General Description
A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.
Chihuahuas are big dogs in little dog bodies. They are eager to learn and are intelligent. Generally, chihuahuas get along best with other chihuahuas... they are known as "clannish" dogs. They love to groom each other, lick each others ears, and snuggle together. Chihuahuas are major burrowers as well... they LOVE blankets, and will often disappear into them. You have to be careful not to sit on them, because they will burrow into things!
They also love to lay in the sun, and will find even the smallest patch of sun to lay in.
They love their people and make great companions. And the best thing about chihuahuas: their lifespan. They are the longest lived breed, living on average for 12-18 years. 20+ years isn't unheard of, either.
Even with socialization, chihuahuas can be wary of strangers at first. Be sure to only purchase a chihuahua from a good breeder who breeds dogs of sound temperament.
Any dog called a "deer head" is NOT in the breed standard, and dogs that look like this are being bred by backyard breeders.
Also, there is no such thing as a "teacup." Some chihuahuas can end up smaller and larger than the breed standard, but breeders should know their lines well enough to predict weight to a certain extent. Any breeder purposely breeding for tiny dogs or oversize ones is not a breeder you should deal with.
Group: Toy
Country of Origin: Chihuahuas were first discovered in Mexico, but no one is sure where they come from. Many people think they are closely related to Fennec Foxes.
Weight: 2-6lbs. Generally, chihuahuas weigh 4-6lbs.
Colors: All colors and markings are allowed in the AKC breed standard.
Coat: There are two varieties: Smooth coated and Long coated.
Head: Apple domed, without without molera. Up until the 1990's, it was required for chihuahuas to have an open molera to be shown!
Build: Longer than they are tall
Bite: Scissor or level... never over or undershot.
Tail: Either carried over the back or sickle.
Ears: Large and erect. Never broken down, cropped, or floppy.
Muzzle: Moderately short and somewhat pointed. The stop between the muzzle and the forehead should be a 90 degree angle.
Eyes: Full, but not protruding (buldgy eyes are NOT breed standard!). Generally chis have dark eyes, but light eyes are allowed in blonde and white dogs).
Fun Facts
The Chihuahua is a double tracking breed, even with an increase in speed. Although the feet may approach a central line, it should not single track. The movement is that of a reaching, driving, working breed in miniature.
The Chihuahua is the only natural small breed, meaning it wasn't developed by breeding down larger dogs.
Long coated chihuahua puppies start out fluffy...
but then they blow their coats around 3-4 months of age!
Health Issues
Chihuahuas are generally a healthy breed. The major health issues for this breed are luxating patella, collapsing traechea (which can be prevented in most cases by using a harness), dental disease, and corneal ulcers.
Pictures
Phew, now the fun part!
Chihuahuas are very versatile. They can do agility:
They can be shown:
My Emma, practicing stacking:
They can lay in the sun for hours!
They are verrrry alert and will bark at any sign of action!
