Everything You Need to Know About Chihuahuas
The world's smallest dog breed has some of the most famous owners and one of the longest life expectancies. The Chihuahua is a dog of superlatives, at home in the handbags of Madonna, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton. But this Mexican breed is much more than just a luxurious lapdog.
Typical characteristics of the Chihuahua
This little Mexican Chihuahua has a huge ego compared to his size. He loves being the center of attention and will demand his owner's affection, if necessary, by barking or even feigning injury.
He presents himself confidently and bravely to others, even much larger dogs. He often tends to overestimate himself. But this intelligent and spirited little dog shouldn't be underestimated either.
Chihuahuas may enjoy being "pampered," but outside handbags, they are fully fledged dogs that can effortlessly cover long distances and even compete in dog sports to cut a good figure.
The Chihuahua is a popular therapy dog.
Their intelligence, empathy, and, not least, their size make them – especially in the USA – welcome therapy dogs. Even as guard dogs, they are not unsuitable thanks to their constant vigilance.
Contrary to their image as pampered lapdogs, properly bred German Shepherds are robust and resistant to disease. An age of 16 years or more is not uncommon for these dogs. They don't need to be constantly carried around; they prefer to explore their surroundings on their own.
Even if they prefer to stay indoors in bad weather, they don't necessarily need a jacket right away when they go out to play or romp around in the snow or in low temperatures.
Playful, but headstrong
Chihuahuas are very playful and love close contact with their people. They are reluctant to leave their owner's side. In dangerous situations, the little dog would not hesitate to defend its owner – even if it puts itself in danger.
Chihuahuas are generally open and friendly towards people and other dogs. However, they don't particularly like small children who demand a lot of attention from the family. They feel quite comfortable in a family with older children, around six years of age and up.
For a harmonious life with this little bundle of energy, professional socialization and consistent upbringing are essential. This is important in any case. This approach can prevent annoying barking and excessive stubbornness from the start.
Appearance: Small and cute
The spirited Chihuahua is characterized not only by its small size, but also by its large, bat-like ears and disproportionately large eyes. It also typically has an apple-shaped head and a short, pointed nose.
Chihuahua colors and coat types
The Chihuahua is as diverse in color as it is in temperament. According to the FCI breed standard, in which the Chihuahua is listed under number 218, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs without working trial), all colors as well as all combinations and shades are permitted.
Depending on coat length, the following two types of Chihuahuas are distinguished:
- Long-haired Chihuahua: The long, soft hair is either straight or slightly wavy. Other typical features include fringed ears, a pronounced ruff around the neck, and a fully furred tail.
- Short-haired Chihuahua: Short, dense hair that lies smoothly and shiny on the head and body.
How big does a Chihuahua get?
Interestingly, the breed standard doesn't specify an exact height at the withers for the world's smallest dog. Instead, its small size is determined by its weight. The ideal weight for a Chihuahua is between 1.5 and 3 kilograms. However, dogs weighing between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms are also accepted.
Generally, smaller Chihuahuas are preferred. Specimens weighing over three kilograms are excluded in most clubs.
Criticism of Chihuahuas being too small
The preference for smaller dogs has led to the breeding of extremely lightweight dogs that weigh just half a kilo.
Animal rights activists criticize the goal of breeding ever smaller Chihuahuas as cruel breeding practices. These extremely small and fragile dogs suffer from a higher incidence of health problems.
Upbringing and care: Consistent training is required.
Proper grooming for a Chihuahua includes regular brushing, especially for long-haired dogs. Ears and eyes should also be cleaned. Check them to detect and treat any possible illnesses early.
Otherwise, this small dog, which is also content with little space, is very easy to care for. It's an ideal dog for a small apartment.
Small dogs, big demands
Despite their size, you shouldn't underestimate their need for play and interaction with their beloved owner. Chihuahuas are very people-oriented and need a lot of love and attention from their humans to be happy. They love long walks in good weather, but are also happy to stay home when the weather is bad.
Good training from puppyhood, consistent upbringing, and comprehensive socialization will definitely make living with your Chihuahua much easier.
Even the notorious stubbornness of the dwarf dog and his love of barking. This allows them to be guided in the desired direction. Then nothing will stand in the way of a harmonious life with your Chihuahua.
Breeding and health: Buy only from reputable breeders
The Chihuahua's distinctive appearance – its small size and interesting head – has made it famous worldwide. However, this has also led to health problems in breeding.
Because incorrect breeding practices prioritized physical appearance over health, the ideal of oversized eyes and a short snout led to very sensitive eyes, as well as respiratory and dental problems.
Health problems in undersized Chihuahuas
Further health problems arose from the goal of breeding ever smaller Chihuahuas. These dogs, some weighing barely more than 500 grams, are susceptible to infections and can hardly counteract other diseases.
While normal-sized Chihuahuas are naturally robust and very long-lived – as evidenced by their survival on the streets of Mexico – the exaggeratedly small animals often become ill and die prematurely.
Even seemingly harmless viral infections can cause diarrhea and vomiting. These situations can quickly become life-threatening for tiny dogs. An immediate visit to the veterinarian is strongly advised.
Beware of puppy mills
Because the Chihuahua is still considered by many to be a fashionable dog, often found in the handbags of prominent stars, many disreputable breeders still exist.
Disregarding breeding recommendations and foregoing thorough health examinations to assess the suitability of breeding animals has led to an increase in hereditary diseases in the Chihuahua breed. These include, for example: dental malocclusion or premature tooth loss, cleft palate, and reverse sneezing./ breathing, heart valve problems (mitral valve insufficiency), hydrocephalus, and patellar luxation.
To minimize the risk of these diseases, prospective buyers interested in a purebred dog should purchase only from reputable breeders. You can identify them by the presence of all necessary paperwork and pedigree certificates, and by the completion of all recommended examinations and vaccinations.
Most breeders who follow these guidelines are members of a registered Chihuahua club that breeds to the FCI standard.
History: The Chihuahua's origin is probably in Mexico.
Despite various theories about the Chihuahua's origins, most people accept that the breed originated in Mexico. In the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, many small, wild dogs that closely resemble the breed still roam today.
According to this theory, Chihuahuas belong to the sacrificial dogs of ancient Mexico, the Techichis. In their religion, the Chihuahua guided the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Unfortunately, this role meant that many Chihuahuas lost their lives at funerals.
Another theory suggests that the Aztecs used Chihuahuas as sacrificial dogs in ritual ceremonies. Some even go further back, believing the Toltec people kept their ancestors. According to this theory, the Chihuahua breed would be over 1,000 years old.
Another tradition says the Spanish brought the animals to Mexico during their conquest in the 15th century. None of these theories have been fully proven or disproven to this day.
Chihuahuas from the mid-19th century
The history of the Chihuahua is therefore reliably documented only from the mid-19th century onward. At that time, farmers in the Mexican province of Chihuahua began selling the small dogs in increasing numbers to travelers from the USA. This marked the beginning of the Chihuahua's triumphant journey around the world.
Tourists were so enthusiastic about the "smallest dogs in the world," with their big eyes and big ears, that the dogs soon spread throughout America and from there also found their way to Europe.