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

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i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.