Dog
Group:
Toy 
Chihuahua Champions
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Breed Description:
The Chihuahua breed of dog is sassy, alert and lively, with a terrier type temperament. Chihuahuas are not to exceed six pounds. The dog is somewhat longer than it is high, with a rounded skull, full luminous round eyes that are set well apart but do not protrude. The eyes should be dark or rub, although light eyes are permissible in blond or white-colored dogs. The ears are a distinctive feature of the Chihuahua breed of dog. They should be large and erect. The stop is so well defined that, when viewed in profile, it forms a near 90 degree angle where the muzzle meets the skull. The muzzle itself is short and slightly pointed. The Chihuahua breed of dog generally has a self-colored nose, although black and pink are acceptable in blond dogs. The bite may be scissors or level. The neck of the Chihuahua breed of dog is slightly arched, sloping into lean shoulders. The topline is level, the ribs are rounded, and the tail is moderately long and carried either up or out or in a loop over the back with the tip just touching the back. Tails are never docked. The shoulders are lean, with straight forelegs set well under, giving free movement at the elbows. The Chihuahua's feet are small and dainty, pads cushioned. Front dewclaws may be removed. The Chihuahua breed of dog has muscular hindquarters, with feet the same in the back as the front. Again, the dewclaws may be removed. For short haired Chihuahuas, the coat should be soft, close and glossy. (Double coats with undercoats are permissible. Ideally, the dog has a neck ruff, with scantier hair on his head and ears. For long haired Chihuahuas, the coat should be soft, either flat or slightly wavy, with an undercoat preferred. The ears should be fringed, the tail should be plumed, and feet and legs feathered. Pants on hind legs and large ruff on the neck are preferred. The Chihuahua breed of dog may be any color, solid, marked, or splashed. The Chihuahua should have a swift gait, with a firm, sturdy action, good reach to the front and drive from the rear. His four legs will tend to converge slightly toward a central line of gravity as speed increases.
Temperament:
The Chihuahua breed of dog is lively, alert, playful and loves to be with his owners at all times. His small size leaves him feeling somewhat vulnerable at times -- particularly when people and other animals move quickly and startle him -- he may react (or overreact) to this feeling of vulnerability by lashing out with his teeth. Early socialization to a number of different people and situations will leave him feeling more confident Chihuahuas are intelligent and playful, and make require some patience in the housetraining department. Noisy or unpredictable people (particularly children) are not the best fit for the Chihuahua breed of dog.
Height:
6 to 9 inches
Weight:
Up to 6 pounds
Health Problems:
The Chihuahua breed of dog is associated with such health concerns as eye problems, mitral valve disease, patellar luxation, collapsing trachea and seizures.
Living Conditions:
The Chihuahua breed of dog is ideally suited to apartment living, as he is able to meet of his exercise needs through indoor play. Care must be taken outdoors during winter weather, particularly with a single smooth coat type of Chihuahua.
Exercise:
The Chihuahua breed of dog can meet its exercise requirements with indoor play sessions, for the most part. Most Chihuahuas also enjoy a short walk outside, too, however.
Life Expectancy:
15 years or more
Grooming:
The Chihuahua breed of dog has different grooming requirements depending on whether it is a long-haired or short-haired variety and whether it has a single coat or a double coat. The longhaired variety needs more attention with brushing, bathing and trimming, while the shorthaired Chihuahua requires only occasional brushing and wiping with a damp cloth. Regardless of type, Chihuahuas need to have their eyes cleaned frequently, as their proximity to the ground virtually ensures that they will collect a lot of dust and debris.
Origin:
The Chihuahua breed of dog is the oldest breed on the American continent. He was refined in Mexico, but may have originated with dogs who came to Mexico with Spanish travelers who had "dwarf dogs" from China. The dogs that the Spanish travelers brought with them were bred to the native hairless dogs of Mexico, leading to the Chihuahua, some believe. Others posit that the Chihuahua breed of dog is a miniaturized native Pariah dog. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
