Breed Description: The Chihuahua breed is divided into two varieties of differing coat lengths-one with a short coat and the other with a long coat. This small breed has a short, pointed muzzle and dainty feet. They are known for their loyalty and devotion and despite their tiny stature, their suspicious nature makes them good watch dogs. Chihuahuas are very loyal and devoted to their owners.
Group: Toy group.
Purpose of Breed: Companion
Country of Origin: Mexico.
Average Size: These tiny dogs range from 6-9 inches and 2-6 pounds.
Color(s): All solid colors or mixture of colors.
Coat Type: Short or long coats depending on the variety of dog. Short coats are glossy and soft to the touch. Long coats are also soft and can either be straight, wavy or curly.
Grooming: Short coats that require minimal grooming. Long coats need more regular grooming to prevent matting. This breed requires standard care for eyes, ears, pads and nails.
Exercise Needs: This breed adapts well to apartment living. Although they are small in size, they enjoy plenty of exercise. Happy and content at home, Chihuahuas can be quite sensitive to the cold and should be protected if taken outdoors in inclement weather.
Temperament: The playful Chihuahua is a highly intelligent and responds well to training. It is an excellent companion, although its loyalty and devotion can at times turn to jealousy. Chihuahuas do not enjoy being left alone by themselves and prefer to be with their masters or other family pets. This breed is naturally reserved around unfamiliar people and animals and will bark noisily at strangers.
Common Ailments: The Chihuahua is susceptible to patella luxation and eye problems.
Life Expectancy: The expected life span of the Chihuahua is 15 or more years.
Trivia: The name Chihuahua is derived from the Mexico State of the same name. Chihuahuas prefer the company of their own breed
More Information: Chihuahua Club of America
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Can anyone tell if my Chihuahua is an apple or deer head?
I see deer head lines...but a little shorter than usual, although it looks like a pup! So cute!! I love all chi's!
This is a deer head chi. Just like its name, the Deer Head Chihuahuas head resembles the facial characteristics of a young deer. It has a long muzzle and large ears.
Deer Heads have a sloped forehead angled approximately 45 degrees where it meets the muzzle. They also have long legs and necks, which make them taller.
Typically, the Deer Head Chihuahua is larger than Apple Head Chis, which tend to stay below 6 pounds in weight.
Your baby is adorable!!
Is my bottle fed puppy a teacup Chihuahua or a regular size Chihuahua? And about how old do you think she is?
To be honest with you this will be extremely hard to tell right now. Even though the dog was bottle feed when it was small this will depend on a few factors to determine the dog's age. Normally this is done through the teeth of the dog. You can try to use a growth chart and estimate how old the dog is.
What are the characteristics, nose color, measurements, and weights of Chihuahuas. How do you know it's the real deal?
I'm curious about the breed. I've owned Yorkies, but not Chihuahuas. I appreciate your input.
TIA
The only real way to make sure it is purebred is a DNA test. Breeders also have papers for your dog. Just looking is not a guarantee.
There are 6 different breeds of Chihuahuas. Your dog looks sort of like the Apple Head breed. But the Apple Head breed has a black nose and not the light brown nose like yours does. In all the 6 breeds of the dog none of them have the same nose coloring as your dog does.
At what age does a Chihuahua get it's adult coat color? I was told that my Chi is about a year old, and now the color is changing from a beautiful all white to a beautiful white and tan pattern with what looks like it could even have some striking darker tan patterns emerging.
At what age do they generally have their full color patterns?
What kind of pet Chihuahua do I have?
By sscharles89
Check out these photos.
We got our little cutie pie when she was 1 year old. We got her off of craigslist for $50.00. When we first took her to the vet they found signs that she had been abused for most of her life.
I kept her from a litter that my other dogs had. She was the little runt baby. She loves to be around my neck in her fleece bag that I made for her.
We found Bella at a monthly swap meet in Mulvane Kansas, we took a horse there to sell. As we was leaving my wife spotted a lady that had several Chihuahua puppies for sale so we ended up with Bella. She was the only short haired one of the bunch.
It was in 2001 and I wanted a dog. I was in the area off of Bitters and stopped at the PetSmart there because I heard they had a pet day. When I went in I found out that the company, Chihuahua Rescue, was there. I decided to look at the dogs that were there and I saw Ash.
This is my girl Chickie, she passed last July after living 3 years with GME meningitis, we adopted her with her brother and she was an amazing girl. She was always smiling and happy and loved her family so very much!
My stepmom give her to me when she was 6 weeks old. My stepmom wanted me to have a companion due to my health issues and because I was getting worse.
Harley came from a friend who had some babies to find homes for. We are so glad she gave us one.
I got her from a friend 2 years ago. She loved to sit with us and play fetch.
This is a page about, "Is my dog a full blooded Chihuahua?". It is sometimes difficult to be certain that your dog is a pure bred just by its appearance.
There are many sizes and colors of Chihuahuas. Your dog may may or may not be mixed with another breed. This page is about, "What is my Chihuahua mixed with?".
Chihuahuas are a fun breed of dog to photograph. This page contains Chihuahua photos.
A vet is a good resource for determining the age of your dog. They will typically check the dog's teeth, a method that you too can employ at home. This is a page about how to determine the age of a Chihuahua.
