Temperament:

Chihuahuas are tough, hardy little dogs, very intelligent, attentive, and eager to please. This combination makes for a very obedient companion. They flourish as watch dogs; as well, as lap dogs. Protectors and protectees!

They are fiercely loyal to their family, or more often one family member. Saucy, spunky, lively, bold, and quick witted; there is no doubt that Chihuahuas make active companions. At the same time; they are cuddly, loving, and demonstrative. Sometimes even to the point of being clingy. So, do not get a Chihuahua if you do not want a constant companion to you're lap.

The Chihuahua is no mere lap dog though. They are definitely little dogs in BIG packages!  They will bond closely to their family and appoint themselves as guardian over their family. I feel sorry for any intruders ankles; who dare to trespass without the resident Chihuahua's approval!

Chihuahuas have been described as "clannish." Which means they bond closely to other Chihuahua housemates, and will join together to protect their territory from any non-Chihuahua canine intruder. The Chihuahua is very spunky and often astounds their owners with their fearless attitude in the face of diversity.

This attitude is in no doubt without its drawbacks. No matter what some Chihuahuas might think; they are still small dogs. Which makes them vulnerable to serious injuries from accidents and assaults. Luckily most Chihuahuas' feistiness does seem to be tempered by good sense.

The watchdog attitude can be annoying to owners who can not tolerate noise, because the Chihuahua can definitely be a gifted barker!

Poorly bred Chihuahuas has given the breed a reputation for being snappy and high strung. Well-bred Chihuahuas are neither of these! Of course they are not a good choice for a young child's pet. This is mainly for the fact that they are to fragile to be safe with young children, and may become intolerant if hurt.

Some Chihuahuas can be shy. However, most Chihuahuas that are properly socialized as a puppy will grow up to be well adjusted adults. Chihuahuas are active but not hyperactive!    

 Longevity:

Like most small dogs; Chihuahuas live a long time. The average life span is 12 years. However, many live into their teens and some have even lived to be 20. So you will need to plan on having your Chihuahua around for a long time!

 Health:

Chihuahuas tend to be extremely healthy; however, it is very easy to allow some to become over weight; especially females. Collapsed trachea's have been seen in some over weight dogs.

Like most small dogs they are prone to dislocation of the kneecap (patellar luxation), which can cause lameness. Serious cases can be corrected surgically. This is why it is important to not allow you're Chihuahua to jump off of furniture or from any high place. 

The following is a list of conditions, that have been reported with a somewhat higher frequency then most other breeds:

1. Skeletal Problems:

● Patellar Luxation - dislocation of the kneecap

 ● Scapular Luxation - dislocation of the shoulder

2. Nervous System Problems:

● Seizures

3. Visual Problems:

● Secondary Glaucoma - increased pressure within the eyeball.

● Cornea Edema - swelling of the cornea.

● Keratitis Sicca - dry eye.

4. Miscellaneous Health Problems:

● Hypoglycemia - low blood sugar. This is very common in Chihuahuas. It is extremely important to give you're Chihuahua time out for rest. You do not want to over exert a Chihuahua! Nutrical should be kept on hand at all times to help avoid low blood sugar.

Please do not be alarmed by what may seem like a long list of health issues in the breed. All breeds of dogs have their own list of medical problems. Responsible breeders will test their dogs before breeding them, and will spay/neuter any that are affected with a hereditary condition. However, most of these conditions listed are not hereditary, and just common problems that can arise when owning a Chihuahua. Not every Chihuahua will be affected by each of these conditions. Some may never have any issues at all. I would rather you be prepared than not prepared at all! 

 Open Fontanel (Molera):

This is very common in Chihuahuas and is not considered abnormal for the breed. Dogs with smaller; more domed heads (apple heads) are more likely to keep this open fontanel throughout their life. Those with larger, less rounded heads (deer heads); the opening will most likely close by the time they reach adult hood.

Dogs with open fontanels require extra care to ensure that they do not hit their heads in the open spot.

 Size:

Their small size makes Chihuahuas prone to accidents. Although their bones are strong for their size; they are still small bones and can easily be broken. So, if you decide to own a Chihuahua; you will have to be very careful that he/she does get stepped on, fall off furniture, get loose, get attacked by another dog, etc. etc. This is a truly important factor to remember! Accidents can happen but if you are prepared then the chances for something occurring is less.

Another thing about their small size is that very small bodies do not have the energy reserves in store that larger bodies have. So, this makes the Chihuahua more prone to food deprivation, and minor illnesses that would not bother larger breeds.

The Chihuahua's small size is definitely an asset; enabling him/her to accompany its family in many places where a larger dog would not be practical. A small dog eats less, messes less, sheds less, requires less exercise, takes up less room, and of course fits perfect on any size lap! 

Shaking:

Chihuahua's are prone to shaking. This is very normal and allows the dog/puppy to express themselves. They may shake because they are happy, cold, afraid, or anxious. You can definitely expect shaking to be a normal part of you're Chihuahuas life.

 

Climate:

They are not good cold weather dogs, and must be protected by the elements! Even long coated Chihuahuas do not have enough insulation to keep them from freezing to death in the cold temperatures.

They are not good hot weather dogs either. Their small bodies cannot tolerate the extremes of temperatures! So, please never leave you're Chihuahua outside unprotected from the elements. They are house dogs and cannot survive being outside all the time. If you want you're dog to live outside; DO NOT get a Chihuahua!

 

Esthetics:

Chihuahuas come in a variety of different colors, patterns, and two different coat types; long and short (smooth).

 As long as you're Chihuahua is fed a quality diet then neither coat types will shed much at all. An occasional grooming is all that is necessary. However, most Chihuahuas love to be pampered!

 

T-Cup Chihuahua's:

Many people want the smallest Chihuahua they can find. People call these T-cups or pocket-sized Chihuahua's. I must mention that there is no such thing as a T-cup Chihuahua! The kennel clubs do not recognize these terms, and if you see a breeder advertising their Chihuahua puppies as being T-cups; do not just walk away - run!

All Chihuahuas are tiny, and they are actually classified as the worlds smallest breed. The AKC breed standard states a Chihuahua has to be under 6 pounds to be shown in conformation. There has been Chihuahuas that have weighed up to 10 pounds though.

Please keep in mind that the smaller the dog; the more responsibilities and special care will also be part of the package! Very tiny Chihuahuas are also more prone to hypoglycemia.