Chihuahua
About the Chihuahua
One of the smallest dog breeds, believed to have originated in Mexico with ancestry possibly tracing to companion dogs kept by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the breed was first noticed by American travelers in the 19th century. Tiny and compact, with a rounded 'apple' head, large upright ears, and a coat that comes in both smooth and long varieties.
Temperament
Bold, alert, and fiercely loyal to its favorite person, the Chihuahua often has an outsized personality and can be wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs.
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Mitral valve disease
- Tracheal collapse
- Dental disease
Grooming needs
Smooth-coated Chihuahuas need only minimal brushing, while long-coated ones benefit from weekly brushing; regular dental care is important given their small, crowded mouths.
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