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Chihuahua Smooth Coat

Height: 6 - 9 inches
Weight: 6 - 6 pounds
Life span: 14 - 18 years
AKC group: Toy
AKC rank: 11

  • Jogging Partner
  • Lap Dog
  • Children's Dog
  • Outdoor Dog
  • Warm Weather
  • Cold Weather
  • Grooming Requirements
  • Shedding
  • Barking
  • Ease of Training
Breed History | Background:

  • The early origin of the Chihuahua is controversial. One theory holds that it originated in Central and South America, descending from a small dog, the Techichi, which was used as a religious sacrifice and even food. The other theory holds it descends from small Chinese dogs brought to Central America by Spanish traders.
  • The recorded history of the Chihuahua begins in 1850, when three tiny dogs were brought to the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico.
  • More dogs followed. They were called by many names, including Arizona Dogs, Texas Dogs, Mexican Dogs, or even Chihuahua terriers, but the simple name Chihuahua stuck.
  • In the late 1800s, a troupe of trick Chihuahuas made the rounds with performer Rosalina Casselli.
  • The AKC recognized the breed in 1904. The first registered Chihuahua was a smooth coat named Midget.
  • The dogs aroused only moderate interest until Xavier Cugat, the rumba king, made his smooth Chihuahuas his constant companions in public appearances, movies, and later, his weekly television show.
  • By 1964, the Chihuahua had become the third most popular breed in America.
  • The Chihuahua has consistently remained one of America’s top breeds since then, currently ranking 11th in AKC popularity.

Behavioral concerns:

  • Makes both a devoted lap dog and saucy playmate.
  • Fairly playful with family children, but children must be supervised because they could easily hurt such a small dog.
  • Tends to be a one-person, or at most, one-family dog.
  • Reserved toward strangers. Early socialization so that it willingly accepts new people is important.
  • Good with other dogs and pets, but can foolishly challenge larger strange dogs.
  • Some can be overly bold, while others can be overly timid.
  • Learns quickly, but tends to have a stubborn streak.
  • Does not do well with force-based training methods, but is very good with reward-based training involving food.
  • Housetraining can be more challenging than with many other breeds.

Suggested exercise needs:

  • Makes a lively and alert housedog.
  • Although many of its physical exercise needs can be met with indoor games, it still needs the mental stimulation of walking and sniffing outdoors.
  • A walk around the block once or twice daily will meet its outdoor needs, not counting bathroom breaks. Many Chihuahuas can be trained to use indoor potty systems.
  • Dog parks are not generally a good idea unless only small dogs are allowed together.
  • Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise.
  • Excursions in a doggy purse can provide supplemental entertainment.
  • Chihuahuas can swim, but most aren’t crazy about it. They can, however, use a kiddy pool as a swimming pool.
  • Chihuahuas hate the cold. Because of their small size, they lose body heat rapidly.

Grooming:

  • Coat is short, soft, and glossy.
  • Brushing once a week will remove dead hair.
  • Shedding is average.
  • The breed is prone to periodontal problems, which can be prevented in large part by regular tooth brushing.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

  • Chihuahuas have a tendency to become obese.
  • Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
  • Remember, it does not take much food to feed such a small dog, and small snacks can easily add too many calories.
  • Chihuahua puppies should be fed often to prevent hypoglycemia, a serious condition to which very small puppies are prone. Frequent small meals of high protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates may help guard against this condition.

Medical conditions seen:





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