Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a very popular breed made famous by such stars as Bruiser from “Legally Blonde,” Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbell and the Taco Bell Chihuahua. Unfortunately, their popularity has led to a homeless population explosion in California animal shelters.

Courageous and bold for their tiny size, Chihuahuas make excellent companions.

Personality

• Alert, courageous, intelligent and adaptable
• Devoted companion and loyal, but sometimes jealous
• Often stereotyped as high strung, but training helps create a well-mannered dog

Size

• Should not exceed 6 pounds
• Generally around 6-10 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Home Life

• Suited to apartment living
• Not usually well suited to small children because of their size and physical fragility
• Often prefer the company of Chihuahuas over other dogs (to the point of aggressiveness to other dogs)
• Prefer warmer weather since they are sensitive to the cold due to their small size
• Good companions for the elderly
• Known for a shrill bark
• Will alert you to strangers

Training

• Must be socialized early to avoid agression
• Contrary to popular belief, Chihuahuas are trainable and quite intelligent
• Consistency is very important – reinforce the behaviors you want and discourage those you don’t want

Exercise

• Avoid the temptation to carry your Chi everywhere, as they need daily exercise and play just like other breeds
• However, don’t expect your little Chi to run a marathon or hike a mountain
• A harness is safer than a collar, as Chis have delicate necks

Coat

• Short and long coat varieties
• Any color, and any color combination
• Average amount of shedding

Care

• Avoid falls and knocks and rough play with children due to their small size
• Chis are born with moleras, a small hole or soft spot on the top of the skull that normally fills in with age, so care must be taken with your puppy
• Take care to avoid eye injury
• Regular feeding of puppies is needed to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Long-coated Chis should be brushed daily
• Bathe about once a month and avoid getting water in the ears

Health

• Prone to patella luxation and collapsing trachea
• Another genetic abnormality is hydrocephalus, or water on the brain
• Prone to eye infections or injury due to their large, protruding eyes
• Prone to some genetic neurological abnormalities, such as epilepsy and seizures

Lifespan

• Up to 18 years

Rescue

To adopt a Chihuahua in need of a loving home, visit Chihuahua Rescue and Transport, a national non-profit organization.

PHOTO: Anders Lagerås