Chihuahua

The Chihuahua may be the smallest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, but don’t tell them that. These miniature canines are known for their big personality and strong sense of self-confidence. Loyal to a fault, Chihuahuas have been known to stand up to dogs 10 times their size as well as any stranger who steps into their territory without permission.

One of the oldest breeds in America, the Chihuahua dog’s ancestors once lived among ancient South American civilizations. Today, Chihuahuas are a national symbol of Mexico and are popular across the United States. Though their tiny size may make some people ask, “Is a Chihuahua a dog?” these small but mighty canines make wonderful pets for the right type of person or family. They can also rock a sweater like nobody’s business.

Chihuahuas are adaptable pets who can be a great fit for a variety of homes. Their small size and moderate exercise need make them ideal for apartment living. They are also generally low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but although they won’t leave piles of fur on the furniture, they do shed seasonally. However, that doesn’t mean Chihuahuas are a low-maintenance breed. They thrive on attention and require early socialization training to be their best selves. Take a look at the Chihuahua breed info below to see how they rank across a variety of characteristics. This can help you determine if a Chihuahua dog is the right choice for you.

Chihuahuas are energetic dogs who need high-quality food to support their fast metabolism. More sedentary Chihuahuas are prone to becoming overweight, so be sure to pair good nutrition with daily exercise. You can take your dog on short, slow walks. Those little legs can’t go far before tiring—though, of course, some members of the breed will prove the exception—or you can exercise your dog through playtime in the house.

The Chihuahua’s independent personality sometimes translates into being a choosy eater. If your pet has trouble finding a favorite flavor, consult your vet or talk to a Petco nutrition specialist. Remember that changing food too quickly can lead to gastrointestinal upset, and always make sure to feed your dog food that is appropriate to their life stage. Feed puppy food to puppies, adult food to adults and senior dog food to dogs 10 years old and older.

The number of calories you feed your dog will depend on their age, size and activity level. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best serving size for your Chihuahua. Consult your veterinarian about your pet’s specific nutritional needs.

Food Recommendations

Give your Chihuahua what they deserve with these dog solutions from Petco.

• Dog apparel
• Leashes, collars and harnesses
• Dog beds and bedding
• Dog toys

What is a Chihuahua if not a skillful charmer who knows exactly how adorable they are? For this reason, the intelligent and head-strong Chihuahua dog can be challenging to train. Patience is the key. So is getting an early start on training. Like any dog, Chihuahuas can retreat into shy or aggressive behavior if not socialized early.

A firm, positive and consistent training regimen is required to make lessons stick. Use praise and treats to reward positive behavior, and do not give in to barking or other attention-seeking habits. Stay strong. Chihuahuas love to test boundaries and aren’t beneath using their cutest puppy dog faces to get what they want.

Potty training can be the most difficult part of the training process. The Chihuahua dog breed is known for sneaking off to some forgotten corner of the home instead of going outside or using indoor potty pads. Stay on top of potty breaks by making an effort to take them out frequently until they become more comfortable with the routine. Puppies need to be taken out frequently for potty breaks—after they play, when they awake from a nap, after they’ve have a meal and a drink of water, etc. As they age, you should be able to make it a few hours between potty breaks, but keep in mind that they have small bladders inside those tiny bodies.

Puppy pads, dog litter boxes, crates and odor remover are all useful tools during the house-training process. You can create a custom curriculum at your neighborhood Petco training center by enrolling in private lessons, group classes or even online classes with our most expert certified trainers.

How long do Chihuahuas live? Up to 20 years, although 14 to 18 years is more common. That’s because these dogs tend to be healthy, although, like any breed, they are susceptible to certain health issues. Perhaps the biggest risk Chihuahua dogs face has nothing to do with an illness or genetic condition. Instead, everyday injuries can be highly damaging to these small, delicate dogs. A Chihuahua’s bones are fragile and can break easily if your pet falls off a couch, gets into a fight with a larger dog or is handled too roughly. Pet parents should always be vigilant, especially because Chihuahuas are often the least aware of their own vulnerabilities.

Other common health issues for the Chihuahua dog breed include heart disease, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, seizures, hydrocephalus, tracheal collape, glaucoma and hip dysplasia. Chihuahuas are also somewhat notorious for poor dental health. Pet parents can help ward off gum disease, bad breath, cavities and tooth extractions by making dental health a priority.

Grooming and health go hand in hand, so it’s important to implement a consistent grooming routine with your Chihuahua after adoption. Chihuahuas don’t require a particularly high level of grooming, but they do shed, and their nails tend to grow very fast since they are mainly house or “purse” dwellers, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your dog’s grooming needs.

There are two coat varieties for Chihuahuas, smooth coat and long-haired.

Thinking of adopting a Chihuahua? Originally bred as a companion animal, the Chihuahua dog breed often shows fierce loyalty and devotion to their humans. They enjoy spending lots of time with their pet parents and can even become tiny shadows, prancing behind their human from room to room. For this reason, they do best in households where their pet parents can shower them with attention.

The breed can be anxious, and they prefer calm environments. Older dogs and good-natured pets can make good housemates for Chihuahuas. One important thing to note is that Chihuahuas don’t always do well with young children. Their snippy nature can create tension, and overexcited children can unintentionally injure these delicate dogs, or they themselves can be injured.

The Chihuahua’s size can be a big benefit for certain households. This isn’t a dog who needs a large yard or lots of room to run. In fact, they can be perfect apartment dogs. Many pet parents enjoy taking these “purse dogs” with them to dog-friendly restaurants, parks and other venues.

Before adopting this breed, it’s also important to acknowledge the long Chihuahua life span. If you adopt a puppy, your pet could be with you for 14 years or more. Some Chihuahua dogs have even hit their 20th birthday.

When searching for a Chihuahua to adopt, you have several options. Many Chihuahua rescue organizations will vaccinate and spay or neuter the dogs in their care before sending them to their permanent homes, as will many local animal shelters. If you choose not to adopt, Chihuahua breeders are an option. Do your homework on any breeder you’re considering, and make sure they’ve performed genetic testing on their breeding dogs to lower the risk of common genetic conditions.