The chihuahua still enjoys the reputation of being a «handbag puppy». Is he, thanks to Paris Hilton, really just the ideal handbag dog?
Or doesn’t the little furry nose have a lot, much more to offer and is therefore also interesting for you?
Find out in our breed portrait below!
Chihuahua Wanted Poster
Size Male: up to 23 cm
Female: up to 15 cmWeightMale: up to 3 kg
Female: up to 1.5 kgColorsBlack, white, fawn, cream, gold, chocolate brownLife expectancy12 to 20 yearsOriginMexico/Chihuahua Regioncharacter/temperamentHeadstrong, diva, likes to overestimate herself, wants to be the center of attention, very people-oriented, playfulFCI groupGroup 9, Section 6: Chihuahueño (companion dogs)
Look
The Chihuahua, too affectionately Chi called, has a particularly striking appearance.
It’s not just the small size that immediately catches the eye (yes, you can see it with the naked eye!), but above all that large and slightly protruding eyes.
Also characteristic of the little Mexican are the apple shaped head as well as the relatively short snout.
Also the pricked earswho at long haired Chihuahuas also turn out very bushy and so-called fringes have are among the hallmarks of this breed.
Completed – in the truest sense of the word – the typical Chihuahua appearance is completed by the Tail semicircular upwards is set up.
Coat, coat texture & coat colors
The Chihuahua will both with both short and long fur bred. What both variants have in common is that they are very silky, smooth and shiny.
According to the FCI breed standards Chihuahuas are allowed these colors – and also in combination:
Black, fawn, chocolate brown, gold, cream and white.
In addition, other colors are also being added, and that’s how it should be by now more than 30 color combinations give in this breed.
eye colors
The FCI is not quite as tolerant of eye colors. Indeed, it is preferred when the small dogs dark eyes have.
Although it can also happen that the eyes are also in the adult Chihuahuas Light Blue are.
However, this is usually not desirable.
Height Weight
As you know, the Chihuahua is a very small dog. This also affects the size and weight accordingly.
A Chihuahua boy can up to 3 kilograms get heavy, and that with a body «size» of up to 23 centimeters.
are natural Chihuahua girl a little smaller and lighter.
Hide here up to 1.5 kilograms Flyweight behind a shoulder height of up to 15 centimeters.
History & Origin of the Chihuahua
Everyone probably knows the most famous – albeit fictional – animal from Mexico: Speedy Gonzalez. In terms of speed, the Chihuahua cannot keep up here – but it can in terms of origin.
Because the little rascal also comes from the Central American countrymore precisely, from the Chihuahua region of the same name.
However, anyone who thinks that this is a fashionable breed is wrong. Actually should the Aztecs already kept Chihuahuas. At least that’s what murals and paintings show.
These show the Conquistadores of the 15th and 16th centuries, pictured with the little dogs. What hasn’t changed to this day: The very human habit of wrapping little dogs in a thin blanket.
his «right» way to Europe finally found the chihuahua in the 19th century, when Mexican farmers sold it to tourists as a souvenir. The breed also became increasingly popular in the USA.
In 1959 eventually the Chihuahua became too recognized by the FCI as an independent breed.
Already knew?
In the meantime, there is no longer just the «normal» Chihuahua. Unfortunately, the world of breeding is very creative – not always for the benefit of the animal.
And so there is, among other things Tea Cup Chihuahuathe Apple Head Chihuahua and the Deer Head Chihuahua.
Nature & character of the Chihuahua
At first glance, the Chihuahua may appear slightly shy and fearful. In fact, he is often one of them fearful dog breeds.
But that is only one of the many and partly also contradictory facetswhich characterize the nature and character of the Chihuahua.
As fearful as he may be, the Chihuahua is also attested to, in some cases, a exaggerated self-confidence to have.
And that goes so far that the little fur nose can also underestimate dangerous situations. This, in turn, can happen to her chagrin as well as yours.
As a breed that is very people-oriented, the Chihuahua also tends to be to jealousy. Don’t get enough attention they bark often and a lot.
In addition, Chihuahuas are considered very friendly and happy dogs. They are playful and lively and at the same time good-natured.
attitude & upbringing
If you are considering living with a Chihuahua, you naturally want to know which one Requirements of the little mouse regarding their attitude and upbringing has.
Generally speaking, the Chihuahua suitable for housing is. Because he’s a very small breed, that not too much space needs.
But the little bundle of energy wants to nevertheless every day in the fresh air, so daily walking is a must. It should be noted here that the Chihuahua likes to move a lot.
In addition, it is a very intelligent dog breed. Accordingly, not only the physical demand and utilization is important for the Chihuahua, but also the spiritual.
Incidentally, the Chihuahua is particularly enthusiastic about agility trainingbut also intelligence toys are an excellent idea for the cute brainiac.
It is important that you with the consistent Start training with your Chihuahua puppy. Because the breed is known for a southern temperament.
And the sooner the little mouse accepts that she can’t walk on your nose, the better for both of you. Because even your Chihuahua will not be happy if it has not been raised and socialized appropriately.
Good to know
Carpet Porsche, lap dog, handbag dog – all prejudices that have certainly taken a toll on the Chihuahua’s reputation.
In fact, the little dog can become a diva, who was denied her dog snickers. Namely then when movement has failed.
Here the Chihuahua can not only dissatisfied become. There is even talk of the little four-legged Porsche, which was not allowed to let off steam, aggressive can be.
Health & Care
Not only the right attitude and training is important if you are considering bringing a Chihuahua into your home.
Of course, you should also know whether and how much time you should plan for grooming.
And also what the general health of the Chihuahua is like.
grooming
The Chihuahua is considered relatively easy-care dog breedwhich therefore does not require an excessive amount of grooming.
However, you should have a long-haired Chihuahua above all else brush regularly. Here’s how you can, among other things Prevent fur tangles.
And it also helps your mini fur nose to deal with the excess fur during the change of fur.
Good to know
The Chihuahua owns little to no undercoat. Why should it – in Mexico it is usually nice and warm.
However, this missing undercoat causes problems for the dog in our latitudes and ensures that he freezes quickly. That is by the way one of the reasons why Chihuahuas feel like they are shaking all the time.
Health
The Chihuahua usually has one quite robust health and therefore not prone to disease.
Nevertheless, it can happen that one or the other disease can occur (but it doesn’t have to!).
Although the Chihuahua is a little bundle of energy, the breed tends to tend to overweight. This is not only promoted by wrong food and too much of it.
Also one castration as well as that Old can make the Chihuahua gain weight.
Being overweight is no joke. Because it works negatively on the joints and internal organs out of. This can Drastically reducing the life expectancy of the Mexican Methuselah.
Furthermore, Chihuahuas can be affected by these conditions: eye diseases, patellar dislocationreverse sneezing, allergies and epilepsy.
Life expectancy
It is usually assumed that small animals have a shorter life expectancy than large ones. This should also apply to dogs.
The Chihuahua is the famous exception to the rule. In fact, the breed is among the dogs that one of the highest life expectancies entail.
And so your new roommate can use you for the next 12 to 20 years delight – or sometimes make your life a little more difficult (but still beautiful).
Is the Chihuahua right for me?
Whether the Chihuahua suits you, depends primarily on your personal character and nature as well as your lifestyle away.
As you now know, the Chihuahua is a very people-oriented dog. So he doesn’t find it that funny to be left aloneand that can even scare him.
So if you travel a lot and/or don’t have enough time for the little fur ball, the Chihuahua is not the right dog for you.
This also applies if you tend to the couch potatoes belong. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course – but yours Chihuahua could veto here. After all, he needs a lot of exercise.
On the other hand, the Chihuahua is perfect for you if you are very active, sufficient time, patience and leisure for your dog and no problem if he steals the show from you in most situations.
By the way, there is no «age restriction» for owning a Chihuahua. As companion dog it is suitable for everyone.
With one tiny caveat: Small children should be taughtthat the chihuahua is not a stuffed animalthat you can run towards, screaming and waving your hands.
Chihuahua fun facts
Not only funny or not so funny nicknames belong to the Chihuahua. Also the following fun facts make up the very special charm of the little Mexican.
- Chihuahuas are considered one of the most aggressive dog breeds in the world. You wouldn’t think so, but that’s how it is – and that’s despite the fact that it’s also one of the most fearful dog breeds.
- Arguably the most famous Chihuahua is Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua. The breed also owes the label «handbag dog» to this.
- Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world.
- Chihuahuas’ noses can be different colors – all in ONE nose.
- The Aztecs believed that Chihuahuas had healing powers. This included being able to heal diseases and also “erasing” the sins of the Aztecs. That, in turn, usually didn’t end well for the Chihuahuas.
- There is now also the so-called Tea Cup Chihuahua / tea cup Chihuahua. This is just as big as the palm of your hand. And is therefore as big as a normal one for its entire life…