Dog Training and Dog Care advice from UK Professionals

Chihuahua Dog Breed Profile

Despite being the smallest dog in the world, the Chihuahua has bags of spirit and is a complete bundle of energy.

Other Names: Chihuahua con Pelo Largo. Tiny Toy. Teacup

K9Obedience Breed Profile

Origin: Mexico

Breed Purpose: Lapdog, companion.

Kennel Club Dog Group: Toy

Height: Both, 15cm – 23cm

Weight: Both, 1kg – 3kg

Lifespan: 15 years or more

Exercise Needs: Even this little dog needs regular daily exercise, running around in the open air. They love to play in the garden to get rid of their excess energy.

Feeding Needs: The Chihuahua needs a well-balanced diet with extreme care being taken over the quantities of food given as being overweight puts too much strain on their delicate bones. Dairy produce can be given to provide the calcium needed for health and growth.

Common Ailments: The Chihuahua is prone to a myriad of health issues. Females have problems giving birth naturally due to the puppies having large heads. The newborn puppy can have a molera, an open section of the skull that is not completely fused and this remains open throughout their lives. Females often produce milk (colostrums) that is so acidic that it can kill the nursing puppies. Chihuahua suffer with eye problems, corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Chihuahua are susceptible to fractures, jawbone disorders, dental problems, sensitivity to the cold, slipped stifles, rheumatism and stress.

Physical Description: The Chihuahua comes in two varieties, short or long haired. This miniscule sized dog is dainty and compact. The head is well rounded and the eyes are round and large. The erect ears are very large and are spaced wide apart. The muzzle is short and pointed and the neck is slightly arched. The body is compact with well sprung ribs and a deep chest. The tail is of medium length and is carried sickle shape over the back. The smooth variety has a soft-textured coat with an undercoat whereas the long coated variety has a flat or wavy coat with plenty of feathering and a large ruff around the neck. Coat colours include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, blue, black and tan or parti-colour.

Chihuahua K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:

This dog's diminutive appearance tends to make people forget that it is a real dog and treat it more like a toy or a baby.

These dogs may well be small but they are feisty, determined, playful and intelligent. Pandering to them will cause the dog to become nervous and unstable, and often to become very domineering and even aggressive.

They appreciate gentle, reward-based training that is consistent or this dog will soon rule the household. Owners should not give in to this dog's comic talents and adorable expressions.

The Chihuahua hates being left alone and will bark long and loud until its owner returns.

They are born entertainers and love to play games but be sure to teach young children how much this dog hates its ears being pulled or being teased. It will retaliate by snapping without warning.

All in all the Chihuahua is well-suited to apartment life, town or country as long as the owner is aware of the breed's requirements.