The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog of terrier-like demeanor. The erect ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressive. Coats come in many colors and patterns, and can be long or short. The varieties are identical except for coat. Chihuahuas possess loyalty, charm, and big-dog attitude. 

Even tiny dogs require training, and without it this clever scamp will rule your household like a little Napoleon. 

Compact and confident, Chihuahuas are ideal city pets. 

They are too small for roughhousing with kids and special care must be taken in cold weather.

Chihuahuas are wonderful as long as they get lots of quality time in their preferred lap.

Health

The majority of Chihuahuas are healthy.

Some of the issues that can possibly affect the Chihuahua include potential heart problems (patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disease), eye disease, and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps). Idiopathic epilepsy is also known to occur in the breed.

Our breeding pairs have been genetically tested and are A rated as non carriers of these breed specific health issues.

Apple-headed Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot (also called a molera) in their skulls. This is where the bones have not fully formed and closed together (much like the soft spot on a newborn baby’s head). This is not an abnormality for Chihuahuas but rather a trait that allows their large, round heads to pass more easily through the birth canal. Chihuahua parents need to be careful not to injure the soft spot, which typically closes up at about six months old.

In addition to coat lengths, Chihuahuas have two different kinds of head shapes. There are Apple Heads with full, round heads like the fruit, and Deer Heads with a narrower face, which resembles that of a deer.

Personality

In cartoons, Chihuahuas are often portrayed as being too big for their britches—running around and yipping at much larger dogs. While some Chihuahuas may act this way, personality is determined more by factors like a dog’s environment, experiences, health, and age than by breed.

If you talk with pet parents of Chihuahuas, you’ll see that their personalities can be all over the map. They may be described as fun and outgoing, shy and anxious, sassy and playful, or serious and reserved—or maybe a mix of these, depending on the time of day. These dogs are known to like the company of other Chihuahuas, so they may be happier living with a Chihuahua pal in the home.

Continuing socialization is very important. This curbs your chihuahua from becoming over protective. 

Why chihuahuas shiver

Chihuahuas don’t tolerate the cold well and may shiver and shake to stay warm. If your Chihuahua is chilly, put on a small dog shirt or coat, and make sure you have a warm and cozy dog bed readily available. If it’s frightfully cold outside, you may need to keep your Chihuahua inside. Some Chihuahua owners use an indoor pee pad, so their tiny friends don’t have to brave the cold. 

These small dogs can also shiver when they’re anxious or excited. A dog coat won’t help this kind of shiver. 

Grooming

The two coat varieties of the Chihuahua have slightly different grooming needs. The smooth-coat Chihuahua will need only occasional brushing and regular baths to look dapper, while the longhaired variety should have his coat brushed at least once a week to avoid any tangles or mats. Both varieties should have their nails trimmed regularly. Good dental care is necessary and should include brushing your dog's teeth, and a yearly teeth cleaning by a licensed veterinarian. 

Check your Chihuahua's ears regularly, and remove any excess wax or debris to avoid ear infections.

Exercise

The Chihuahua loves to run and play and can usually get enough exercise in a very small space. Simply trotting around following their people is usually enough exercise for this happy breed. Short, slow walks will keep your dog in good weight and condition. Avoid overexerting the Chihuahua. If your dog is panting and working hard to keep up, it's time to pick it up and carry it home.

The Chihuahua is a very alert little dog of high intelligence. He is eager to please his humans and responds well to positive training practices. Chihuahuas seem well aware of how cute they are and learn how to get their way. From the very beginning you must enforce the fact that you are in charge. Never allow your Chihuahua puppy to do anything that will be unacceptable in an adult. They can have a bit of a 'terrier' temperament, so a firm but gentle hand is necessary when training. They can excel in obedience training and other canine sports.

Nutrition

Always feed your chihuahua top quality foods. 

Never give rawhide to any dog as it is not very digestible. 

Obesity is a growing problem among all dogs and something you should be mindful of with a petite pooch. It’s easy to overfeed small dogs, and they can put on weight rather quickly if they’re eating too much or not getting enough exercise. If you have a Chihuahua, be sure to talk with your veterinarian about proper nutrition and exercise.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can be a problem for small toy dogs, like Chihuahuas. Signs of hypoglycemia can include:

• Lethargy
• Sleepiness
• Lack of coordination
• Unfocused eyes
• Neck spasms
• Fainting
• Seizures

It can be useful to feed your Chihuahua small bits of food frequently throughout the day to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and avoid hypoglycemia. You may also want to carry a sugar supplement with you just in case hypoglycemia occurs. Sugar supplements are available at pet stores, or you can carry a small container of Karo syrup or honey. The supplement is typically rubbed on the gums and roof of the dog’s mouth to raise the body’s sugar level quickly.

Just be sure to talk with your veterinarian before starting any supplement plan.

Please keep in mind that Chihuahuas should never be adopted as "accessories."

Before adopting please consider all of the responsibilities that come with having a dog. If you’re thinking about bringing home a Chihuahua, make sure you’re ready to give them the love and care they need to live a long and healthy life.