The Chihuahua has deep roots in Mexican history going back centuries before being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Historical artifacts show a similar dog dating back to the 9th century, and there is also speculation that the dog was bred with a dog from China and is similar in features to a small fox.
Columbus wrote about this breed in a letter to the king of Spain in the 1500s, and the dog was claimed to have been seen and bred in various parts of the world. The Chihuahua’s Mexican origin is the most widely accepted, and it was brought into America in the mid-19th century.
Chihuahuas are small dogs who generally remain under 6 pounds. Coats may be short (smooth) or long and vary in 9 standard colors, such as black, tan and red, and many alternate colors of gold, silver, white and more.
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.
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.
They prefer to be with other Chihuahuas, but they do get along with other breeds and animals. Chihuahuas can be quite playful and enjoy interaction over being left home alone for long periods of time.
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 — 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.