Two kilos of dog, and in those two kilos sits the self-confidence of a Rottweiler. The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world and at the same time one of the most misunderstood. He is carried in bags, put into jumpers, picked up as soon as another dog appears. And then everyone wonders why he yaps, trembles and snaps. If you treat the Chihuahua as a dog, you get a surprisingly brave, clever, devoted companion. If you treat him as a toy, you get a bundle of nerves.
Breed profile
- Origin: Mexico, named after the state of Chihuahua
- Height: 15 to 23 cm
- Weight: 1.5 to 3 kg (anything under 1.5 kg is extreme breeding, not rarity)
- Life expectancy: 14 to 18 years, often longer
- Coat: short or long, in all colours
- Temperament: self-confident, watchful, closely bonded to his person, intelligent
Temperament: a big dog in a small body
A Chihuahua does not know that he is small. He alerts you to strangers, defends his sofa and stands up to bigger dogs if he thinks it necessary. That is not aggression, but the self-image of a dog who has been kept as a full-fledged dog for centuries. He is quick-witted, learns tricks in minutes and has a keen sense of who takes him seriously.
His bond is absolute. A Chihuahua chooses one person and stays with them for life. He lies on your lap, in your bed, on your neck. If you do not want that, choose a different breed. If you do, you have a dog who is really there for you.
What two kilos of dog really mean
1. The yapping is home-made
Chihuahuas do not yap more than other dogs, but they are trained less often. Because he is so small, owners let him get away with things they would never allow a Labrador: barking at the door, growling when picked up, snapping at visitors. A Chihuahua needs the same training as a big dog: dog school, clear rules, frustration tolerance. If you do that, you have a quiet, self-assured dog.
2. The teeth
The small jaw has room for 42 teeth like any dog, and they sit correspondingly close together. Tartar, gum inflammation and early tooth loss are the rule with Chihuahuas, not the exception. Brushing teeth from puppyhood, two to three times a week, is not a luxury. Add to that milk teeth that often do not fall out and have to be pulled.
3. Head, knees, heart
Many Chihuahuas have an open fontanelle, a soft spot on the skull that never fully closes. The dog must not be hit there. Add patellar luxation (a kneecap that slips out, grade 1 to 4, reputable breeders have it checked), heart valve problems in old age and low blood sugar in puppies. The extremely round apple head with bulging eyes is extreme-breeding territory. A healthy Chihuahua has a recognisable muzzle.
4. He really does get cold
The coat in winter is not a fashion statement. Below 5 degrees a short-haired Chihuahua needs protection on longer walks. But: he needs the walks. A Chihuahua who only goes on the puppy pad in winter unlearns house training and the world.
5. He is fragile, but not a cotton ball
A fall from the sofa can break a leg. A kick in the kitchen too. Toddlers and Chihuahuas are a difficult combination, because children want to carry him and he hates that. At the same time he needs everyday life: town, train, other dogs, rain. A Chihuahua who experiences everything from the arm becomes anxious.
Daily life with a Chihuahua
- Training like a big dog. Puppy school, lead training, practising staying alone.
- Ground instead of arm. He may walk, sniff, meet dogs. Pick him up only when it really gets dangerous.
- Dental care from the start, annual check-up.
- Small meals, two to three a day, because of low blood sugar.
- A second Chihuahua? Often a good idea. They are pack animals in miniature and calm each other down.
Who is the Chihuahua right for?
For people in the city with little space, but plenty of time. For seniors who want a dog that does not physically overpower them. For people looking for a real companion who can go everywhere. Not for families with toddlers, not for people who want a dog that is not supposed to stand out.
The fact that the smallest dog in the world so often ends up with the wrong people is usually because the decision is made by size and not by character. In „Welcher Hund passt WIRKLICH zu dir?“ (Which Dog Is REALLY Right for You?) we approach the question from the other side: what can you put up with, what can the dog put up with.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a Chihuahua be left alone? With training, four to five hours. He bonds so closely that separation anxiety is common. Practise early.
What does a Chihuahua cost? From a reputable breeder 1,200 to 2,000 euros. Teacup offers for 3,000 euros and more are extreme breeding.
Short-haired or long-haired? Same temperament. Long-haired feels the cold less, but has to be brushed.
The Chihuahua in front of the camera
The huge ears and the big eyes make the Chihuahua the perfect subject for the 3D Cartoon style. Photograph him at eye level, that is, lying on the ground, otherwise he turns into a head with legs in the picture. A treat behind the phone, and the ears stand up.
Two kilos of dog, sixty centimetres of picture: this jump in size is half the joke with the Chihuahua. On acrylic glass the big eyes glow, as a framed poster he fits in among the family photos by the stairs. You will find the formats with the dog portraits.
Read more
- Why you must not shave a Pomeranian: the other little one who thinks he is big
- Havanese: beginner-friendly does not mean undemanding: small, but with a clearly different daily routine
- 150 dog name ideas: for everyone still stuck on the name
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