Chihuahuas 101

Toy group

A fast-food chain’s ad campaign in the ‘90s featuring a talking Chihuahua may have done more to promote this spunky breed than it did to sell tacos. Fortunately, the devotion, portability and intelligence of these little charmers has meant a large and loyal fan base that endures to this day.

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These little dogs, who can have short or long coats, are convinced they are big dogs and may get themselves into trouble as a result. Most families will find them to be easy-care dogs who are bright and opinionated. Most Chihuahuas want nothing more than to be with their people all the time.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
5 to 8 inches tall
Group Size Toy

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Mature adult Chihuahua

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Seizures

Senior Chihuahua

9+ years

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Collapsed trachea

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Valvular heart disease

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Kidney failure

Chihuahua puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Allergic reaction

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Gastritis

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Toxicity

Young adult Chihuahua

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Toxicity

Mature adult Chihuahua

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

risk-level-bar

Seizures

Senior Chihuahua

9+ years

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Collapsed trachea

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Valvular heart disease

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Kidney failure

Chihuahua puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Allergic reaction

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Gastritis

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Toxicity

Young adult Chihuahua

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Toxicity

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One famous Chihuahua is "Gidget," the Taco Bell mascot. Her charistmatic presence and catchphrase "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" (Spanish for "I want Taco Bell!"), made her an icon and boosted the breed’s popularity in the 1990s. Although Gidget passed away in 2009, her legacy as a famous Chihuahua lives on.

Chihuahua coat care and colors

The Chihuahua comes in two coat types, smooth and long-haired, and a dozen recognized colors and patterns and at least that many others. The short-coated version is a bit more common and needs little in the way of grooming. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath will keep fur sleek and shiny. Long-haired Chihuahuas are also pretty easy to care for, although brushing and combing should be more frequent to prevent matting. Many small dogs get fussy about nail trims, and the Chihuahua is no exception. To avoid unhappiness, Chihuahuas do best when acclimated as puppies to having their feet handled and nails trimmed. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.

Chihuahua exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

Lots of activity suits this big dog in a little body. Regular walks along with indoor games and play will keep the Chihuahua fit, trim and happy. Teach some tricks for showing off.

Class clown

Trainability

Chihuahuas are devoted to their families, but they may have their own ideas on what they want to do. Encourage good behavior with praise and tiny treats.

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Chihuahua fun facts

Top girl names for Chihuahuas

Top boy names for Chihuahuas

Nationwide loves Chihuahuas of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Chihuahuas

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