Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas have a reputation as lap dogs for little old ladies. And they’re very good at that. But they’re actually great dogs for anyone who wants a dog that loves them, and them only (or maybe a few other family members). Their tiny size makes them handy to live with. As one of the smallest breeds, these little dogs fit just about anywhere, are simple to travel with, and can even be carried in a doggy purse as a purse dog. They make great apartment dogs if your neighbors don’t mind the barking, and you don’t have to be an athlete to take them out for a walk. They’re even popular with truck drivers because they can play in a limited space. They can’t steal your food from your counters, and they can do limited damage to your furniture. Plus, their food bill is tiny! Almost everything costs less with a small breed. Yet they are also exciting, energetic dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. They will sit in the laps of the elderly, play with young children in the household, and go shopping with anyone who will take them. They’re even ferocious sounding watch dogs—although they can’t do much actual damage to anything except ankles. Most of all, though—they’re really cute!

The Chihuahua’s body is solidly built, slightly longer than tall. The topline is straight, with the tail carried either up, out, or over the back. It has dainty feet. The height can be between 5 and 8 inches at the withers, and the weight should be under 6 pounds. The head is domed, the muzzle moderately short and slightly pointed. The ears are large and erect, coming off the head at a slight angle to the sides. The soulful eyes are full but not protruding. The entire expression is saucy, like a dog looking for adventure—or mischief. There are two different coat types, a short and smooth coat; or long coat, straight and feathered. It comes in any color, more colors and patterns than many other breeds.

First, there’s the private Chihuahua. That’s the one who snuggles on your pillow, curls in your lap, plays fetch in your living room, demands a bite of your dinner, struts to the door, and barks at the doorbell. The one that makes you wonder how so much love can be crammed into so little a being. Then there’s the public Chihuahua. That’s the one who seems to want to make a statement, either that they’re the toughest dog in town or just a frightened little homeless waif. So yes, some Chihuahuas put on a brave front, but they’re not always as brave as they appear. It may be that when you’re that small the best defense is a good offense. So some have a big personality and want to challenge visitors and any large dog they come across. But chances are they’ll back off if anyone challenges them back. On the flip side, other Chihuahuas are known for just sitting and shaking when company comes or they’re put in a new situation. But shaking doesn’t necessarily mean a Chihuahua is scared, as they have a tendency to get cold. Just be aware that the public Chihuahua can be very different from the private Chihuahua. The Chihuahua breed is quick to differentiate family from non-family. They love their family deeply. This includes their main person, but also other household members. It also includes other family dogs—especially fellow Chis—and pets. Non-family they don’t much care for. Most would rather not share their special people or their home with visitors, and they don’t go out of their way to greet strangers when outside the home. They love to snuggle with their fellow Chihuahuas, and tend to rule over any large household dogs, but either (wisely) avoid strange dogs or (unwisely) challenge them. By the way, Chihuahuas absolutely hate being cold. Give them a place in the sun to relax at home, and provide a sweater in cold weather.

Chihuahuas learn quickly, and have reached the highest levels of obedience competitions. Chihuahuas were never bred for a job in which obedience was necessary, so it’s not foremost in their way of thinking. Even today, few people train them. Perhaps it’s simply because they are so easy to live with without formal training. For example, people may find it easier to carry them than have them walk at their side in heel position. It’s difficult in some ways to train a tiny dog that is often way down at your feet, but you just need to make some adjustments. A tip is to use a long stick with a target on the end when you Chi is on the ground. You can smear peanut butter on the end to guide your Chihuahua by the nose, or train them to follow a target by rewarding them every time they tap it with their nose. In this way you can guide where they go without having to bend over all the time. Chihuahuas do well with treat-based training, but you have to make the treats tiny unless you want to make them your dog’s entire meal. Or, you can hand-feed their dinner using each morsel as a treat. Many Chihuahuas enjoy mental challenges such as trick training, obedience, and nose-work.

DNA evidence shows that the Chihuahua’s closest relative is the Chinese Crested. Nobody knows how the Chihuahua came to be. The most popular theory is that it descends from an ancient dog indigenous to Mexico called the Techichi. Evidence of the Techichi goes back to the 9th century. They were used in religious ceremonies by the Aztecs and Toltecs. They were also seen as a healing dog as they were thought to draw out pain and disease if you placed them on a hurt body part. Many were buried with their owners, perhaps to guide the soul to the underworld. After the Aztec civilization fell in the 16th century, nobody knows what happened to the Techichi. Some believe it existed as a feral animal, but this is unlikely. The modern Chihuahua was discovered in the 1800s in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1908. It is in the AKC Toy breed group. The Chihuahua's big break came in the 1940s when Xavier Cugat (“The Rumba King”) held his Chihuahua “Pepito” while conducting his orchestra. They appeared in many live performances and in films, introducing the Chihuahua to enthralled audiences. In 1964, the Chihuahua was the third most popular breed in the United States. Celebrity owners include Paris Hilton, Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Paula Abdul, Billie Holiday, Jayne Mansfield, Britney Spears and the Osbournes. Chihuahuas have appeared in advertising (the Taco Bell Chihuahua) and films (Legally Blonde and Beverly Hills Chihuahua).