The Chihuahua: Teacup Full of Love

The Chihuahua Dog Breed in Brief

Recognized as the smallest breed of dog in the world, the Chihuahua is a favorite pet for many who enjoy tiny dogs, as well as those who live in apartments or areas where they cannot have a larger breed of dog. A well-balanced little canine, the Chihuahua weighs less than 6 pounds when fully grown and is easily recognized by his unique apple-shaped head and upright ears. Even if you’re not a fan of small dogs, the tiny teacup Chihuahua is sure to surprise you with his active, courageous personality. Very few who have had the honor of meeting one of these pint-sized spitfires, can honestly say that the Chihuahua did not instantly worm his way right into their hearts.

Life Expectancy: 8 to 18 years
Good with Children: Better suited for older, well behaved children (8 years of age and older)
Dog Breed Group: Toy Group
Size Group: Toy
Other Commonly Used Names: Tea Cup Chihuahua, Teacup Chihuahua, Chiwawa
Famous Chihiuahuas: The Taco Bell Chihuahua, Bruiser from "Legally Blonde", Tinkerbelle (owned by Paris Hilton)

Chihuahua History

Like many breeds of dog, the true origins of the Chihuahua are buried beneath the sands of time. One common theory is that he is a descendant of an ancient breed of dog, known as the Techichi, that was raised by the Toltec people as far back as the 9th century, A.D. Some even suggest that the foundation breed dates even further back, perhaps into the times when the ancient Mayans first settled into Central America, where the Techichi was indigenous. While the Techichi was larger and more heavily-boned than the Chihuahua, the similarity between the two dogs is unmistakable. Perhaps, when people traveled across the land bridge that is now the Bering Strait, smaller breeds of Asian dogs, quite possibly the Chinese Crested dog, were brought into Alaska, where they were then able to cross with the Techichi. This is a common theory on how the Chihuahua came to be. Others speculate that he is the result of extensive inbreeding. Regardless how he came about, however, this tiny hero of a dog is determined to remain a popular favorite, even with the passing of time.

The Chihuahua is named for the Mexican city where the earliest record of this unique little breed has been found, and he has enjoyed his status as a favored house pet for centuries. Believed to have been brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus and other explorers of that day and age, this tiny dog quickly gained popularity, and interest in the Chihuahua spread worldwide. The American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) acknowledges the Chihuahua as one of the oldest breeds to be registered, the first dogs being recognized and entered into the stud book back in 1904.

Varieties of Chihuahua

The Chihuahua comes in two different varieties; the long haired Chihuahua (sometimes known as the long coat Chihuahua) and the smooth coated Chihuahua. The smooth coat Chihuahua has a coat that is slick, glossy, and of a soft texture. A slight ruff over the neck area is ideal and dogs with a slightly heavier coat are permissible, according to the breed standard. The long hair Chihuahua possesses a longer coat, which may either lay flat against the dog or may be somewhat curly; in both styles of long haired Chihuahua, the ears should be fringed and the tail should be plume-like, with feathering at the chest, along the belly and flanks, and down the dog’s legs. A large ruff is also desired around the neck area. Also interesting to note is that the Chihuahua can be found in any color and can be either solid patterned, marked or splashed, regardless of coat.

Up until its time of development as a pure breed in the United States, the origin of the long-coated version of the Chihuahua is identical to that of the short-coated variety. The long, soft coat is thought to have been achieved by crossbreeding the Short Coat Chihuahua with other Toy breeds. The Papillon, Pomeranian, Pekingese and Yorkshire Terrier have been suggested as possible crosses.

The Chihuahua breed standard does not specify a height limit for registration but, instead, specifies that they can weigh no more than 6 pounds. Because of this, the breed’s height varies more than many other known breeds. Most show dogs will be an average of 6-10 inches tall at the top of the shoulder, though it is not uncommon for dogs to grow larger than this, particularly those who are kept as pets. Quite often, smaller specimens of the breed are sold as expensive pets, known as teacup Chihuahuas. While these dwarfs are highly sought after, one should be very wary of any breeder that advertises teacup Chihuahuas; quite often, these miniature toy Chihuahuas exhibit a large number of health problems and often live a much shorter lifespan than the standard Chihuahua‘s life span of anywhere between 8 and 18 years of age.

Chihuahua Pet Care Tips

General Chihuahua care is relatively easy for a healthy dog. Regular veterinary checkups and keeping your Chihuahua up to date on his vaccinations will do wonders for keeping your pet happy and healthy, but there are other little things that you can do to help keep him feeling good in-between vet visits. One of these is grooming your Chihuahua on a regular basis. While some believe that this is only important for long coated Chihuahuas, grooming your smooth coat Chihuahua will also help him by removing dead hair and dander, same as in a long haired Chihuahua. Keeping his toenails properly clipped will also prevent your toy Chihuahua from getting injured by catching a nail on carpeting or furniture. Should your Chihuahua’s eyes tear and run excessively, you can also gently wipe these with a cloth dipped in saline solution in order to help cut down the risk of infection. Should you notice, while cleaning your Chihuahua’s eyes, that they are abnormally bloodshot or that there is a white discharge, an appointment should be made with your veterinarian, to have him checked for an eye infection.

Caring for your pet Chihuahua also encompasses other things, such as his nutrition and level of exercise. While the Chihuahua is quite often a picky eater and prefers to lounge on a lap rather than run outside, care should be taken that your Chihuahua not be allowed to gain excess weight - doing so can lead to health problems such as heart failure or tracheal collapse. The Chihuahua is also prone to having sugar problems and many tend to suffer from problems, such as hypoglycemia. When in doubt, speak with your veterinarian or a reputable breeder regarding feeding concerns for your particular dog.

Is the Chihuahua Right for You?

Chihuahuas may be the ideal dogs for apartment living, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are the ideal dog for you. For instance, the toy Chihuahua is ill-suited for a household with small children. They are small and delicate dogs, that are easily hurt if pulled or fallen on. Additionally, the Chihuahua tends to bond with a single person and can be rather snappish if annoyed. For these reasons, it’s generally a good idea to introduce them into families with older children. Likewise in homes with other dogs; the Chihuahua can tend to be rather elitist and prefers the company of his own breed over others. Amusingly though, the Chihuahua tends to have the attitude of a terrier and will take on any other dog, if provoked. While it may seem amusing thinking of a toy Chihuahua trying to take on a Great Dane, it’s common for these pint-sized spitfires to bite off more than they can chew.

Chihuahua Training

How to train your Chihuahua depends on what you intend to teach him to do, your degree of patience, and your own individual dog. Important to remember in Chihuahua training, is that these little dogs do best with a gentle hand, a lot of patience, and regular routine. Taking the time to repeat commands with a patient tone, and having the same person train the basics, will help your Chihuahua to learn more quickly. The Chihuahua is a quick and enthusiastic learner, who loves to please and a wonderful addition to any home. If he is treated with love and kindness, like other dogs, he will give it back to you tenfold.

Chihuahua Breed Temperament:

Alert and spirited, the Chihuahua is personality in a small package. Chihuahuas become very attached to their owners and are very willing to please. Very much a lap dog, the Chihuahua enjoys being pampered. But don't let the small size fool you into thinking these dogs lack spunk! They are affectionate but they're also alert and make a fine little watchdog.

Chihuahua Breed Exercise Requirements:

This swift-moving little dog with its saucy expression, rounded skull and flaring ears is so small that it can get the exercise it needs just by running around the house or apartment. A sprightly pet, the Chihuahua is an ideal companion for an apartment dweller or a couch potato who doesn't care to indulge in long, outdoor walks.

Chihuahua Breed Grooming Requirements:

Chihuahua grooming needs are minimal. As with any smooth coat breed, a regular brushing will remove dead hair and dander, as well as provide your Chihuahua with a much-enjoyed massage to boost circulation and overall good health. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and ears should be kept clean. The occasional bath (every few months) with a good quality dog shampoo and conditioner will also help keep your fastidious little Chihuahua feeling and smelling his best. Take caution to ensure that the bath area is nice and warm and free from drafts, and be sure to keep your Chihuahua warm and dry in a soft towel or dog bath robe until he or she is completely dry. Long coat Chihuahuas require more regular brushing to keep the soft coat silky and tangle free.

Special Considerations For Chihuahuas in Colder Climates:

As a tiny toy breed that originated in a warm climate, colder climates are not the ideal setting for the Chihuahua. This, however, does not mean that you can't own a Chihuahua if you live in Minnesota or (heaven forbid!) Canada. It does mean, though, that you will need to equip your Chihuahua with some extra small dog accessories to keep him warm and comfortable when the weather is cold and snow is on the ground. The following items can be purchased from your local pet store, or from a plethora of online small dog apparel and accessory web sites, including our Dogs Central Dog Supply Store.

Your Chihuahua Will Need:

• A warm and cozy small dog bed with a fleece blanket to cover him at night.
• A small dog coat that is easy to apply and remove. Should be lined with faux fur, sherpa, fleece or down-filled.
• Dog booties.
• An indoor dog litter box or puppy pee pads. Chihuahuas can't be expected to go outdoors when the snow is higher than they are, or when the weather is too stormy.
• A cozy small dog carrier or small dog tote bag can be a comfortable dog nest while you take him along with you.
• A small dog collar and leash.

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Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim and Debbie Moore
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