If you’ve ever met a Chihuahua dog, you know they can be full of personality! From their big, bright eyes ✨ and mischievous grins, to their abundance of energy and love of cuddles, it’s hard not to be charmed by these lovable little pups. And then there’s the fact that they have different varieties, like long-haired Chihuahuas or teacup ones.
You’ve come to the right place. We’ve worked up a full dog breed profile just for you, including some interesting facts. Did you know, for instance, that the world’s shortest dog and the oldest dog in the world are both Chis? Let’s get into it …
In this article
Chihuahua dog history
Chihuahuas are some of the most iconic and beloved dog breeds in the world. They’ve been around for centuries, with their origins rooted in Mexico. These small, spunky dogs are believed to have come from the Techichi, a small dog breed that was present during the ancient Toltec civilization in Mexico.
The Chihuahua first made its way to the United States in the late 1800s and has been popular ever since. Later it would be considered the smallest recognised dog breed in the American Kennel Club.
Breed facts and figures
Only two types of Chihuahua breeds are recognised by Dogs New Zealand – short-haired and long-haired. According to the internationally recognised breed standard, all other types of Chihuahuas are considered varieties of the same breed.
| Group | Toy |
| Coat | Smooth short coats or longer fringed coats |
| Life span | 12 – 20 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Loyal, extremely intelligent, charming, ‘big dog attitude’ |
| Weight | Female: 2.3kg – 3.3kg Male: 2.8kg – 3.7kg |
| Height at withers | Male: 23cm Female: 18cm |
Pearl the chihuahua – no taller than a teacup!
Do you know about Pearl the teacup Chihuahua? She’s shorter than the standard television remote and has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the planet’s shortest living dog! That’s as smol as smol can be.
At the time of Pearl’s birth, she was under 9.14 cm tall and 12.7 cm long. She’s up to 553g now thanks to chicken, salmon, and other high-quality foods, according to Pearl’s fur parent, Vanesa Semler. Get to know this pocket-sized diva in the video below…
A Chihuahua dog’s behaviour profile
In the paws of an untrained Chi, the household will soon run like a Napolean-esque empire. Learn how to train your Chi the correct way by reading this ‘Positive Reinforcement For Dog Training‘ article.
These clever scamps can be very playful and will expect nothing but the spotlight at all times. Chihuahua dogs are too small for roughhousing with kids, and cold weather requires special care, but they’re adaptable as long as they get lots of time on your lap.
Because of their size and personality, these su-paw stars are great for apartments (read about other small dog breed for apartments if that’s what you’re looking for). They don’t require a lot of space to be happy and content.
Although Chis love to run and play and can usually get enough exercise in a small space like an apartment. Most of the time this breed is satisfied with just trotting around following their favourite hooman.
Tip: Keep your dog’s weight and condition under control with short, slow walks.
Their health problems
When it comes to health, Chihuahuas are prone to certain health issues such as obesity, hypoglycemia, and dental problems.
Don’t worry though! Our PD Insurance Deluxe plan covers a range of dental treatments for your Chi, capped at an annual limit. Getting your pup proper dental treatment can give them a happier, longer life. For more info, check out our ‘Pet Dental Insurance: What’s Covered?‘ article.
High priority: Dental care should be a part of routine pet care alongside pet vaccinations.
Grooming needs
These floofs are some of the cutest, most loyal dogs around. However, they can also be quite a handful when it comes to grooming (a nice reminder of their terrier-like temperament!). A Chi’s coat is prone to tangles and matting, so regular grooming is essential.
Before you start grooming your doggo, it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. A good-quality slicker brush and comb are essential for the job, as is a gentle shampoo specifically designed for dogs. If your long-haired Chihuahua’s coat is particularly long, you may also want to invest in a pair of grooming shears (give this best-selling Andis Pulse ZR II a try).
Once you have all the supplies you need, it is time to start the grooming process. Begin by brushing your Chi’s coat thoroughly with the slicker brush, working out any tangles or mats. Then, use the comb to make sure the entire coat is free of knots and debris. Once you have finished brushing and combing, it’s time to give pup a bath.
Bath time…
Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add a few drops of the gentle shampoo. Make sure you avoid getting any soap in your Chi’s eyes. Gently massage the shampoo into your pup’s coat, paying special attention to any areas with mats or tangles. Rinse the shampoo off with lukewarm water, then wrap your pup in a towel until they’re dry.
Watch Lou the Chihuahua take a dramatic bath below…
If your Chi has a long coat, it’s time to use the grooming shears. Start by brushing the coat in the opposite direction it normally lies, to help make sure it’s free of tangles. Then, use the shears to give your pup an even trim. If unsure of how to properly use the shears, best seek help from a professional groomer.
Finally, finish off the grooming session by brushing your long-haired Chihuahua dog’s coat one last time. This will ensure their coat is soft, shiny, and free of tangles. Your pup will thank you for the extra effort.
Long-haired Chihuahua info
The long-haired Chihuahua is immediately recognisable because of its double coat, with the outer coat being longer and thicker than the inner coat. Grooming for long-haired Chihuahuas is a little different. Aside from their fur, they’re like any other Chi.
The long-haired Chihuahua comes in a range of colours and patterns. There are some that have solid coats and some with two or three different shades. Also, they’re often found with masks, which means they have darker patches of fur around their faces. It’s also not uncommon to see cream, fawn, red, or even merle markings.
There’s no evidence that Chihuahuas’ hair length affects their temperament. Like any short-haired pup, these doggos have very, very big personalities!
Speaking of personalities, ever wondered which dog (or cat) is most like you? Well, now you can find out with our PET PAWSONALITY test! Find out what breed you are at heart and share it with your friends – click here:
Teacup Chihuahua info
Are you considering adding a teacup Chihuahua to your family? If so, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this dog breed.
Teacup Chihuahuas – like Pearl the Chihuahua – we featured above – are the smallest breed of Chihuahua, often weighing less than 1.4 kg. While these teensy tiny pups come with lots of love and affection, it’s important to understand the potential risks that come with owning a teacup Chihuahua.
Common health issues
The most common health issues among teacup Chihuahuas include patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, tracheal collapse, and hypoglycemia:
- Patellar luxation causes the kneecap to slip out of place, often resulting in pain and lameness.
- Hydrocephalus occurs when there’s too much fluid in the brain and can cause seizures.
- Tracheal collapse is where trachea or windpipe collapses, making it hard for the pup to breathe.
- Hypoglycemia occurs when the pup’s blood sugar levels drop too low, causing lethargy, weakness, and tremors.
It’s also important to be aware teacup Chihuahuas are prone to dental issues. This is due to their small jaws and crowded teeth. Without proper dental care, these pups can experience severe tooth decay and gum disease. Check out this ‘Does My Dog Need Braces for Good Dental Health?‘ article for more info on dental care.
How to take care of a Teacup Chihuahua
When it comes to diet, teacup Chihuahuas should be fed high-quality dog food that’s specifically designed for small breed dogs. These pups can be prone to obesity, so make sure they get the right amount of calories and nutrients.
Teacup Chihuahuas need plenty of exercise. They’re an active breed and love to run around. However, due to their small size, you must keep a close eye on them and ensure they’re not overexerting themselves.
Overall, teacup Chihuahuas can be a wonderful addition to your family. However, be aware of the potential health risks associated with this breed. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian and provide your pup with plenty of love and care.
The oldest dog in the world
Before we close off this piece, did you know that the oldest dog in the world is none other than a Chi? The late TobyKeith (born 9 January 2001 in the US) was recorded as the oldest dog in the world at 21 years old.
Typical days for this old gentleman included waking up at 6:30 in the morning for his first walk outside followed by his first snack (a slice of turkey is one of his favourites). In comparison with the average Chihuahuas’ life expectancy, which is 12 to 18 years, TobyKeith really lived a long life!
Dog insurance for spunky Chihuahuas
Whether short-haired or long-haired, Chihuahua all have ‘big dog’ attitude. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to getting sick of injured. You can get pretty steep vet bills if you have a long-haired Chihuahua who eats things it shouldn’t. Or one whose playfulness sees it jumping from heights it simply can’t land.
PD Insurance dog insurance plans gives you the peace of mind that the cost of treatment shouldn’t be a problem if your Chihuahua needs the vet. PLUS