There is much speculation as to where the Chihuahua originated from - whether Europe, Malta, Spain, or China. However, historians agree and have proven the breed was developed from the "TeChiChi," a little dog held sacred by the Aztecs of Mexico. After hundreds of years of evolution, the Chihuahua was first introduced to the United States in the 1880's and later registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904. The breed continues to grow in popularity today.

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world. According to the American Kennel Club, they are, "a graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament." Typically, AKC bred Chihuahuas weigh 2-6lbs (however "rescue" Chihuahuas can weigh 5-10lbs). The breed has an apple shaped head, with or without a molera (a soft spot on the top of their head). This spot may or may not close up after puppyhood and extra caution should be taken for those with an open molera.

The Chihuahua is an emotionally intuitive dog with varying degrees of temperament. Known for the tremendous amount of courage for its size, the Chihuahua is protective by nature and can be aggressive towards other animals and people without proper socialization. When socialized and trained correctly, the breed is affectionate, fun loving, intelligent, and makes for a good companion. The most important thing to remember is to choose the Chihuahua that best suits your own personality.

Size & Markings

You may have heard of the Deer Chihuahua, Teacup Chihuahua, Miniature Chihuahua, Pocket Chihuahua, or Standard Chihuahua. Some breeders use these made-up "marketing terms" to describe the different shapes and sizes of Chihuahuas, however, there are no official classifications for the breed based on their shape or size.

Chica, a Long Coat Chihuahua

The only classification for the Chihuahua is Smooth Coat vs. Long Coat. Either coat can have several color variations. The most common are: Black, Black & Tan, Blue & Tan, Chocolate, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, and Red.

There can also be different patterns or markings, such as: Brindle, Sable, or Merle Coats. As you can see, the Chihuahua comes with virtually any color, marking, or pattern!

When you adopt or "rescue" a Chihuahua you are helping prevent pet overpopulation by refusing to buy from a breeder, pet store, or puppy mill. Many rescue agencies provide foster care to the Chihuahuas prior to adoption which aids in the matchmaking process between adopter and pet. This is to ensure the Chihuahua goes to a loving, permanent home that is suited to his/her needs.

Most rescue agencies require an adoption application be submitted prior to adoption and there is a screening process in place to examine your lifestyle and make recommendations based on which Chihuahua they feel is right for you.

You will be required to pay an adoption fee and sign an adoption contract adhering to the rescue agency's policies. The adoption fee is used to cover the agency's expenses for vetting the Chihuahua, and to cover any additional costs associated with rescue efforts. A reputable agency will also make a lifetime commitment to the Chihuahua and the adopter, addressing any future questions that arise.

Rescue Chihuahuas are screened for health and/or temperament problems, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and heartworm tested as part of the adoption fee.

Although we strongly encourage raising children around animals, Chihuahuas are not the best choice for a family pet. Chihuahuas are incredibly fragile because of their size, many times resulting in accidental injuries and even death. Being a Chihuahua guardian means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on in the household and around your tiny dog. In a household with children, especially small children, this proves difficult for any family.

Because Chihuahuas can be nervous by nature, and tend to bond to one person in the household, families with small children are not well suited for the Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are intolerant to hectic lifestyles, strange people and places, rough handling, and constant, loud noises. Families with children who adopt Chihuahuas frequently complain of behavioral problems such as: biting, fearfulness, anti-social behavior, housebreaking issues, extreme protectiveness over one family member, escape, and running away.

Chihuahuas and children do not mix well. If you are thinking of adopting a pet, the best choice is to adopt an adult cat in need. Cats require the least amount care in regards to effort and time when compared to other types of pets. Most adult cats have mature, steady temperaments, and blend well with families of varying lifestyles. Visit www.furkids.org to adopt a cat in Atlanta.

Chihuahua Friends

Chihuahuas are friendly with most animals; however, they prefer the company of other Chihuahuas. Never the less, many Chihuahuas keep the company of cats, other breeds of dogs, and even birds without reservation. Because of their terrier like qualities, they enjoy a good game of chase or fetch. They also enjoy "wrestling" with other animals their own size. They will play with stuffed toys, squeaker toys, and other various toys when given plenty to choose from. Overall, they make a friendly, loyal, playful, and intelligent companion to other animals.

Chihuahuas are at risk for various health problems:

• Dental Disease
• Patella luxation (slipping kneecaps)
• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
• Heart Murmur / Heart Valve Disease (degenerative thickening and progressive deformity of one or more heart valves - the mitral valve)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Collapsing trachea (cartilage collapses)
• Molera (open fontanel)
• Color mutant alopecia ("blue" is not a natural color in dogs, rather a "mutant" or "diluted" color- unfortunately, there are some skin and thyroid problems related to the blue (actually gray) color
• Anesthesia senitivity (make sure your vet uses Sevofluorane or Isofluorane. both are inhalant anesthesia)
• Vaccine reactions

Chihuahuas should be fed primarily dry food because of their pre-disposition to dental disease. Chihuahuas love to play with their food and the dry kibble usually satisfies this desire. Any high-quality, all-natural, even organic brand dog food is recommended to potentially extend the life span for your Chihuahua. Most Chihuahuas prefer "small bites" and keep in mind you will need to adjust the formula based on puppy, adult, or senior.

Treats should be given based on quality and size. Only give treats your Chihuahua can chew in one or two bites. Always supervise your Chihuahua with longer lasting treats like rawhides, greenies, etc.

Once a year, you should schedule your Chihuahua for a comprehensive physical exam with a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations are commonly recommended by veterinarians to prevent canine diseases such as Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis (optional), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza along with Adenovirus and Bordetella. Vaccination protocols vary and are in accordance with State law and veterinary practice.

Once a month, give your Chihuahua flea prevention and heartworm prevention. Fleas can cause flea anemia, skin allergies, and tapeworms. Mosquitos transmit heartworms which can cause severe heart and lung issues if left untreated. The best cure is prevention! Note: A heartworm test is indicated if your Chihuahua has missed taking the prevention medication for more than three months. Otherwise, this test can be performed once every two years.

For senior Chihuahuas, blood work should be drawn yearly to detect any early signs of disease that can be prevented. The most important thing to consider when caring for your Chihuahua is to prevent health problems before they occur. Educate yourself, and build a relationship with a veterinarian who understands the health and nutrition needs of the breed.

Chihuahua (average lifespan): 12-15 years. Depending on the quality of care received, and the absence of any genetic health problems, some Chihuahuas will live into their late teens or early 20s.