Dog Breeds: The Small But Mighty Chihuahua

  Posted on October 18, 2012  by Joy of Living  No comments

As the title indicates, this dog breed is a big dog in a small dog’s body.  Full of spunk and energy the Chihuahua is not a breed for the faint of heart.

Chihuahua Breed History

Chihuahuas originated in Mexico and were originally bred as a companion dogs. Today’s Chihuahua is much smaller than its ancestors. It is believed the Chinese Crested, brought from Asia to Alaska, was responsible for the reduction in size. The Chihuahua was first registered by American Kennel Club in 1904.

Chihuahua General Facts

Chihuahuas come in two varieties, smooth-coated and long-coated.  This breed is very small, the average weight ranges from  2-6 1/2 lbs. and the typical height is 6-9 inches tall.  There are several colors ranging from fawn to red and white. As with most toy breeds the life span is quite long, with the average ranging 13-15 years.

Care and Appearance

This breed does shed, regardless of whether they’re short or long-haired.  Both varieties can have either a single or double coat, the double coated varieties have much higher shedding.  Grooming is not extreme, bathing every two weeks with regular brushing should keep a Chihuahua looking his best.

Chihuahuas don’t require large amounts of exercise and have small appetites to match their size.

Things To Consider

As with many toy breeds, Chihuahuas can be very tough to house train, so consistency will be very important when potty training.

Chihuahuas love their people, but can be very wary of strangers and can be perceived as ‘barky”.  Because of their small size and dynamic personality, they can have a tendency to confront larger dogs, so care should be taken when around larger dogs.

Because they are so small, this breed would not be a top recommendation for a family with young children.  Everyone in the household should walk carefully to prevent injury to chihuahuas.

This breed loves to be pampered, so it is important to set boundaries early with them, otherwise, they will see themselves as “head of the house.”

Health Issues For Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas can live long lives but there are a few health concerns associated with them such as:  Dental issues, luxating patella, collapsed trachea and corneal ulcers.

If you’re looking for a smart, feisty little dog with tons of personality that will liven your household for years to come, definitely consider the small but mighty Chihuahua!