Chihuahua

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Chihuahua

Chihuahua Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Chihuahua Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 6 lbs

Height: 6-9 inches

Color(s): any

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Overview

The Chihuahua is the smallest of all breeds and has the distinction of being the oldest breed in America. They were named after the Chihuahua region in Mexico. It is believed that this breed descended from ancient breed that was larger in size and highly prized by Aztec royalty. The Chihuahua of today has a very fine bone structure, but are actually quite muscular.

Character

The Chihuahua is a very individualistic breed. They each have their own unique personality, so only a few generalizations can be made. They are commonly referred to as a "Chi". They are energetic, graceful, and display a human-like expression. Their life span is the longest of any size dog.

Temperament

The Chihuahua is deeply devoted and fiercely loyal. They typically become extremely attached to one or two people. They are bold, fearless, and highly protective of their masters. They thrive on inordinate amounts of attention. The Chihuahua is by nature gentle, loving, and sweet-tempered. They are wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. This breed is not well suited for children or other pets. However, they are sociable with their own kind. Chihuahuas are excellent companions in the right circumstances.

Care

The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. The Smooth coat variety requires only occasional brushing. The Long coat variety should be brushed several times a week with a soft bristle brush. Both varieties only need bathing once a month using a mild shampoo. Special care must be given to not get water into their ears as they are prone to ear infections. Dental hygiene is a must to prevent tooth loss. The health issues that affect this breed include slipped stifles, open font or soft spot, eye problems, and heart disease. The Chihuahua does not tolerate cold climates and must be protected when taken outside.

Coat

The Chihuahua coat comes in two varieties: The Smooth and Long coat. The Smooth coat has a glossy, soft, and close coat which is full textured over the entire body, but quite scanty on the head and ears. The Long coat has a soft, longer coat that can be slightly curly or flat. This variety does have an under-coat. Either coat type comes in a variety of colors such as fawn, brown, black, and white. The coat may be solid in color, marked with splashes of color, or tri-color. They are an average shedder.

Training

The Chihuahua can be difficult to train, but with patience, love, and consistency do well. They respond best to positive reinforcement. Chihuahuas can be housetrained by either the crate method or the paper training method. Early, extensive, and intensive socialization is an absolute must for this breed.

Activity

The Chihuahua is an excellent apartment or condominium dweller. The majority of their exercise needs can be met indoors with toys or play sessions. However, they greatly enjoy going with their owners and benefit from daily walks. Using a harness is recommended instead of a leash is best given their delicate neck and bone structure.

Ask a Question Chihuahua Questions & Answers

QUESTION: I have a 7 yr. old 13 lb chihuahua. His dog companion died. Would a toy chihuahua puppy be suitable to become a friend of my existing chihuahua...Thank you ....Ron

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 3:48:56 AM

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QUESTION: my deer head chihuahua is 8 years old and has started losing her front teeth, is this normal?

Anonymous - 5/21/2012 2:07:25 PM

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QUESTION: What is the oldest that a Chihuahua can have puppies?

Anonymous - 5/19/2012 8:13:22 AM

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QUESTION: My chi is deaf and is responding pretty well to signs. My problem though is potty training. I can't seem to break her from going in the house. Should I try a litter box, or maybe paper? I MIT try crating her but being deaf I think she might never stop barking. Suggestions?

Anonymous - 5/15/2012 2:04:20 PM

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I've heard of deaf dogs learning sign language. Try taking your chi outside every time you think she has to go potty. Teach her to let you know when she has to go potty.

Anonymous - 5/17/2012 2:08:13 PM

QUESTION: My chihuahua just gave birth. How long do I have to wait before I can put the puppies up for adoption ? Do I have wait seven weeks, two months?

Anonymous - 5/14/2012 8:14:05 PM

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You should wait at least 6-8 weeks, or untill they are fully weined from moms milk and just eating puppy food.

Anonymous - 5/16/2012 11:42:02 AM

QUESTION: my chi got bitten in a fight with another bigger dog and now he is real aggressive sometimes! whats wrong with him???

Anonymous - 5/14/2012 10:32:47 AM

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QUESTION: how many years can a chihuahua live?

Anonymous - 5/13/2012 6:15:08 PM

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10-15 years or more

Anonymous - 5/15/2012 8:23:58 AM

QUESTION: how do i get my chihuahua to stop barking at people that are and still come over to my house

Anonymous - 5/10/2012 10:06:05 PM

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First you should go to a Petco or Petsmart near you that offers training sessions. Ask the trainer about any suggestions. I used to own a Chi. It took a long time just to get her used to "other" people. For the most part they do have to be bribed with treats.

Anonymous - 5/16/2012 11:45:52 AM

QUESTION: what do chihuahua's eat!?

Anonymous - 5/10/2012 10:46:23 AM

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dog food. different dogs eat different kinds of dog foods and its up to the individual dog, not the breed itself.

Anonymous - 5/13/2012 9:41:59 PM

QUESTION: My daughter owns a 5 month old chi with her boyfriend When anyone tries to bet the dog while she is in my daughters arms, she growls and snaps. What is going on here?

Anonymous - 5/10/2012 8:47:52 AM

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My chi did that too. I disciplined him to make him stop...then reassured him it was alright for people to approach. He's fine now...a super friendly little guy.

Anonymous - 5/14/2012 12:06:52 PM

very protective over her mama:)

Anonymous - 5/10/2012 10:42:30 AM

QUESTION: what do i feed my chi puppy?

Anonymous - 5/9/2012 8:18:50 PM

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it's probably best to feed your chi specially made puppy food. they're easy to find in many stores.

Anonymous - 5/11/2012 12:54:23 PM

QUESTION: how many breeds of chihuahuas are there?

Anonymous - 5/9/2012 11:25:32 AM

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there are many mixed breeds mixed with chihuahua, but there is only one breed of chihuahua.

Anonymous - 5/11/2012 12:56:02 PM

QUESTION: How long does the female Chihuahua stay in heat?

Anonymous - 5/8/2012 5:33:57 PM

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how long does the female chihuahua stay in heat?

Anonymous - 5/12/2012 3:41:22 PM

QUESTION: How do you know if your Chihuahua is pregnant?

Anonymous - 5/6/2012 11:10:26 PM

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QUESTION: What is interesting about chihuahua dogs

Anonymous - 5/3/2012 10:50:53 AM

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QUESTION: my nieces 12 week old chihuahua died suddenly this morning he was fully vaccinated, and had kennel cough vaccine friday the 28th april, he had been sneezing since then could this be a factor in his death

Anonymous - 5/1/2012 5:43:07 AM

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QUESTION: We have a Chihuahua and mini-pincher mix a great dog, but we have constant problem with his too much hair shedding even with daily brushing. Our house floor needs vacuuming, and that is a big hassle! Can you help?

Anonymous - 4/29/2012 7:44:17 PM

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QUESTION: my 9 wk.old puppy cant have a bowel movement, whats wrong & what can i do??

Anonymous - 4/28/2012 5:08:21 PM

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yogurt...yogurt...yogurtttt!!!!!!

Anonymous - 5/10/2012 10:43:12 AM

QUESTION: Yes my female Chihuahua is on her period how long does they last

Anonymous - 4/27/2012 9:20:19 AM

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This is also considered going into heat, the bleeding will last about 2 weeks then they will be receptive to a male for about 2 more weeks.. If they breed it will end as soon as she concieves, if not she will continue to be swollen for another few weeks..

Anonymous - 5/6/2012 7:29:16 PM

QUESTION: Potty habits...My worry is that little "accidents" may damage my new apartment carpeting. How do I prevent this with a Teacup Chihuahua I plan to adopt?

Anonymous - 4/24/2012 6:51:20 PM

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2) Feeding should take place 3 times a day (for puppies) or more, since chihuahuas-specially smaller ones-are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). I'ts important to clarify my chihuahuas have always had a family member to take care of them during the day. So if you are going to leave him alone for long periods bacause you work(not recommended for puppies) they might behave differently. My Vet recommended not to bathe my Chi puppy until 4 months old. They need lots of playing/exercise so they would burn off all that energy. If you don't play enough with them they'll probably whine at night while you are trying to sleep. As they get older they calm down a bit. They can gain a lot of weight when they get to approx. 8 or 9 years old. The heart should be checked by a Vet regularly because that's their weak spot. Hope I helped. Chihuahua owner since 1980.

Anonymous - 4/30/2012 4:52:08 AM

1) Hi, If your Chihuahua is a puppy accidents will occur. To minimize the possibility buy the specially made pads for puppy training(I saw them at a Walgreens the other day) & maybe a Potty Patch. I have not had the need to use either but soem people say they work. Chi puppies pee like every two hours and you might not be able to prevent accidents every time. They are like babies that don't care about where they go potty. However, I have not had issues with pooping inside the house with my current puppy (11 weeks old) or with the last one I had for 12 years who's now in doggie heaven. They only got 'inspired' in the lawn. Chi pupies usually go poop approx. 5-20 minutes after they eat. They usually go hungry every five hours.

Anonymous - 4/30/2012 4:51:35 AM

i just came into a chi about 4mths ago and i just started using 'potty-pads'. it has worked perfectly and my chi is an adult female and she HATES going out in the rain so she has NO problem with the pads. hope this helps u!!

Anonymous - 4/29/2012 2:37:38 PM

QUESTION: how do i train a 10 month chi

Anonymous - 4/23/2012 2:39:32 PM

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It depends on the chi. I rescued two chi's. My one is 7 and will refuse to use a potty pad, she loves pottying outside. I also have a 6 year old chihuahua and she will go on both the pad or outside. Just whatever you want her to do here. I really think it depends on the dog. Some take to using pads so easily, and it is good if you are gone a lot during the day, they can't hold their bladder for long. Then some refuse to use the pad and want to be taken out like my other chihuahua. Good luck.

Anonymous - 5/4/2012 9:13:18 PM

QUESTION: What is the easy way to train a Chihuahua

Anonymous - 4/23/2012 2:37:35 PM

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im an owner not a dr....but chihuahuas need to go out every 2 hours. crating helps when at work but i havent had much luck with potty paper. maybe started young they would take to paper better. im teaching mine to speak when he has to go out otherwise other people dont see the signs they give when ready to go out and mistakes will happen. good luck its possible

Anonymous - 4/25/2012 12:40:35 PM

QUESTION: I have a 4 month old blue chi and want to know when he can be mated. He is supposed to be no more than 6 pounds.

Anonymous - 4/22/2012 5:37:38 PM

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QUESTION: how long does it take for a chihuahua to give birth?

Anonymous - 4/21/2012 11:45:00 AM

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63 days give or take a few days from the time they got stuck together.

Anonymous - 5/3/2012 8:27:30 PM

QUESTION: my chi who has long hair that keeps getting knotted, can you advise me of ways to get rid of this knotting,and how to keep it under control.

Anonymous - 4/20/2012 2:14:41 PM

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Use of diluted hair creme rinse may help.

Anonymous - 4/24/2012 6:53:14 PM

QUESTION: how old does a chihuahua have to be before you can breed them {male}

Anonymous - 4/19/2012 9:36:40 PM

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my male chihuahua bred my female when he was a year old.

Anonymous - 5/1/2012 10:16:53 PM

QUESTION: my chihuahua she is 7yrs old. she is so smart. but, ever since we moved to a new place she licks everything - carpet, rugs, walls, furniture. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY-AND WHAT CAN I DO STOP THIS BEHAVIOR? She has never done this before.

Anonymous - 4/19/2012 8:17:35 PM

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QUESTION: can you breed a chihuahua with a miniature schnauzer?

Anonymous - 4/18/2012 4:13:37 PM

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QUESTION: what is a chihuahua mixed with jack russell?

Anonymous - 4/17/2012 1:22:12 PM

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The cutest, smartest dog ever.

Anonymous - 4/24/2012 1:30:07 AM

QUESTION: can i see a picture of a applehead chi.? how about a blue merle?

Anonymous - 4/16/2012 11:47:34 AM

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If you are looking for Chihuahua puppies for sale from reputable Chihuahua breeders or to adopt a Chihuahua from a Chihuahua rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Chihuahua puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Chihuahua puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

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