These are some of the most common colours for a Chihuahua’s coat, but they can be any colour from solid black to solid white, and often have markings, speckled coats or spots, leading to a high degree of variation. No coat colour is valued more than another, unlike a lot of small dog breeds.

Origin of the Chihuahua

There is some debate regarding the origins of the Chihuahua. Generally believed to have originated in Mexico, the breed is named after the state of Chihuahua, and they are believed to be descendants of the now-extinct Mexican breed Techichi. However, some historians believe they actually came from the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean, because of ancient European artwork depicting a small dog resembling the Chihuahua.

Sizes of Typical Male and Female Chihuahua

Male and female Chihuahua’s tend to be the same size. A healthy Chihuahua will weigh no more than 3kg. At the shoulders, Chihuahuas measure between 15cm and 23cm.

Chihuahua Temperament

Due to their fierce loyalty, Chihuahuas have the tendency to bond with one owner and become very protective of them, especially around other people or animals. As such, Chihuahuas are not recommended as pets when small children are in the house. They love tunnelling and burrowing into laundry hampers, bed covers and blankets to create ‘dens’ for themselves, and will often be found in dark, soft places as this makes them feel secure.

Chihuahua Coats

Chihuahua coats come in two different varieties as recognised by the British and American Kennel Club’s – the long-coat and the smooth-coat, also known as short-haired. Unlike many long-haired breeds, Chihuahuas require minimal grooming and do not need to be trimmed at all. It is also believed that long-coated Chihuahuas shed less than their short-haired counterparts.

Exercise Your Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are ideal pets for those living in a flat or small house as they require minimal exercise due to their tiny size. Often, playing with toys with them inside will give them enough exercise for the day! Short walks on pavements and other hard surfaces are good for keeping their claws worn down to avoid possible problems with their paws in later life. For walking on a leash, it is recommended that you buy a body harness rather than a collar, as Chihuahuas have delicate necks and they can be injured easily by tugging on the leash.

What Health Problems can Chihuahuas Suffer From?

Chihuahuas suffer from a variety of genetic diseases, and extreme care must be taken not to trigger any of the conditions brought on by overfeeding, such as hypoglycaemia or diabetes. Neurological problems such as epilepsy and seizures are also common. Hydrocephalus (an excess of cerebral fluid) is a serious issue with this breed, as it usually leads to mental issues or, more commonly, death. Eye infections can occur relatively frequently due to the Chihuahua’s huge round eyes and low ground clearance.

The Life expectancy of a Chihuahua

Despite their many health problems, Chihuahuas are a surprisingly long-lived breed, with the average life span of the Chihuahua falling between 14 and 18 years.

The cost of a Chihuahua

Chihuahua puppies generally cost between £500 and £800.

Chihuahua Puppies

Puppies are tiny, and are born, much like human babies, with soft skulls that do not tend to harden fully until the puppy is six months old. As such, Chihuahua puppies need to be treated with care and delicacy. Puppies should be kept warm, and if taken outside should have a jacket or blanket in winter temperatures. Exercise is important, but generally playing with toys indoors will suffice, and only short walks to prevent hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia can also occur without regular feeds, so puppies should be fed small meals every three hours. If hypoglycaemia should happen, rubbing honey on the gums and roof of the mouth will give the puppy enough of a sugar boost to recover.

Dog Groups Related to Chihuahuas

Toy Group

Similar dog breed(s) to the Chihuahua

Chinese Crested, Pug