diseases are among the major causes of death in this breed, as well as in other small breeds, as explained in this study.
Respiratory Tract Diseases: Chihuahuas may be subject to various respiratory diseases, including those related to their small size and facial structure.
Hypothermia: Due to their small body and short fur, Chihuahuas can struggle to maintain body heat in cold environments, leading to hypothermia.
Diseases Related to Weight Gain: As with many breeds, obesity can be an issue for Chihuahuas, leading to a range of health problems, such as diabetes and joint issues.
Tracheal Collapse: This is a condition in which the trachea, the airway to the lungs, weakens and collapses. It can cause chronic coughing and breathing difficulties.
How Big Does a Chihuahua Grow?
Approximately, this is the indicative growth chart with which you can determine the weight range of your adult Chihuahua puppy, based on the dog's weight at 8 weeks, which is generally the age at which most breeders sell puppies.
Weight at 8 Weeks
Final Adult Weight
0,31 kg
0,9 kg
0,36 kg
1,13 kg
0,45 kg
1,36 kg
0,53 kg
1,58 kg
0,60 kg
1,81 kg
0,68 kg
2,04 kg
0,76 kg
2,26 kg
0,93 kg
2,72 kg
1,10 kg
3,18 kg
Feeding the Chihuahua
Chihuahuas tend to gain weight easily, and managing their diet is important to avoid weight-related health issues such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
Feeding a Chihuahua Puppy
From birth up to about the first month of life, your Chihuahua puppy will feed exclusively on mother's milk.
Early weaning is not recommended unless in cases of extreme necessity.
This is to avoid future deficiencies in vitamins or minerals essential for healthy growth of your pet.
The initial weaning of the puppy requires age-appropriate food, and it's recommended to have 5 or 6 meals a day using food exclusively designed for puppies, which generally is wet food, or minced meat.
Here is a table with an example of the transition from milk to puppy food, and then to solid food.
The quantities are obviously indicative and should be adapted to the weight of the dog or the specific type of feed, as indicated on the package:
Age
Kind of food
Cups a Day
Meals per day
0 – 30 days
Breast milk
n/a
Unlimited
4 – 7 weeks
Puppy milk and food
n/a
Unlimited
8 – 12 weeks
Puppy milk and food
n/a
4 – 6
4 – 6 months
Kibble for puppies
1/8 – 1/2
3 – 4
6 – 9 months
Kibble for puppies
1/2 – 1
3 – 4
9 – 12 months
Food for adult dogs
1 – 2
3
12 months and beyond
Food for adult dogs
1 – 2
2 – 3
This table provides a general guide for feeding dogs according to their age. The "cups" refer to standard kitchen cup measurements.
It's important to note that these are only estimates, and the actual nutritional needs can vary based on factors such as physical activity, overall health, and individual preferences.
It's always recommended to consult a veterinarian for specific advice on feeding your dog.
Feeding the Adult Chihuahua
Upon reaching 9 months of age, you can start reducing meals to twice a day, or continue with three daily meals to prevent the dog, who is often hungry and fond of food, from spending too much time with an empty stomach.
Dry food should be chosen of good quality and in a variant for small breeds, with the right content of minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
There are also breed-specific feeds available in the market, such as Royal Canin's Chihuahua Adult.
Home-Cooked Diet for Dogs
If you prefer not to feed commercial food and would like to cook for your dog, the most recommended choice for preparing home-cooked food is to use primarily boiled primary products.
Meals should contain carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables in the right balance, and be administered in the correct dose based on weight and energy expenditure.
To learn more about how to feed your furry friend in the healthiest and tastiest way, read our guides:
How Much Should a Dog Eat? And How Many Times a Day?
Grooming the Chihuahua
The grooming of a Chihuahua varies depending on the coat type, which can be smooth, thus low-maintenance, or long.
If grooming a long-haired Chihuahua might seem daunting for owners inexperienced in canine hygiene, considering the small size of these dogs, with a bit of patience, almost everything can be done at home, saving on grooming costs.
What might be difficult is getting the dog accustomed to being handled and staying calm during various cleaning operations, and that's why Chihuahuas should be accustomed to bathing and brushing from puppyhood.
Giving some treats might be a good incentive for balanced behavior even during grooming.
Let’s see how to manage the various phases of cleaning!
Brushing
Even short-haired Chihuahuas benefit from regular brushing. Most need just one or two brushings a week.
Frequent brushing helps remove the undercoat, dead skin cells, and any dirt, and distribute natural oils over the body, which serve to protect the skin and keep their fur soft.
Make sure to choose a suitable brush for short, fine hairs if your dog has a smooth coat: in this case, a simple glove brush, or a deshedding tool for short-haired dogs might suffice.
For long-haired Chihuahuas, brushing is essential to keep their fur shiny and in good condition.
A deshedding tool for long-haired dogs will do wonders for removing dead hair, and a slicker brush with a metal comb can help keep their mane in order, reducing the formation of knots.
A leave-in detangling product might be useful to make brushing less bothersome, to facilitate the removal of knots and prevent hair breakage.
If you don't have a detangling product, you can lightly wet the coat with a spray bottle, but the spray makes the operation definitely easier for you and less stressful for your friend.
Bathing
The Chihuahua should not be bathed excessively, to maintain the natural oils that protect its delicate skin.
A bath per month should suffice if not particularly dirty, and two if it lives outdoors and gets very dirty. Proceed as follows:
Start by brushing your Chihuahua, especially if it has long hair, to avoid filling the tub with hair during washing. Consider using a drain filter if you suspect there may be significant hair loss during the washing operation.
Put cotton balls in the dog's ears. Wet the fur with lukewarm water, being careful not to use water that's too hot or cold. Apply a gentle dog shampoo for short hair, or a gentle shampoo for long hair, avoiding eyes, ears, and nose. Rinse well to remove the product, which could irritate the dog's skin.
For long-haired variant: after shampoo, use a conditioning balm. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
After the bath, dry the dog with a towel, better if warm, and then use a hairdryer at a low setting to avoid scalding the delicate skin. Since the Chihuahua is very sensitive to cold, it's better to dry with the hairdryer even when the temperature seems quite warm. To air dry, make sure it's really warm and that the fur doesn't stay wet for too long.
Completing the Grooming
Chihuahuas have very sensitive eyes, susceptible to infections and irritations. After the bath, use a damp cloth to gently clean the face, paying attention to the area around the eyes. Keep in mind that eye cleaning should be done every day. Always use a clean damp cloth, never dry, or opt for convenient eye wipes, or an eye stain cleaner in case of red tearing.
Dogs' ears can be prone to infections and wax build-up. Make sure to perform regular checks, and remove excess hair (use ear hair removal tweezers) and wax or dirt. There are specific products that can facilitate this task, such as moistening wipes for ear cleaning, or earwax dissolving cleaner for the ear canal.
Nails that are too long can cause pain and problems to the paws. Keep them short with a dog nail grinder or clippers, and make sure to have styptic powder available to stop any bleeding. If you're not sure about doing this operation correctly, leave it to the groomer, or read our guide How to Safely and Step-by-Step Clip Your Dog's Nails
Trimming the Long-Haired Chihuahua's Coat
In general, the Chihuahua's coat might only need some minor trimming, especially in certain areas.
Use clippers or rounded-tip scissors to trim the hair around the toes, as well as the excess hair growing between the pads under the paws.
Use blunt scissors for a hygienic cut in the area around the tail, to prevent feces from sticking to the fur. The rest of the coat should not be cut, except in extreme cases.
Can I shave my long-haired Chihuahua?
No, shaving the coat of a long-haired Chihuahua (or any breed that should have a long coat) is a bad idea, not only for the dog's aesthetics but also for the health of the fur.
It's important to be aware that shaving the coat of a dog that should have a long coat can permanently damage the texture or growth of the fur, in addition to causing painful sores, itching, sensitivity, and allergies.
And don't forget that the main purpose of the coat is its specific function as a thermoregulator.
The purpose of the undercoat is to keep the dog cooler in warm months and warmer in cold months. The hairs of the outer layer protect the dog from insects and the sun, as well as from occasional scratches due to thorns or other blunt objects.
Furthermore, if the coat is cut, the undercoat will start to grow much faster than the long hairs of the outer layer, giving the dog a look that is not in accordance with the breed standards.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Chihuahua in Shape
It's important to remember to periodically deworm both puppy and adult dogs, especially if adopted from shelters, kennels, or private individuals.
Be vigilant about seasonal parasites, which can be very dangerous to your pet's health. Ensure to undertake preventive measures against heartworm, leishmaniasis, fleas, and ticks.
Regularly check the state of the anal glands to avoid discomfort for the dog and bad odor. For this operation, refer to a veterinarian.
It's advisable to perform daily dental cleaning, or at least every two days, to prevent oral health problems and premature tooth loss. If you're unable to do so, opt for professional dental scaling under sedation when necessary.
Training the Chihuahua
Many owners believe that small dogs don't need to be trained, as their bite isn't a serious danger to accidental victims.
This thinking is partly correct, but training isn't just about preventing unpleasant incidents: the role of the trainer is to improve the common language between dog and owner, allowing the latter to maintain better control over the animal, and helping the dog to improve its too bitey, aggressive, protective, or simply too shy temperament.
Obviously, if there are no particular problems in the individual animal's behavior, the Chihuahua can also be trained by inexperienced but willing owners.
Just follow some guidelines and have a bit of patience!
It's important to start training your Chihuahua as soon as possible. Even though they are small, these dogs have a big personality and can quickly develop unbalanced habits. If your Chihuahua shows undesirable behaviors like excessive barking or biting, address them immediately. Behavioral training can help correct these unpleasant habits.
Socialization is crucial for Chihuahuas. Exposing them to a variety of people, animals, places, and situations can help prevent shy or aggressive behaviors.
Use positive reinforcement-based training methods. Reward your Chihuahua with praise, play, or treats when they correctly execute a command. Avoid punitive methods, which can be counterproductive and damage your relationship with your dog.
Start by teaching basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "come," and "down." These are not only useful in everyday life but also help establish clear communication between you and your Chihuahua.
Be consistent with rules and routines. Chihuahuas can be stubborn, so it's important to be firm and consistent in training.
Chihuahuas have a short attention span, so it's best to keep training sessions short and engaging. 25-30 minutes per session are ideal for both the dog and the owner.
If your Chihuahua is nervous or anxious, work on desensitization and conditioning to help them feel more comfortable in stressful situations.
Remember, every dog learns at its own pace. Show patience and affection during training, and your Chihuahua will respond positively.
To learn more about how to train your Chihuahua without mistakes, read our guide: Dog Training: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Who is the Chihuahua Suitable For and Not Suitable For?
The Chihuahua is a unique breed that adapts well to certain lifestyles but may not be the ideal choice for others.
These small dogs are perfect for those looking for a loyal and affectionate companion that is also small and relatively easy to manage, both in terms of physical exercise and space.
They are ideal for apartment living or in confined spaces and are great companions for the elderly or for those living alone, thanks to their manageable size and their strong bond with their owners.
Chihuahuas are also a good choice for first-time dog owners, thanks to their adaptable nature and relatively low need for physical exercise.
However, they require significant commitment in terms of socialization and training to manage their sometimes protective behavior and their tendency to bark, as well as the biting tendency present in some individuals.
On the other hand, Chihuahuas might not be suitable for families with small children. Their small stature makes them vulnerable to accidental injuries, and they might not tolerate rough play or the intrusive attention of small children.
Moreover, they are not the best choice for those looking for a guard dog or a companion for intense physical activities like long hikes or running, due to their small size and moderate energy level.
Also, Chihuahuas might not be suitable for very cold environments, given their small size and sensitivity to low temperatures.
It's also important to remember that Chihuahuas require special care and attention in cold climates to maintain their body temperature.
In conclusion, the Chihuahua is a great companion for those looking for a small, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance dog, but might not be the best choice for families with small children or for those looking for an athletic and robust dog.
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Author's Note
I invite all readers to share their experiences on this topic in the comments section.
Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, and advice on training or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them at their best.
If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about dog care, wellness, and training, we would be happy to help. Find here lots of useful information to better understand your furry friend.
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