At-A-Glance:  The Chihuahua Dog Breed

The Chihuahua dog breed is a popular favorite of the toy dog group among dog enthusiasts.  This spicy little character of a dog is extremely devoted and loyal to its owner.  Although reserved with strangers and a little aggressive towards other dogs, the Chihuahua can get along great with other indoor pets that you may have. And because he is a tiny dog, you may easily get the approval of many landlords; therefore, he is the ideal dog to own for those who live in apartments and small houses.

Not all Chihuahuas have the same bold temperament.  Some are very intense and will have an attitude as if they can take on the world, others may be extremely shy and timid. Either way, all Chihuahuas are very protective of their owners and the rest of the family.

The Chihuahua dog breed is considered to be one of the world’s tiniest dog, weighing from 2 to 6 pounds.

History/Origin:  The Chihuahua got its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico where he is believed to be the sacred dog of the Incas.  There is a theory that Chihuahuas were once fierce little dogs that lived in holes in the ground, which could well account for their inclination to huddle in nooks and crannies for warmth.

Proper Care & Maintenance:  The Chihuahua is a very excitable dog that needs a bit of daily exercise.  But the good news is that these little guys can get all of the vigorous physical activity they need from running room to room in a house or a small apartment.  The fact that he only requires moderate exercise makes this dog a great choice of pet for the elderly.  But do not neglect outdoor walks and play time.  The Chihuahua loves to roam outside and explore.

The Chihuahua has a longer lifespan than most dog breeds, living up to 20 years in some cases, with approximately 16 to 17 years being the norm for a healthy dog. Veterinarians suggest that owners of this dog breed get specific health tests for cardiac issues and knee problems.

Fortunately, there are no major health issues that Chihuahua dog breed owners need to worry about.  However, minor concerns do exist but they are very rare, including: hypoglycemia, pulmonic stenosis, patellar luxation, and hydrocephalus.   And one last common trait that many Chihuahuas display is called molera, which is a soft spot in the top of the skull that results from an incomplete fontanel closure.

Grooming is a minor concern if you're the proud owner of a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas come in two types; short-haired and long-haired. Short-haired Chihuahuas need very little brushing, perhaps once every week or so. Long-haired Chihuahuas will need a brushing twice weekly.  His nails needs to be trimmed regularly and the ears need to be kept clean.

In terms of living arrangements, the Chihuahua is an indoor dog and should not be kept outside. There is nothing wrong with having him explore the yard a couple of hours each day, but this should only be temporary. Chihuahuas absolutely hate cold temperatures and will run to seek out warmth and coziness.