Chihuahua breed history ♜

The Chihuahua originated in Mexico and is named after the state of Chihuahua, a vast region bordering Texas.

Despite coming from one of the largest states in Mexico, the Chihuahua became the smallest recognised dog breed in the world.

Most historians believe Chihuahuas descended from the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by ancient Mesoamerican civilisations including the Toltecs and Aztecs. Archaeological evidence suggests Chihuahua-like dogs existed thousands of years before European colonisation.

The breed gained popularity in the United States during the late 1800s, when tiny dogs were commonly sold to tourists along the Mexico-US border. In 1904, the Chihuahua was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club.

According to Aztec legend, these little dogs guided souls through the afterlife. Some historians believe the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II kept hundreds of them within his palace grounds.

Today, Chihuahuas are one of the most recognisable dog breeds on the planet. From handbags to Hollywood, this tiny dog has somehow achieved cultural main-character status!

Chihuahua temperament & personality ★

This breed carries around a reputation for being “yappy and snappy.”

What this usually translates to, however, is behaviour rooted in anxiety, insecurity, or overprotectiveness. Chihuahuas are actually a loyal, lively, and affectionate companion suited for a variety of households.

Sure, they’ll always have a quirky personality, but this is a dog with plenty of love and humour to share.

Are Chihuahuas aggressive?

Chihuahuas are not naturally aggressive dogs, but they can become reactive when frightened, overstimulated, or poorly socialised. Because they’re so small, many Chihuahuas learn to act “big” as a form of self-defence.

To a Chihuahua, the world can feel enormous! Humans tower over them, larger dogs can seem intimidating, loud noises feel overwhelming, and sudden movements can feel threatening.

With proper training and confidence-building, Chihuahuas are typically:

• affectionate
• playful
• loyal
• entertainingly dramatic
• deeply attached to their favourite humans

They often form strong bonds with one or two people and love being involved in absolutely everything you’re doing. Folding laundry? Your Chihuahua will be supervisor. Making coffee? They’ll act as quality control officer.

Why do Chihuahuas bark so much?

Chihuahuas are highly alert dogs with strong watchdog instincts. Many bark because they notice changes in their environment quickly and want to sound the alarm.

Common barking triggers include:

• strangers approaching the house
• unfamiliar noises
• larger dogs
• excitement
• separation anxiety

Training, routine, socialisation, and regular exercise can help reduce excessive barking.

Are Chihuahuas good family dogs?

Chihuahuas can make wonderful companion dogs in the right home. They tend to thrive in calm households where people respect their size and boundaries.

Because they’re delicate, they may not always suit homes with very young children who could accidentally injure them during rough play.

Overall, though, a happy Chihuahua is a pleasure to have around. They’re energetic, bright-eyed, and playful. And they’ll keep you and your family laughing with their amusing antics. Whether it’s being the centre of attention at your next BBQ or curling up with you while you enjoy your morning coffee, a Chihuahua will never falter in their role as loveable sidekick.

Are Chihuahuas easy to train? 

Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn, independent, and easily distracted. Training requires consistency, patience, and a good sense of humour.

One common mistake pet parents make is treating Chihuahuas differently because they’re tiny. Bad habits often get overlooked simply because the dog is small enough to pick up and relocate like a furry paperweight.

Without proper boundaries, some Chihuahuas develop behaviours associated with “Small Dog Syndrome“, including:

• excessive barking
• possessiveness
• separation anxiety
• reactivity toward people or dogs

The good news? Chihuahuas respond extremely well to positive reinforcement training.

Living conditions & exercise needs ⌂ ​

Are Chihuahuas good apartment dogs?

Yes. Chihuahuas are generally excellent apartment dogs thanks to their small size and adaptability. However, they can be vocal, so training and mental stimulation are important in shared living spaces.

Helpful apartment-friendly features include:

• ramps near furniture
• puppy gates
• soft bedding
• warm sleeping areas
• quiet retreat spaces

How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?

Despite their size, Chihuahuas are energetic little dogs that still need daily exercise. Most benefit from two to three short walks per day, intertwined with indoor play sessions, enrichment games, and short training sessions.

Because they’re sensitive to temperature extremes, shorter walks are usually better than long outings in hot or cold weather.

Learn more about Chihuahua living accommodations by reading our article, Five Considerations when Caring for Small Dogs.

Chihuahua grooming ✄

There are two different coat types for the Chihuahua – smooth and long. Both coat types are very easy to keep clean and release an average amount of shedding.

For the smooth-coated Chihuahua: Simply brush with a soft-bristled brush about once per week.

For the longer-haired variety: Keep a comb or pin brush handy for brushing about twice or three times per week.

In terms of bathing, a Chihuahua doesn’t generally need a bath more than once per month or every six weeks. In the interim, it’s a good idea to keep some doggie wipes on hand to keep your pup’s face and ears clean.

As with all doggos, regular teeth brushing is a must. Periodontal disease is fairly common in this breed, so don’t skip this important grooming practice!

Common Chihuahua health problems +

Like many purebred dogs, Chihuahuas can be prone to certain health conditions. Common Chihuahua health concerns include:

• dental disease
• luxating patella
• hypoglycaemia
• heart disease
• tracheal collapse

Because of the risk of tracheal collapse, Chihuahuas should wear a properly fitted harness rather than having a leash attached directly to their collar.

In many cases, though, the greatest health risk to a Chihuahua is accidental injury. Their tiny size makes them vulnerable to falls, rough handling, and larger animals. So, make sure that everyone in the family (especially small children) know how to handle this little dog properly.

Fun fact about Chihuahua dog breed ♥ 

Did you know that they have the biggest brain in the canine world? Well, we should say Chihuahuas have the largest relative brain in the canine world. That means that in comparison to their body mass, Chihuahuas have the largest brain of the bunch.

Not so surprising when you see those adorable apple-shaped heads of theirs!

However, scientists still don’t fully understand how intelligence works across species. Bigger brains don’t automatically equal smarter dogs.

According to an article in Scientific American, if you want to predict intelligence in any animal, you can’t rely solely on brain size or relative brain size. In fact, we’re not really sure what makes one dog (or one species) smarter than the next.

Still, try explaining that to a Chihuahua. They already seem convinced they run the household.

You might say Chihuahuas are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in the world.

Behind the barking stereotypes is a clever, affectionate, fiercely loyal companion with thousands of years of history packed into a remarkably tiny frame.

With proper training, socialisation, and a safe environment, Chihuahuas thrive as loving family pets. They’re adaptable, entertaining, portable little shadows that want nothing more than to stay close to their favourite humans.

And while they may be small enough to fit under your arm, most Chihuahuas are absolutely certain they’re at least wolf-sized emotionally.

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