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Chihuahua

Veterinarian Reviewed on December 22, 2007 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Physical Characteristics

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Breed Group:

Chihuahuas are members of the Toy Group.

Weight:

Chihuahuas typically weigh between 2 to 6 pounds or 1 to 3 kilograms.

Height:

Generally these dogs reach a height of between 6 to 9 inches or 15 to 23 cm.

Color(s):

While the classic coloring of Chihuahuas is Fawn, these dogs come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns, including solid white, solid black, and everything in between.

Coat:

There are two varieties of Chihuahuas — long-coat Chihuahuas and those with smooth, shorter coats.

Overview

Character:

Chihuahuas are known for their lively personality, their courage, and their loyalty. Curious and energetic, these dogs tend to bark a lot and can be quite noisy. Although sometimes thought of as edgy and overly excitable animals, properly socialized Chihuahuas make excellent and affectionate companion dogs. While these dogs are strong-willed and suspicious of strangers, Chihuahuas are very intelligent and can be well trained. With their intense loyalty, Chihuahuas tend to become very attached to their owner and prefer to form a strong relationship with one person. Chihuahuas are not recommended for households with children, as these animals tend to bite when teased or frightened.

Country of Origin:

Mexico is the country of origin of the Chihuahua, and these dogs are named after the state of Chihuahua, located in northern Mexico. While not all aspects of the Chihuahua’s history and origins are agreed upon by everyone, it is believed that their roots stretch back to ancient times.

History:

As a result of engraved stones and other archeological and historical evidence, it is known that the Toltecs of ancient Mexico had a type of domesticated dog known as the Techichi. Carved representations of these dogs show that they bear a strong resemblance to modern Chihuahuas. It is believed that Chihuahuas descended from the Techichi, possibly after being bred with another type of dog brought to Mexico by travelers from China.

Name:

The name “Chihuahua” was taken from the state of Chihuahua in the country of Mexico. The state of Chihuahua is situated in the northern region of Mexico, bordering the southern U.S. states of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. It is thought that Chihuahuas originated in this northern part of Mexico.

Temperament:

Chihuahuas are extremely loyal animals, to the point where they can become quite jealous of their owner’s relationships with humans and other animals. At the same time, these dogs make great companions and like to both give and receive plenty of affection. Suspicious and courageous, Chihuahuas are not afraid to stand up to larger animals and tend to bite when frightened or threatened. For these reasons, Chihuahuas make better companions for single adults rather than for children or families.

Care

Training:

Chihuahuas are intelligent creatures but require proper socialization as puppies in order to reduce their suspicious and jealous tendencies. These animals respond best to positive reinforcement forms of training and it’s best to begin training as soon as the Chihuahua puppy is introduced into your home. Basic puppy training can be followed by obedience training and even advanced training, which includes teaching your Chihuahua many neat tricks.

Activity:

Even though Chihuahuas are small, they still require regular exercise. When taking your Chihuahua outdoors, it’s probably best to use a harness rather than a collar. These animals are very energetic and tend to be quite active and curious. Chihuahuas also like to bark a lot.

Ownership:

Owning a Chihuahua can be a great experience, and you can form a very strong and special relationship with one of these dogs. Chihuahuas make loyal and affectionate companions and they are very adaptable to different environments and situations. Due to their small size, Chihuahuas are great companions for apartment dwellers and single people.

Breeders:

No breeders listed at this time.

List of dog breeds

Read also: French Mastiff
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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