Dog class - Toy
Average height - 5 to 9 inches
Average weight - less than 6 pounds
Size - Small
Average life span - 15 to 18 years

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, and in fact, are the only "natural" toy breed, which means that their small size is not attributable to "breeding down." The average height of these dogs is 27cm and their average weight is between 1 to 3kg. Their coats are soft with colors including white, blonde, fawn, black-and-tan, patched, and a few others. There is a smooth, or short-haired variety and a long-haired one. The two types are distinguished primarily by the long-haired variety having longer hair on its ears, chest, stomach, legs, and tail. Chihuahuas come in 2 coat types long and smooth, they are suitable for just about every one. They have a terrier like temperament and love to be with you no matter what you are doing.

This breed is believed to have its origins in the late Palaeozoic period. Originating in Mexico as the Techichi breed, it was bred with small, hairless dogs to produce the modern Chihuahua. Its name comes from the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

Carvings on stones resembling the modern-day Chihuahua were found in the Monastery of Huejotzingo, on the highway from Mexico City to Pueblo. Tourists travelling through Mexico immediately fell in love with the breed.

Chihuahuas like to sunbathe. They also prefer to sleep under a cloth or blanket. They're great little walking companions, although the short-haired varieties do not like, nor tolerate, cold weather. Chihuahuas love to be with you and beware they can bewitch and convert big dog people to chihuahuaism.

The Chihuahua is a swift moving, graceful, and energetic dog. Alert and observant, they exhibit many terrier-like qualities. These dogs are a good breed for city and apartment dwellers, and remain extremely loyal to their masters, sometimes protectively so. They are content as long as they are occupied with toys and exploration. Minimal grooming is required for those with smooth coats, but twice a week is recommended for those with longer coats. These dogs are highly companionable and don't need much obedience training, and are so tiny that they can be trained to use a litter box like a cat does. In addition, these pets make excellent watch dogs and have the longest life-span of any breed of dog. Chihuahuas are small so can be taken with you to almost anywhere.

These dogs are susceptible to slipped stifle, a joint disorder. In addition, as they age they are also prone to weak knees. Fractures, jawbone disorders, rheumatism, eye problems, heart disease, and tooth and gum weaknesses may also be associated with aging. These dogs are often born with a soft spot on top of the head that doesn't always close. Luxating patellas are also a problem with small breeds but buying from a reputable breeder you shouldn't have many problems

These dogs are high-strung, and bark easily. In addition, they don't adapt easily to new environments or to new people, which often leads to the barking. When this dog is provoked, it can be bold with much bigger dogs. Chihuahuas tend to be vulnerable to the cold, and can also be hard to housebreak.

If they are not properly and frequently socialized, they can be nippy with strangers. Often, they are not good with children unless they were raised with them. Because these dogs are small, they may not be good to have with small children, since they could be easily injured from any rough playing. If these dogs are socialized well, and are given short, frequent and gentle obedience sessions, they will often be much calmer and more confident.

Owners often tend to carry these little toy dogs around so much that the dogs can become timid and snappish if they are out of the owner's arms. Proper socialization of the pup cannot be stressed enough. Socializing your dog often, including having others handle it frequently as a pup. Take your Chihuahua for frequent walks (yes, that does mean letting it walk on the ground), so that it remains confident when it is out of your arms. Chihuahuas are happy just to be with you and doing what you are doing and love to be nursed and fussed over they make ideal companion dogs as they are always at your side.

Further Chihuahua Dog Resources