I am interested in learning as much as possible about chihuahuas. Please help me by giving me some facts/info.

Question

I am going to possibly adopt a chihuahua.

Answer 1

General Appearance: A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.

Size, Proportion, Substance
Weight:- A well balanced little dog not to exceed 6 pounds. Proportion - The body is off-square; hence, slightly longer when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, than height at the withers. Somewhat shorter bodies are preferred in males. Disqualification - Any dog over 6 pounds in weight.



Chihuahuas were originally thought to be descendants of an ancient, similar, but slightly larger breed associated with royalty in Aztec civilizations known as the Techichi. However, due to the lack of archaeological remains it is now believed that Chihuahuas were brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers. The most current theory holds that Spanish merchants brought Chihuahuas to Spain by way of their trade routes with China and from there to Mexico. The well documented practice in China of dwarfing both plants and animals is the basis for the theory that Chihuahuas originated there.[citation needed]

Chihuahuas were first taken into the United States by American visitors to Mexico.

Chihuahuas are best known for their small size and large erect ears.

The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognizes two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat. Many smooth-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair, but other smooth coats have a very dense, thick coat.

Breed standards for this dog do not generally specify a height, only a weight and a description of their overall proportions. As a result, height varies more than within many other breeds. Generally, the height ranges between six and ten inches at the withers. However, some dogs grow as tall as twelve to fifteen inches. AKC show dogs must weigh no more than six lb (2.7 kg); the FCI standard calls for dogs ideally between 1.5 and three kg (3.3 to 6.6 lb), although smaller ones are acceptable in the show ring. However, pet-quality Chihuahuas (that is, those bred or purchased as companions rather than show dogs) can, and do, range above these weights, to ten pounds or even more if they have large bone structures or are allowed to become overweight. This does not mean they are not purebred Chihuahuas, it only means that they do not meet the requirements to enter a conformation show. Oversize Chihuahuas are seen in some of the best and worst bloodlines.

Chihuahuas come in many colors, from solid blacks to solid whites, spotted, or a variety of other colors like fawn (tan), chocolate, blue (gray), silver, tricolored (chocolate, blue, or black with tan and white markings), brindle, and merle. And each of these colors vary in shades and tones, as fawn can be a term to describe a tan dog from a very pale cream to a deep (almost red) tan, or any shade in between, and the chocolate coloration can range from a milky light shade of brown, to a deep mahogony brown, to a dark brown that is almost black.


Chihuahuas are prized for their devotion and personality. Their alertness, intelligence and size make them easily adaptable to a variety of environments, including the city and small apartments, and they often live fifteen years or more. While Chihuahuas are often thought of as high-strung and fragile, correct training and socialization can result in an outstanding companion animal.

Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size and physical fragility. However, many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person, becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships. However, this can be mitigated by thorough socialization. Chihuahuas also tend to have a "clannish" nature, often preferring the companionship of other Chihuahuas over other dogs. On the other hand, Chihuahuas seem to have no concept of their own size, and may fearlessly confront larger animals, which can result in injury.

Many Chihuahuas are sensitive to the cold due to their small body size. Chihuahua owners often dress their dogs in sweaters or coats in cold weather.

& try this; http://www.akc.org/

Answer 2

Honestly....I have 2 band-aids on my finger from a 1yr old Chi. at the vet office I work for!! But, they are nice pets for some people. Chi's don't like strangers, usually, and tend to bite when nervous(which is why I have bite marks on my hand). Chi's seem to bond well with one or two people, and maybe children. Since chi's are nervous dogs, if you have children or grandchildren, it might not be a good idea. Chi also needs lots of attention!!! If it is an older Chi, it might take time adapting to you and your family. Just be cautious!!

Answer 3

Chihuahua's are nearly impossible to house train, they pee all over the place when they get excited/nervous/happy/sad or just when they breath, and they are always constantly yapping. Make yourself happy and get a Labrador.

Answer 4

Do your OWN homework! Start w/the AKC site for the breed standard & then go to shows & talk to the exhibitors. Get REAL info from REAL people.