Chihuahua
in the UK
in the UK
breed features and care
Chihuahua
in the UK
in the UK
breed features and
care
Chihuahua —
one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, but with a personality as strong and colourful as that of much bigger dogs. These tiny dogs have quickly become popular thanks to their loyalty
and expressive personality. Despite its small size, the Chihuahua has a clear watchdog instinct and becomes an excellent companion for anyone who can give it attention and care.
Here we look at the breed's features, origin, appearance according to the standard, character, care
and other useful information.
and expressive personality. Despite its small size, the Chihuahua has a clear watchdog instinct and becomes an excellent companion for anyone who can give it attention and care.
Here we look at the breed's features, origin, appearance according to the standard, character, care
and other useful information.
Breed characteristics
Adaptability
Barking level
Shedding level
Watchdog instinct
Protective instinct
Friendly to strangers
Trainability
Health problems
Care
Social needs
Suitable for flats
Energy level
Friendly to dogs
Friendly to cats
Suitable for children
Loyalty
Exercise needs
Intelligence
Chihuahua —
one of the smallest dog breeds
in the world, but with a
personality as strong and
colourful as that of much bigger
dogs. These tiny dogs have
quickly become popular
thanks to their loyalty
and expressive
personality. Despite its small
size, the Chihuahua has a clear watchdog instinct and
becomes an excellent companion
for anyone who can give it
attention and care. Here we look at
the breed's features,
origin, appearance according
to the standard, character,
care and other useful information.
in the world, but with a
personality as strong and
colourful as that of much bigger
dogs. These tiny dogs have
quickly become popular
thanks to their loyalty
and expressive
personality. Despite its small
size, the Chihuahua has a clear watchdog instinct and
becomes an excellent companion
for anyone who can give it
attention and care. Here we look at
the breed's features,
origin, appearance according
to the standard, character,
care and other useful information.
Friendly
to strangers
to strangers
Intelligence
Friendly to cats
Watchdog instinct
Loyalty
Energy level
Social needs
Health problems
Barking level
Protective instinct
Exercise
needs
needs
Friendly to dogs
Shedding level
Suitable for children
Suitable for flats
Care
Trainability
Adaptability
Breed characteristics
The Chihuahua takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the breed was discovered in the mid-19th century. It is believed to descend from the Techichi, a small dog kept by the Toltecs and Aztecs. The Chihuahua has always been known for its small size
and its loyalty to its owner. In 1904 the breed was officially registered in the USA, and since then the Chihuahua has become popular in many countries, including the UK, where The Kennel Club recognises a Smooth Coat and a Long Coat variety.
and its loyalty to its owner. In 1904 the breed was officially registered in the USA, and since then the Chihuahua has become popular in many countries, including the UK, where The Kennel Club recognises a Smooth Coat and a Long Coat variety.
History and origin of the Chihuahua
History
and origin of the Chihuahua
and origin of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua takes its name
from the Mexican state of
Chihuahua, where the breed was discovered in the mid-19th century. It is believed to
descend from the Techichi,
a small dog kept by the Toltecs and Aztecs. The
Chihuahua has always been known
for its small size
and its loyalty to its owner. In 1904 the breed
was officially registered in the USA, and since then the Chihuahua has become popular in many
countries, including the UK, where The Kennel
Club recognises a Smooth Coat and a Long Coat variety.
from the Mexican state of
Chihuahua, where the breed was discovered in the mid-19th century. It is believed to
descend from the Techichi,
a small dog kept by the Toltecs and Aztecs. The
Chihuahua has always been known
for its small size
and its loyalty to its owner. In 1904 the breed
was officially registered in the USA, and since then the Chihuahua has become popular in many
countries, including the UK, where The Kennel
Club recognises a Smooth Coat and a Long Coat variety.
Chihuahuas come in short-haired and long-hairedvarieties. Short-haired Chihuahuas have a dense, smooth coat, and long-haired ones a fuller, silky coat. Both varieties need regular grooming, especially during the moult. Compared with big dogs, though, Chihuahuas do not shed very much.
Chihuahua moves smoothly and lightly. Its stride is soft, and for its size the Chihuahua moves quite fast.
The body is compact, with good bone. The back is level and short, the chest broad and deep, and the neck of medium length and slightly arched. The dog often looks more fragile than it is: behind its small size is a fairly confident personality.
The tail is set high and of medium length and is carried in a curve or semicircle over the back. The tail gives the dog a lot of expression.
The head is apple-shaped (rounded) and in proportion to the body. The stop is well defined and the muzzle short and straight. The nose is usually black, but other colours are allowed, and the bite should be correct. The eyes are large and expressive, often with a slightly cheeky look.
The eyes are large and round, with a lively, intelligent expression. Eye colour may vary, but dark eyes are preferred. The Chihuahua is often very alert and curious about its surroundings.
Appearance of the Chihuahua
Despite its small size, the Chihuahua looks bold and determined. Its appearance reflects its nature: active and alert.
Appearance of the Chihuahua
Despite its small
size, the Chihuahua looks bold and determined.
Its appearance reflects its nature: active
and alert.
size, the Chihuahua looks bold and determined.
Its appearance reflects its nature: active
and alert.
The head is apple-shaped (rounded) and in proportion to the body. The stop is well defined and the muzzle short and straight. The nose is usually black, but other colours are allowed, and the bite should be correct. The eyes are large and expressive, often with a slightly cheeky look.
The eyes are large and round, with a lively, intelligent expression. Eye colour may vary, but dark eyes are preferred. The Chihuahua is often very alert and curious about its surroundings.
Chihuahuas come in short-haired and long-haired varieties. Short-haired Chihuahuas have a dense, smooth coat, and long-haired ones a fuller, silky coat. Both varieties need regular grooming, especially during the moult. Compared with big dogs, though, Chihuahuas do not shed very much.
The body is compact, with good bone. The back is level and short, the chest broad and deep, and the neck of medium length and slightly arched. The dog often looks more fragile than it is: behind its small size is a fairly confident personality.
The tail is set high and of medium length and is carried in a curve or semicircle over the back. The tail gives the dog a lot of expression.
The Chihuahua moves smoothly and lightly. Its stride is soft, and for its size the Chihuahua moves quite fast.
Colours of the Chihuahua
Chihuahuas come in many different colours, which makes every dog unique. The coat can be solid, patched or multicoloured. Here we look at the most common colours found
in Chihuahuas, both ordinary and rarer varieties.
in Chihuahuas, both ordinary and rarer varieties.
Every colour gives a Chihuahua its own style and personality. Shades and combinations can vary, and although colour does not affect the dog's qualities, it makes every dog unique.
can range from light to dark shades in Chihuahuas. Dogs may have a bright, warm coat with a golden sheen or a rich brown colour shading into red. It is one of the Chihuahua's most popular colours.
Brown (or 'red') colour:
occurs in Chihuahuas fairly often and can be solid or combined with other colours. Some dogs combine black with gold or tan markings, especially on the muzzle, legs and chest. Such Chihuahuas often look elegant, with a deep, rich colour.
Black colour:
is one of the Chihuahua's lightest and softest shades. It can range from almost white to warm beige. Cream dogs have a soft, harmonious look, and the colour is often associated with refinement.
Cream:
in Chihuahuas is a deep brown colour that resembles milk chocolate. It can be even or have lighter or darker areas. Chocolate Chihuahuas have a warm, pleasant look that makes them especially charming.
Chocolate colour:
occurs much less often than other shades and is one of the most exotic. Blue is a diluted black, often slightly greyish and 'ashy'. It is caused by a recessive gene that both parents must carry. Blue dogs sometimes suffer hair loss (colour dilution alopecia).
Blue colour:
is a warm golden-brown shade ranging from light to medium. It is a soft colour in which the dog may have golden or olive tones. Fawn is one of the Chihuahua's most common colours.
Fawn:
also occurs in Chihuahuas, but less often than other shades. A white coat can be pure or have cream or yellowish patches. White Chihuahuas look very pale and elegant, but the coat needs special care to stay beautiful.
White colour:
is a pale, beige-yellow shade. The colour often occurs together with other colours and then forms patches. Pale yellow dogs have a soft look that appeals to anyone who wants a light-coloured dog.
Pale yellow colour:
or parti-colour means white patches on a coloured background or coloured patches on a white background. The patches can be black, brown, fawn or cream. The colour looks very distinctive. Where the skin is pale, the dog can get sunburnt, so protect it from strong sun.
Patched colour:
is a colour combining three colours, usually black, white and tan, or black, white and cream. Such Chihuahuas look bright and expressive, and the colour combination makes them unique. The three colours often form a very attractive, harmonious whole.
Tricolour:
a rare variety in which the coat has dark and light patches that give a marbled effect (merle). The Kennel Club does not register merle Chihuahuas: merle is linked to deafness and eye defects, especially in puppies of two merle parents.
Merle:
Colours of the Chihuahua
Chihuahuas can
come in many different colours, which makes every dog
unique. The coat can be solid, patched
or multicoloured. Here we look at the Chihuahua's most common
colours, both
ordinary and rarer varieties.
come in many different colours, which makes every dog
unique. The coat can be solid, patched
or multicoloured. Here we look at the Chihuahua's most common
colours, both
ordinary and rarer varieties.
Every colour gives a Chihuahua its own style
and personality. Shades and combinations
can vary, and although
colour does not affect the dog's qualities,
it makes every
dog unique.
and personality. Shades and combinations
can vary, and although
colour does not affect the dog's qualities,
it makes every
dog unique.
Brown
(or
'red')
colour —
(or
'red')
colour —
can range from light
to dark shades in Chihuahuas.
Dogs may have
a bright, warm
coat with a golden
sheen or a
rich brown colour
shading into red.
It is one of the
Chihuahua's most popular
colours.
to dark shades in Chihuahuas.
Dogs may have
a bright, warm
coat with a golden
sheen or a
rich brown colour
shading into red.
It is one of the
Chihuahua's most popular
colours.
Black
colour —
colour —
occurs in Chihuahuas
fairly often and can
be solid or combined
with other
colours. Some dogs
combine black with gold
or tan markings,
especially on the
muzzle, legs and
chest. Such Chihuahuas
often look elegant, with a deep, rich
colour.
fairly often and can
be solid or combined
with other
colours. Some dogs
combine black with gold
or tan markings,
especially on the
muzzle, legs and
chest. Such Chihuahuas
often look elegant, with a deep, rich
colour.
Cream
colour —
colour —
is one of the
Chihuahua's lightest and
softest shades. It
can range from almost
white to warm beige.
Cream dogs have a soft,
harmonious look, and
the colour is often
associated with
refinement.
Chihuahua's lightest and
softest shades. It
can range from almost
white to warm beige.
Cream dogs have a soft,
harmonious look, and
the colour is often
associated with
refinement.
Chocolate
colour —
colour —
in Chihuahuas is a deep brown colour
that resembles milk chocolate. It can be even or have lighter
or darker areas.
Chocolate
Chihuahuas have a
warm, pleasant look
that makes them
especially
charming.
that resembles milk chocolate. It can be even or have lighter
or darker areas.
Chocolate
Chihuahuas have a
warm, pleasant look
that makes them
especially
charming.
Blue
colour —
colour —
occurs in Chihuahuas
much less often than
other shades and is one
of the most exotic. Blue
is a diluted black,
often slightly greyish and 'ashy'. It is caused
by a recessive gene
that both
parents must carry. Blue
dogs sometimes
suffer hair loss
(colour dilution alopecia).
much less often than
other shades and is one
of the most exotic. Blue
is a diluted black,
often slightly greyish and 'ashy'. It is caused
by a recessive gene
that both
parents must carry. Blue
dogs sometimes
suffer hair loss
(colour dilution alopecia).
Fawn —
is a warm golden-brown
shade
ranging from light to
medium. It is a soft
colour in which
the dog may have
golden or olive
tones. Fawn is one
of the Chihuahua's
most common
colours.
shade
ranging from light to
medium. It is a soft
colour in which
the dog may have
golden or olive
tones. Fawn is one
of the Chihuahua's
most common
colours.
White —
also occurs in Chihuahuas,
but less often
than other shades. A white
coat can be pure
or have cream or
yellowish patches. White
Chihuahuas look
very pale and
elegant, but the
coat needs special
care to stay
beautiful.
but less often
than other shades. A white
coat can be pure
or have cream or
yellowish patches. White
Chihuahuas look
very pale and
elegant, but the
coat needs special
care to stay
beautiful.
Pale yellow
colour —
colour —
is a pale,
beige-yellow shade. The
colour often occurs
together with
other colours and
then forms patches.
Pale yellow dogs have
a soft look that
appeals to
anyone who wants a
light-coloured dog.
beige-yellow shade. The
colour often occurs
together with
other colours and
then forms patches.
Pale yellow dogs have
a soft look that
appeals to
anyone who wants a
light-coloured dog.
Patched
colour —
colour —
or parti-colour means
white patches on
a coloured background
or coloured
patches on a white
background. The patches
can be black, brown,
fawn or cream.
The colour looks
very distinctive. Where
the skin is pale, the
dog can get sunburnt, so protect it
from strong sun.
white patches on
a coloured background
or coloured
patches on a white
background. The patches
can be black, brown,
fawn or cream.
The colour looks
very distinctive. Where
the skin is pale, the
dog can get sunburnt, so protect it
from strong sun.
Tricolour
—
—
is a colour
combining three colours,
usually black, white
and tan, or black,
white and cream. Such
Chihuahuas look
bright and expressive,
and the colour
combination
makes them unique.
The three colours
often form a very
attractive, harmonious
whole.
combining three colours,
usually black, white
and tan, or black,
white and cream. Such
Chihuahuas look
bright and expressive,
and the colour
combination
makes them unique.
The three colours
often form a very
attractive, harmonious
whole.
Merle
colour —
colour —
a rare variety in
which the coat has dark
and light patches
that give a marbled effect
(merle). The Kennel Club does not register merle
Chihuahuas: merle is linked to deafness and eye defects,
especially in
puppies of two merle parents.
which the coat has dark
and light patches
that give a marbled effect
(merle). The Kennel Club does not register merle
Chihuahuas: merle is linked to deafness and eye defects,
especially in
puppies of two merle parents.
Show standard:
the Chihuahua
the Chihuahua
Head: Apple-shaped and well proportioned,
with a well-defined stop. The muzzle is short and straight.
with a well-defined stop. The muzzle is short and straight.
Eyes: Large, round and very
expressive, preferably dark.
expressive, preferably dark.
Coat: Short and dense, or long and silky,
always soft and glossy.
always soft and glossy.
Body: Compact, with a level, short back and a broad, deep chest.
Tail: Medium length and set high, carried in a curve or semicircle over the back.
Movement: Free and energetic,
with good reach despite the small size.
with good reach despite the small size.
Show
standard:
the Chihuahua
standard:
the Chihuahua
Head:
Apple-shaped and
well proportioned, with a well-defined stop.
The muzzle is short and straight.
Apple-shaped and
well proportioned, with a well-defined stop.
The muzzle is short and straight.
Eyes:
Large, round and very
expressive, preferably dark.
Large, round and very
expressive, preferably dark.
Coat:
Short and dense, or long and
silky, always soft and glossy.
Short and dense, or long and
silky, always soft and glossy.
Body:
Compact, with a level,
short back and a broad, deep chest.
Compact, with a level,
short back and a broad, deep chest.
Tail:
Medium length and set high,
carried in a curve or
semicircle over the back.
Medium length and set high,
carried in a curve or
semicircle over the back.
Movement:
Free and energetic,
with good reach despite
the small size.
Free and energetic,
with good reach despite
the small size.
Character of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a dog with a strong personality. Despite its small size it is very brave,
and it is often called 'a big dog in a small body'. It becomes strongly attached to its owner
and is an excellent companion for anyone who can give it enough attention.
and it is often called 'a big dog in a small body'. It becomes strongly attached to its owner
and is an excellent companion for anyone who can give it enough attention.
Chihuahuas are very loyal, love being
the centre of attention and are often devoted companions.
the centre of attention and are often devoted companions.
Chihuahuas are very loyal, love
being the centre of attention and are often devoted companions.
being the centre of attention and are often devoted companions.
Character
of the Chihuahua
of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a dog with a strong personality.
Despite its small size it is very brave, and it is
often called 'a big dog
in a small body'. It
becomes strongly attached to its owner and is an excellent companion
for anyone who can give it
enough attention.
Despite its small size it is very brave, and it is
often called 'a big dog
in a small body'. It
becomes strongly attached to its owner and is an excellent companion
for anyone who can give it
enough attention.
Caring for the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua needs care, especially when it comes to health. Regular preventive vet visits
and good care of the teeth and ears are very important for its health.
and good care of the teeth and ears are very important for its health.
Brush the coat regularly, especially in long-haired dogs, to prevent tangles. Make sure it gets exercise too: despite its small size, the Chihuahua needs daily walks and mental stimulation. In a British winter it feels the cold easily and benefits from a coat.
Care
and upkeep
and upkeep
The Chihuahua needs
care, especially when it comes to health. Regular
preventive vet visits and good care of the teeth
and ears are
very important for its health.
care, especially when it comes to health. Regular
preventive vet visits and good care of the teeth
and ears are
very important for its health.
Brush the coat regularly, especially in long-haired dogs, to prevent tangles. Make sure it gets exercise too:
despite its small size, the
Chihuahua needs daily walks and mental stimulation. In a British winter it feels the cold easily and benefits from
a coat.
despite its small size, the
Chihuahua needs daily walks and mental stimulation. In a British winter it feels the cold easily and benefits from
a coat.
Pros and cons of the breed
Pros
Cons
Chihuahua —
is not just a small dog but a loyal and energetic friend who, with the right care and training, becomes a true member of the family. If you are ready to look after it
and give it an active life, it will delight you with its affection and playfulness for many years.
and give it an active life, it will delight you with its affection and playfulness for many years.
Chihuahua —
is not just a small dog but
a loyal and energetic
friend who, with
the right care and
training, becomes a true member of the family. If you are ready to look after
it and give it an active life, it will
delight you with its affection and playfulness
for many years.
a loyal and energetic
friend who, with
the right care and
training, becomes a true member of the family. If you are ready to look after
it and give it an active life, it will
delight you with its affection and playfulness
for many years.
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