Though the Chihuahua is tiny in size it is huge in personality. Distinctive in appearance, this breed is known as the world’s smallest dog. It is typically 5-9 inches tall, and usually weighs 3-6 pounds, and has a lifespan of generally 10-18 years. The present day Chihuahua was first discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico in the mid 19th century, and was subsequently brought to the United States during that time. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1904. The Chihuahua is a companion breed and loves to be with its human family. They do fine living in apartments, and are great for first time dog parents, but they are a highly sensitive breed and do not like being alone. However, they are not the best breed for families with small children. Due to the size of the breed, and their thin, fragile bones they can get easily injured by children. This amusing pet loves to have fun, and if outside can be an escape artist, so they do need to be watched. Chihuahuas are very affectionate and will usually get close to one specific family member, and will be very protective of them. Due to their being so attached to one person they are not so friendly with strangers, and therefore are great watchdogs. Chihuahuas do need early socialization and training so as to avoid bad behavior when older. Though they do enjoy being outside, they do not handle the cold very well and therefore should wear a sweater. Chihuahuas have two different types of coats, either smooth (short) or long, and with many different colors. They can be tan, black, white, gray, brown, silver, or a variety of mixed colors. This breed is easy to housetrain, but the training needs to be consistent and encouraging, not harsh in correction. Chihuahuas are easy to care for; weekly brushing, bi-monthly bathing, and nails trimmed when necessary should be sufficient. When grooming, just keep an eye on their overall health, however, they do need daily brushing of their teeth. Overall, this is a healthy breed, and with routine veterinary checkups and care they should live a happy, healthy, and long life.
Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.
