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Chihuahua

Breed origin: Mexican State of Chihuahua
Original purpose: Used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the upper class.

AKC recognized: 1904
AKC group: Toy

Size: Weight: up to 6 lbs
Size: Height: 6 to 10 inches

5-month-old puppies © Kellyrichardsonfl (Kelly Richardson) | Dreamstime.com

Color: Any color - solid, marked or splashed.

Life span: 10 to 17 years.

General characteristics/temperament: The Chihuahua is alert, graceful, self-important, confident, self-reliant, and intelligent. They are said to be terrier-like, and are naturally territorial and protective. They can be good with families if the children are gentle and patient. However, they are fearless and can be easily provoked to attack, and are typically not suitable for families with very young children or with older but boisterous children. Chihuahuas crave attention and affection, and are eager to please. They can be hyper and have a reputation for being "yippy", but these problems can be minimized with proper training. Due to their very small size, they lose heat faster than other breeds and do not tolerate cold temperatures. Many will need to wear coats or sweathers when outside in the cold or in air-conditioned places.

© Kitsen | Dreamstime.com

Good with children? Not with very young children.

Good watchdog? Yes

Protective? Yes

OK in apartments? Yes

© Anna63 (Anna Utekhina) | Dreamstime.com

Intelligent? Yes

Energy/Activity Level: High

Exercise requirement: Because of their very small size, their exercise requirements can be easily met by just moving about indoors.

Grooming requirement: Bathe once a month. Typically sheds more than the long-haired variety.

Known health problems: Epilepsy, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, eye infections, eye injury, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis.


Additional photos of Chihuahua

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Recommended books for further reading:

The Everything Chihuahua Book (A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, And Caring for Your Chihuahua) By Joan Hustace Walker Published in 2006 304 pages

Chihuahuas For Dummies By Jacqueline O'Neil Published in 2007 344 pages

The Chihuahua Handbook By D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Published in 2000 159 pages

Chihuahuas (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual) By D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Published in 2003 96 pages

Chihuahuas (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual) By D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Published in 1995 102 pages

Chihuahua (A Comprehensive Owner's Guide) By Barbara J. Andrews Published in 2003 158 pages

The Chihuahua By Tammy Gagne Published in 2005 192 pages

The Chihuahua By Susan Payne Published in 2009 200 pages

A New Owner's Guide to Chihuahuas By Marion Mondshine Published in 1999 160 pages

Chihuahuas (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) By Richard Miller and Diane Morgan Published in 2006 111 pages

The Essential Chihuahua By Ian Dunbar and Mary Bloom Published in 1999 96 pages

The Chihuahua (An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet) By E. Ruth Terry Published in 1996 160 pages

Guide to Owning a Chihuahua By Roberta Sisco Published in 1996 64 pages

Chihuahua (Your Happy Healthy Pet) By Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz Published in 2006 144 pages

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Other websites for additional information:

American Kennel Club breed page
Chihuahua Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Chihuahua Club of America Rescue

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Page Last Updated: February 1, 2018

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