On average, Chihuahuas live to be 12 to 20 years old. Of course, their lifespan can be influenced by factors like genetics, diet, exercise, and overall care. So, if you’re aiming for the long haul with your Chihuahua, provide them with the right blend of love, proper nutrition, and regular check-ups.

Chihuahuas weren’t bred with a singular job in mind like some of their working-class canine counterparts. Instead, they found their place as loyal companions to people. Chihuahuas may be descendants of the Techichi, a small dog that was used in religious ceremonies and as a source of food.

Chihuahuas stop growing around the age of eight months. At that point, they tend to reach their adult height and weight. They might still continue to develop in subtle ways until they’re about a year old.

The Chihuahua is not a hypoallergenic dog breed. Chihuahuas might be small in size, but their impact on allergies can vary from person to person. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic (meaning they won’t trigger any allergies at all), some individuals with allergies might find a Chihuahua more manageable for their allergies due to their small size and short coats.

There are two recognized types of Chihuahua: the smooth-coated Chihuahua and the long-coated Chihuahua. Chihuahuas of both types can have coats that are a range of colors and patterns, making each Chihuahua incredibly unique. Common types of Chihuahuas include:

• Short-haired Chihuahua

• Long-haired Chihuahua

• Apple-head Chihuahua

• Deer-head Chihuahua

• Pear-head Chihuahua

• Teacup Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican State of Chihuahua, where they originate. The breed was first mentioned in the 19th century by conquistadors. Though the breed has likely been around for centuries, some dog historians have theorized that the modern Chihuahua is a result of crossbreeding small, hairless dogs (Xoloitzcuintli) from the Toltec Mexican tribe and the Aztec “Techichi” breed. Others hypothesize that early versions of this breed came to the Americas with the Spanish in the 16th century or even earlier from China.

Yes, Chihuahuas can be good with kids. Chihuahuas are devoted, friendly dogs who make good pets for kids if they are socialized, trained, and treated with respect.

These tiny dogs have huge personalities but they are also more fragile than their confidence might have you believe. Families with infants, toddlers, and young children might have difficulty introducing a Chihuahua to their household because little kids do not always understand how to handle animals properly. For this reason, they tend to make better pets for families with older children who can be taught to be very gentle with them.

As with any breed, your child should always be supervised when interacting with your Chihuahua to keep both the child and dog safe.

Yes, Chihuahuas can be good family dogs. These lap-dogs have loyal personalities and adaptable natures, making them loving additions to the right family. They also don’t require much exercise, and are therefore suitable pets for small apartments and urban living.

Chihuahuas are not generally aggressive, but a variety of factors, including lack of socialization with people and other animals, fear and anxiety, territorial instincts, and spoiled behavior, can lead them to behave aggressively or reactively. It’s important when adopting a new dog to ensure they get early socialization and training to avoid behavioral issues, including aggression.

Yes, Chihuahuas can be easy to train, especially when trained at an early age. They’re clever learners and respond well to positive reinforcement, but their independent streak and selective listening can pose challenges.

Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment. Socialization, consistency, patience, and short training sessions are key to success.

Yes, most Chihuahuas tend to bark a lot. Some Chihuahuas are territorial, so they tend to bark at loud noises and intruders, but not every Chihuahua is a constant barker, and their individual personalities play a role. With a little training and understanding, you can strike a balance that keeps you and your vocal friend happy.

Chihuahuas make great pets for first-time dog parents if you are committed to training, socializing, and providing them with proper care. Here are a few reasons why Chihuahuas make great pets:

• They are the ultimate lap-dogs.

• They have big personalities and are never a bore.

• They have low space requirements, making them suitable for apartments.

• They are known for forming strong bonds with their pet parents.

• They make fantastic travel buddies.

• They have a good balance of low to moderate energy levels.

• They are eager to learn new tricks and commands.

Yes, Chihuahuas can become service dogs. Because service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with disabilities, the tasks a Chihuahua can perform might be limited due to their small size. However, tasks such as alerting to medical conditions such as seizures could be suitable for Chihuahuas. 

Yes, Chihuahuas often really like to cuddle. Many love nothing more than snuggling up with their human companions, whether it’s on the couch, under the blankets, or right in your lap. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions for those who enjoy close interactions with their pets.

Chihuahuas can get along with other dogs if they’ve been properly socialized, matched with compatible playmates, and given positive experiences. Early socialization with other dogs is crucial. It’s important that they have gentle and well-mannered companions, given their small size and fragility.

Chihuahuas get along with cats when well-socialized and introduced properly at a young age and in a controlled environment. Individual personalities of both the cat and dog play a significant role, however. Reading your pets’ body language will go a long way to ensuring positive interactions that help them form long-lasting friendships.

Yes, Chihuahuas need grooming. Grooming isn’t just about maintaining appearances but is a vital aspect of dogs’ overall well-being — brushing, bathing, and teeth cleaning are all part of regular grooming care.

Like other small breeds, Chihuahuas’ small jaws make for weaker teeth, and regular teeth cleaning is essential for Chihuahuas. Their coats don’t need much grooming — even long-haired varieties just need the occasional brushing.

Heart disease is the most common cause of death for aging Chihuahuas, followed by lower respiratory tract disorder and traumatic injury. Regular vet check-ups, dental care, and a healthy lifestyle can help manage these risks and ensure their well-being.

Despite their diminutive size, Chihuahuas are fairly sturdy and subject to relatively few major health problems — certainly fewer than may afflict other dog breeds.

Chihuahuas shake because they have a natural tendency to tremble. Chihuahuas are a small breed with a high metabolism, which can lead to shivering or trembling. Other reasons, such as temperature sensitivity, nervousness, excitement, and underlying health issues, could cause a Chihuahua to shake.

Chihuahuas can eat a balanced diet of high-quality dog food, including protein sources like chicken, beef, and fish, along with vegetables and grains. Because of their small size, they do better with smaller pieces of food because they are easier to chew. Avoid foods toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. Consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.

Chihuahuas are prone to a few diseases and health conditions, including:

1. Eye problems: The Chihuahua’s large, protruding eyes make them prone to eye injuries, including scratched corneas, proptosis, displacement of the eyeball out of the socket, corneal ulcers, and dry eye.

2. Legg-Calve-Perthes: This condition causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate, which, over time, leads to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Chihuahua suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

3. Patellar Luxation: Also known as “slipped kneecaps,” patellar luxation occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This common problem in many dog breeds can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

4. Portosystemic Shunt: Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a hereditary issue that obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Signs can include but are not limited to behavioral changes, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. PSS can be life-threatening if not treated early. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem.

5. Open Fontanel: Much like human babies, Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on the top of their heads. In most puppies, the soft spot will close as they mature, but sometimes the skull does not form properly, and the spot does not close fully. This leaves a vulnerable spot on the dog’s head into adulthood. Chihuahuas with open fontanel can lead normal lives, but extra care should be taken as an accidental blow to that spot could result in death.

6. Pulmonic Stenosis: Pulmonic stenosis is a heart defect that occurs when a malformation of the pulmonic valve (the structure that connects the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle) prevents blood from flowing properly through the heart. The poor blood flow may create an obstruction and make the heart work harder, which often causes the heart to become enlarged and leads to heart failure.

Other health problems Chihuahuas may experience include:

• Hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat. 

• Tracheal collapse, where the trachea (or windpipe) flattens and makes it difficult for air to enter the lungs properly. 

• Hypoglycemia, a treatable but potentially fatal disease that causes low blood sugar.

• Mitral valve disease, a condition where the valve directing blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle begins to fail and eventually leads to heart failure

• Periodontal disease.

• Epilepsy, a neurological disease that Chihuahuas are at high risk of because of their domed skulls.

Special attention should be paid to cleaning their teeth, ears, and eyes to avoid some of these issues.