Chihuahuas

Charming, graceful, and sassy, Chihuahuas are renowned for being the world's smallest dog, but they may, in fact, possess the world's largest personality. Chihuahuas are energetic, lively, and small enough to get their exercise simply by running around your home.

They enjoy short walks and exploring the yard, but what a Chihuahua really loves is to be in its owner's arms. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal to their families, often growing extremely attached to a single person. They are typically suspicious of strangers and have been known to be snippy with children.

Chihuahuas are adaptable and can live just about anywhere so long as it's inside. Due to their size, Chihuahua are more susceptible to physical injury than larger breeds. Therefore, Chihuahua puppies require extra special care, patience, and a lot of love. If you're willing to invest your time and energy into caring for a Chihuahua, then you will have a loving and loyal companion for years to come.

The Chihuahua is a sassy toy breed with an average life expectancy of 14-16 years. While the Chihuahua is the smallest and amongst the oldest of breeds, they are more susceptible to a variety of health-related issues. The most important step in their care is understanding these conditions. It is important to contact your veterinarian when observing any concerning physical or behavioral changes. Basic health screenings to diagnose or even rule out potential health risks can be performed by your veterinarian.

Health Concerns
• Patellar Luxation
• Open Fontanelle
• Hypoglycemia (puppy)

Minor Health Concerns
• Bladder Stones
• Hydrocephalus
• Periodontal Disease
• Tracheal Collapse
• Heart Disease
• Eye Issues

Suggested Screenings
• Eye Exam
• Knee Exam

Routine Care
• Neuter or Spay
• Regular Dental Exams
• Eye Care
• Controlled Exercise

Chihuahuas are intelligent, willful, and feisty. They tend to forget that they are small and will bravely stand up to a large aggressive dog. That's why owners need to be vigilant when introducing their Chihuahua to new dogs, new situations, and new environments. Chihuahuas are incredibly affectionate with their owners, but they can also be stubborn, willful, and standoffish with strangers.

Chihuahuas might not think it, but they are indoor dogs. But even indoor dogs require regular physical activity and mental stimulation to stay fit, happy, and healthy. Chihuahuas are vigorous, outgoing, lively dogs who need frequent exercise to ward off boredom-induced bad behavior. Though, admittedly, a Chihuahua exercise requirement is not all that demanding.

Though not challenging, caring for a tiny Chihuahua does require greater precaution and patience than caring for a larger, docile breed, like the Golden Retriever.
As a toy breed, Chihuahuas grow quite attached to their owners and tend to follow them wherever they go. However, this attachment can lead to dominant behavior if your Chihuahua is not properly trained and socialized with other dogs and people. Like all dogs, the sooner you begin training your Chihuahua the more successful you'll be.

Chihuahuas may be tiny dogs, but they have a strong character and are not afraid to dominate other dogs. Chihuahuas that are not socialized are less likely to gain the experience they need to feel safe in a given environment which can lead to aggressive behavior when presented with new situations, people, or pets. Therefore, it's very important that new Chihuahua owners frequently socialize their puppy so it can learn how to behave in new environments, though it's best to introduce children and other dogs slowly and with caution.


Though your Chihuahua will love being outside, a dog park is likely not the best place to socialize a Chihuahua. A game of fetch in a fenced-in yard is a great way to exercise your Chihuahua away from large, curious dogs who are likely to upset the smaller pooch.