The attractions of the Chihuahua dog breed are its small stature, huge personality, and wide range of coat kinds and colours. They're all dogs, capable of competing in dog sports like agility and obedience, and experts suggest them as one of the top 10 watchdogs.

Despite the fact that they are purebred dogs, they may still be found at shelters and rescues. Keep in mind to adopt! If you want to bring a dog home, don't go shopping.

Chihuahuas like being with their owners — even inexperienced pet parents — and require very little maintenance and exercise. They are wonderful apartment dogs who get along with everyone in the household. Simply ensure that any youngsters that approach you are familiar with how to play gently with a tiny dog.

Chihuahua Highlights
Breed Size	Small
Nature	Gentle, Friendly, Playful, Outgoing, Willful
Energy Level	Active
Intelligence	High
Barking Level	Frequent
Coat Length	Short
Breed Group	Toy
Droll Amount	Low
Good with	Familes, Children, Dog
Feed Level	Normal
Colour Type	Brown / chocolate / liver,black,gray,blue,white,fawn
Other Facts	Easy to train,easy to groom,prone to health issues,apartment-friendly,good for first-time pet owners,strong loyalty tendencies.

Dog History

The Chihuahua's origins are unknown, as they are for many breeds, however there are two hypotheses as to how he came to be. The first is that he is descended from the Techichi, a Central or South American dog.

When we examine the evidence of the Chihuahua's origins in Central and South America, we are reminded of the Toltec civilisation. Toltec sculptures from the 9th century C.E. show a dog that looks like a Chihuahua, with the same wide ears and round skull. Techichi were the name given to these dogs, and their role in Toltec civilisation is unknown.

The Aztecs assimilated the Techichi into their civilization after conquering the Toltecs. Many of the dogs were utilised in Aztec ceremonies and resided in temples. The Aztecs thought the Techichi possessed mysterious abilities, such as the capacity to see into the future, heal the ill, and safely guide the spirits of the deceased to the underworld. It was common practise to kill a red Techichi and bury him with the corpse. Food and pelts were also obtained from the Techichi by the Aztecs. In the late 1500s, the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, and the Techichi vanished.

Small hairless dogs from China were introduced to Mexico by Spanish traders and mated with small local dogs, according to the second idea.

Regardless of whether explanation is correct, the modern Chihuahua was discovered in the 1850s in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from whence he gets his name. The small dogs were carried back to the United States by American travellers to Mexico. In 1890, they were first displayed, and in 1904, a Chihuahua named Midget became the first of his breed to be registered with the American Kennel Club. Crosses with Papillons or Pomeranians are likely to have resulted in the longhaired type. The popularity of the breed skyrocketed in the 1930s and 1940s, when it was linked to Xavier Cugat, the dance king and Latin music bandleader.

The Chihuahua has been one of the most popular breeds recognised with the AKC since the 1960s. They are now ranked 11th in the world.

Health and Care

The Chihuahua has no severe health issues, although he might be born with or develop specific illnesses, just like any other breed. Although not all Chihuahuas will get any or all of these ailments, it's vital to be aware of them so that you may ask questions of breeders and know what to watch for during your Chihuahua's life.

Purchasing a Chihuahua from a reputable breeder will help you receive the healthiest Chihuahua possible. Before you take home a puppy from a reputable Chihuahua breeder, he will be vaccinated and dewormed. Only physically sound, mature (at least 2 years old) dogs are used by responsible breeders, and their breeding stock is tested for hereditary illnesses specific to the breed, such as luxating patellas (bum knees) and hip dysplasia.

Both parents should have health clearances, which is proof that a dog has been checked and certified for a certain ailment. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will provide health certifications for patellas and heart problems in Chihuahuas. The OFA website can be used to verify health clearances (offa.org).

Dogs under the age of two do not receive health certifications. Because certain health issues do not manifest themselves until a dog reaches full adulthood, this is the case. As a result, it's common advice that dogs should not be bred until they're two or three years old.

Care

Despite his small stature, the Chihuahua, like other dogs, need activity and instruction. It's remarkable how much energy an adult Chihuahua has. He'll chase squirrels in the backyard for as long as you want to play with him. Chihuahuas like going on walks, romping around the yard with their owners, and retrieving toys. They'll keep going until they pass out, so make sure they don't overwork themselves, especially on hot days.

Chihuahuas should never live outside, no matter how much they adore playing outside. They are vulnerable to raptors such as hawks, coyotes, and other large canines that may enter your yard. They're bred to be with you, and you're the finest spot for a buddy.

Training a Chihuahua may be a fun experience. They excel in a variety of canine sports, including agility and obedience, but even if your Chihuahua is just a companion, puppy kindergarten and basic obedience classes are essential. In class, your Chihuahua will encounter a variety of dogs and people, which will help him socialise and teach him the etiquette that all dogs should know.

Chihuahuas are just as easy to housetrain as any other breed, as long as you take them out on a regular basis. Puppies should go outside as soon as they get up in the morning, after each meal, naps, playing, and shortly before sleep. When you can't oversee them, use a crate to confine them. This will teach them to regulate their bladder and prevent them from having accidents in the home. If they're not crated, take them out every one to two hours, and only crate them for two to four hours at a period unless it's overnight.

Crate training, in addition to housetraining, is a gentle technique to keep your Chihuahua from getting into things he shouldn't. Chihuahuas, like any dogs, may be destructive as pups. They may not cause as much harm as a Lab puppy, but those tiny teeth may make a lasting impression. If your Chihuahua is crate trained from a young age, he will be more accepting of confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalised. However, never leave your Chihuahua in a kennel all day. There's not a jail, and he shouldn't stay in it for more than a few hours at a time unless he's sleeping. Chihuahuas are people dogs that should not be confined to a box or kennel for the rest of their life.

Dog Breed Care Tips and Important Instructions

"Chis are simple to look after," George explains. "Even lengthy coats don't require much grooming." Brushing and bathing are required for Chihuahuas with smooth coats. Brush long-haired Chihuahuas once a week to avoid knots and matted fur. Both coats shed very little, once or twice a year at most.

George also advises that they wash their teeth at least once every other day, as poor oral hygiene can lead to other health issues. All Chihuahuas should have their nails cut on a regular basis since their nails grow swiftly. If your dog develops tear stains behind her eyes, you can wipe them away with a soft cloth.

Chihuahuas don't take the cold well because of their small stature, which doesn't help them stay warm. When they're excessively enthusiastic or worried, they could shudder. Your Chihuahua won't mind getting dressed up in a sweater or coat because they're born fashionistas.

When it comes to dinnertime, make sure you give your Chihuahua the proper quantity of high-quality food for his age, as they are prone to getting overweight. Consult your veterinarian for advice.

Exercise will also assist, since even elderly Chihuahuas have a surprising amount of vitality. Chihuahuas adore walks, controlled romps around the yard, and retrieving toys and are happy to play for as long as you wish. Don't allow them burn themselves out too much, especially on hot days, since they can go-go-go till they drop.

Chihuahuas require 20–30 minutes of daily activity, which may be reached by just following you around the home all day (which just so happens to be a favourite pastime). Chihuahuas are also quick learners: they may compete in agility and obedience contests with the same zeal and success as larger dogs, and they stay interested and brave their whole lives.

Feeding

1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food each day is recommended.

The amount of food your adult dog consumes is determined by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity. Dogs, like people, are unique individuals that require different amounts of food. It practically goes without saying that a dog that is very active will require more than a dog who is sedentary. The type of dog food you buy makes a difference as well; the better the dog food, the more it will nourish your dog and the less you'll have to shake into his bowl.

Fun Facts

• Chihuahuas are natural actors that have appeared in a number of TV series and films, including "Sex and the City," "Legally Blonde," and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."
• Do you recall the Taco Bell dog? During the 1990s, a Chihuahua called Gidget made the phrase "Yo quiero Taco Bell!" famous.
• Brandy, the world's tiniest dog, is a Chihuahua that measures just 6 inches from snout to tail.
• The Chihuahuas are a minor league baseball club based in El Paso, Texas.

Home Training Tips and General Information

When teaching a Chihuahua, the first step is to seize control of the home. That lovely little puppy, contrary to common thought, believes he looks after the home and would do everything it takes to prove it to you if you allow him. When it comes to training a Chihuahua, there are a few things to keep in mind:

You must create boundaries and be the pack's leader.

Feeding Times – your Chihuahua should be fed at regular intervals. Never let your dog decide when it's time to eat. This may appear insignificant, but it demonstrates that the dog is the one who makes the decisions in the house and that he must follow them.

Walking - walk your Chihuahua at least twice a day, but keep it under control. Allowing the dog to drag or control your path is not a good idea. Leash control is essential while teaching a Chihuahua.

Bouncing and Furniture - With a little dog like a Chihuahua, you may simply allow the dog to jump up on the furniture anytime it wants. Controlling your space, on the other hand, is crucial to establishing restrictions.Never respond to barking or whining, and limit the amount of furniture your dog is permitted to have.

Entering and Exiting – keep an eye on your dog as you enter and exit the house. Only pay attention to the Chihuahua when it is calm and comfortable.

You must be the dominant leader to effectively educate a Chihuahua; else, the dog will always believe he is in command.

The Importance of Mental Stimulation

Even though a Chihuahua might become exhausted rapidly, the majority of these dogs do not receive adequate exercise or emotional stimulation. With a small dog like that, how many people play fetch or go to dog parks? Basic instructions such as sit and stay, talk and quiet, retrieve, and anything else you choose may be taught to your Chihuahua.

When it comes to the best approach to train a Chihuahua, limiting the possibilities of the dog challenging you and being overwhelmed with energy and boredom will eliminate a lot of the poor personality issues that most of us have with our boisterous temperament.

The Chihuahua, like any other dog, can be trained; it just requires a lot of patience and imagination on the side of the owner. To properly teach a Chihuahua the fundamental commands and numerous tricks, the trainer must also grasp the temperament of the dog.

Chihuahuas may be little canines, but they have a large, powerful personality. Chihuahuas, in reality, have the capacity to rule a house and its owner, which is why good training is essential. When you train this dog, you can guarantee that he learns to obey you rather than manipulate you to get what he wants. Another advantage of dog training is that it strengthens your bond with your pet, resulting in a more secure relationship.

In nature, Chihuahuas are clever, active, and vibrant. They like physical activities as well as brain-stimulating hobbies. Given the correct treatment and encouragement, Chihuahuas enthusiastically embrace training that includes both of these features. Of course, prizes and frequent praise should never be overlooked because they are critical in persuading these stubborn dogs to perform what you desire.

FAQS

Chihuahua Unique Name

Male Name	Female Name
Boomer	Alice
Chance	Alyssa
Cooper	Candy
Felix	Carmela
Gordie	Coco
Jack	Daisy
Logan	Fiona
Max	Gypsy
Mickey	Honey
Moe	Jill
Ozzy	Josie
Petey	Lena
Rebel	London
Sawyer	Maisy
Smoky	Olive
Tank	Pandora
TJ	Sydney
Tyson	Xena
Vinnie	Claire
Yeller	Valinto