Toy
6 lbs.
6–9 in.
14–20 years
Key Characteristics of Chihuahua Puppies
Key Characteristics
Chihuahua puppies are small dogs who generally remain under 6 pounds. Their coats may be short (smooth) or long and come in 9 standard colors, such as black, tan, and red, along with many alternate colors like gold, silver, white, and more.
Where They Came From
The Chihuahua has deep roots in Mexican history, dating back centuries before being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Here are some key historical points:
- Historical Artifacts: Similar dogs have been depicted in artifacts dating back to the 9th century.
- Breeding Speculations: There is speculation that the Chihuahua was bred with a dog from China, giving it features similar to a small fox.
- Columbus Connection: Christopher Columbus mentioned this breed in a letter to the king of Spain in the 1500s.
The most widely accepted origin of the Chihuahua is Mexican, and it was brought into America in the mid-19th century.
How Friendly Are They?
The Chihuahua Club of America describes the dog as alert, confident, and self-reliant. They are also highly intelligent and work well with families that are patient and attentive. They can be trained and require firm yet positive reinforcement to build their confidence.
- Prefer to be with other Chihuahuas but get along with other breeds and animals.
- Quite playful and enjoy interaction over being left home alone for long periods of time.
Are Chihuahua Puppies the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
LOW: Chihuahuas require little exercise. They are great dogs for small living quarters or large cities, but they are vulnerable in colder temperatures. Make sure they are kept warm, and never leave small dogs unattended; they are easily lost and even a single bite from a larger dog can kill a Chihuahua.
- Children can unintentionally drop or harm small animals, so supervise children around your Chihuahua.
- Never leave a toy dog on a raised or high surface; they can be easily injured jumping down from high places.
- Avoid letting your dog sleep in the bed with you to prevent the risk of rolling over and causing serious injury or death.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Regular brushing, bathing when needed, and keeping the nails trimmed are essential tasks. Untrimmed nails and dewclaws can cause pain, injury, splayed legs, and uncomfortable walking.
- When bathing, ensure no water gets into your dog’s nose or mouth, as the inhalation of water can lead to respiratory problems.
- Good dental health is also important, so be sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: Chihuahuas have high metabolisms and require quality food to stay healthy. Some common health concerns with the breed include:
- Syringomyelia: Occurs when fluid builds in the spinal cord and can be deadly. Signs include scratching in the air by the neck and a lack of balance and/or loss of mobility. Read more.
- Canine brucellosis: An infectious disease that can spread through breeding and also affect humans. A blood test can determine if your pet is infected. Some health departments require infected dogs to be euthanized because of the threat to humans.
- Epilepsy: A common problem that may be genetic or brought on by other factors, such as hormonal imbalances, injury, fatigue, and other stressors.
- Luxating patella: Describes an ailment where the kneecap slips out of place. There are different degrees of the ailment that your veterinarian can assess to determine if your pet needs surgery to correct it. Read more.
Looks like this Chihuahua is not on friendly terms with water:
Where to Adopt One
A Chihuahua could be waiting for a home in a shelter or rescue, so check adoption resources first if you are interested in this breed.
If purchasing a dog, be sure to avoid any seller, broker, or store who exhibits signs of operating a puppy mill or will not disclose the dog’s origin, parents, or medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many puppies can a Chihuahua have?
A Chihuahua can have a litter of 1 to 4 puppies on average.
How much are Chihuahua puppies?
Chihuahua puppies typically cost between $500 to $1,500, depending on the breeder and pedigree.
When do Chihuahua puppies open their eyes?
Chihuahua puppies usually open their eyes at around 10 to 14 days old.
