Chihuahua Information
| Weight: | 2 - 7 pounds |
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| Height: | 5 - 8 inches |
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| Amount Of Shedding: |  |
| Daily Exercise Required: |  |
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| Watchdog: |  |
| Good With Children: |  |
Description
The Chihuahua is a very distinctive looking toy dog, with features that really stand out and a body of tiny proportions. These dogs boast beautiful, round, dark eyes, a rounded head, a short nose, and unusually large ears in comparison to the rest of its face and body. The body of the Chihuahua is very small but is also sturdy.
The smallest breed in the world, these dogs can come across as being extremely fragile but they are quite sturdy, strong little animals. These dogs have very pretty little faces, and the coat of the Chihuahua is usually short, although you can also get longer haired ones. The coloring of the coat can vary and can come in fawn, chestnut, sand, silver, and can also be bi-colored.
Chihuahua Behavior & Temperament
This dog breed is ideal as a companion, as the Chihuahua is an affectionate, loyal, and lively little dog. This breed loves to receive fuss and attention, as well as to give it, and is a responsive and very intelligent breed. The Chihuahua is also a playful creature, and will make for a good family pet, although caution should be exercised if there are young children in the household. This breed can display a jealous streak, and can also be snappy and aggressive with other animals and people when he feels threatened or if he has not been properly socialized.
Height & weight
The Chihuahua is a very tiny dog, and the height of this breed in only around six to nine inches, with the weight usually averaging around two to six pounds.
Common health / behavioral problems
Because the Chihuahua is a breed with a short muzzle, one of the common health problems associated with these dogs is respiratory difficulty. Dry eyes can also cause a problem, as the eyes of these dogs do tend to protrude a little. Dislocated kneecaps, rheumatism, hypoglycemia, stress, and dental problems are amongst the other health problems that may affect this dog breed.
Trainability
This is an intelligent toy dog breed, and with the right attitude, patience, and understanding, you should not experience any major difficulties when it comes to training your Chihuahua.
Ideal living conditions
The Chihuahua is an indoor dog, and therefore is well suited to apartment living. You should not keep this dog outdoors, and you should bear in mind that these dogs are not keen on colder temperatures and the climate within your home should reflect this.
Exercise requirements
Although the Chihuahua is a small, indoor dog, he is also a playful and energetic creature. Moderate levels of exercise such as daily walks or play time in the garden or yard will help to keep these dogs happy and fit. Bear in mind the breed’s dislike of very cold weather when exercising him, and ensure that you provide an extra coat for him when going out in colder weather.
Diet & nutrition
You should ensure that you feed your Chihuahua a well balanced diet, keeping in mind that these dogs can be prone to oral problems and hypoglycemia. Three small portions a day are recommended, and these should be mainly meat based meals. Always provide access to fresh water.
Life expectancy
A healthy Chihuahua can be expected to live for around fourteen or fifteen years.
Grooming requirements
The grooming requirements for this breed will depend on whether you have the short haired or long haired variety. With a short haired Chihuahua only occasional brushing is needed, and in order to keep his coat in good condition you can simply wipe over with a damp cloth. With the long haired variety more brushing is required, and this can be done with a soft bristle brush.
Origin
The Chihuahua is a dog that originates from Mexico, and is named after the state in which it was first introduced.
Dog group
AKC Toy
Chihuahua Pictures
Five Chihuahuas with short hair coats:
A little puppy Chihuahua:
