Facts about Chihuahua Puppies

We know that Toltec and Aztec Indians had a small dog. Some experts believe that a modern day Chihuahua is a descendent of that dog while others think it's a descendent of dogs introduced to North America by Chinese travelers.

What we do know for sure is that the breed as we know it today was discovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in 1850s and was brought to the United States around the same time.

Physical Characteristics of Chihuahua Puppies

The Chihuahua is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. It's also the smallest. Some dogs can fit in a palm of a hand!

It has a body that is longer than it is tall and its head appears large for its body. It has large, slightly bulging eyes and large ears. The tail curls over its back. The coat can be long or short. The long haired Chihuahua is not as common as the short haired variety.

Some people erroneously think that different sized dogs belong to different types of the same breed. For example, they use the term Teacup Chihuahua to describe the smallest dogs.

According to the Chihuahua Club of America, there are just two types of Chihuahua - the short haired and long haired Chihuahua. All other terms, such as a Toy Chihuahua or a Teacup Chihuahua are just misleading.

Temperament

Chihuahua puppies are NOT the friendliest dogs!

They dislike dogs of other breeds and are not fond of strangers and children.

Chihuahuas are alert, devoted to their owners and can be... ferocious! They have sharp teeth and will use them when provoked. They are also known for attacking dogs several times their size.

A Chihuahua will pick its favorite family member and will channel 100% of its devotion to that person. It can even get jealous over that person's human relationships.

In short, it's a prime candidate for socialization training!

Best Owner / Living Conditions

Chihuahua puppies are well suited for an apartment lifestyle. Their activity level is low, making them perfect pets for elderly and inactive owners. They are not advised for people with small children.  

Some Chihuahua breeders may interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

Though this is not a very active breed, Chihuahua puppies still need to exercise.

Playing with and taking your pet for a walk will keep him healthy and lean (this breed tends to gain weight quite easily).

Grooming

A short haired Chihuahua needs to be brushed only occasionally while a long-haired will need to be brushed two or three times a week. There is no need to bathe Chihuahua puppies unless they get dirty or smelly. Under normal circumstances, bathing once a month is sufficient.

In addition to brushing and bathing, check the ears for wax build up and clip the nails when necessary. You may also want to pay special attention to his teeth and gums.

Here is an interesting fact...

Did you know that a long haired Chihuahua actually sheds less than a short-haired one?

Health Concerns

Chihuahuas are predisposed to rapid weight gain, so make sure not to overfeed your pet and provide him with plenty of exercise.

This breed also requires professional help with birthing and dental care (visit dog teeth cleaning to learn more).

The breed is also susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Other health concerns include heart problems, collapsed trachea, epilepsy, and seizures.

To learn more about dog diseases and health care, visit dog health problems.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Chihuahua breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for the Chihuahua is 15 years but some dogs can live up to 20 and even 22 years.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Chihuahua rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.