Description:  The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with an apple shaped head and a short pointed muzzle.  It has round, large, very dark eyes, sometimes dark ruby or luminous in color. Chihuahuas can have a soft spot on their head called a "molera". It is like a baby’s fontanel or "soft spot" and is natural to the breed. Some Molera’s close, others stay open for the life of the Chihuahua. Care must be taken to avoid injury in that area.  The body is cobby (stout), longer than it is tall, and the tail is sickle shaped curled over the back or to the side  Besides the common short haired variety their is also a long haired type.  Colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, but any color is accepted,  including black & tan and party color.  The dog is more robust than he looks, with a level back, and legs coming down straight and square.

Temperament:  The Chihuahua is a good companion dog.  Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection's.  Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on.  Chihuahua's are strong willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy.  They like to lick their owners faces.  It is undeniably suspicious of people except for its owner.  When strangers are present, it follows its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible.  For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training.  This breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away.  the Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self defense.  It is not recommended for children.  He can be noisy and may require patience to housebreak.  Many owners simply paper train this breed. Be sure to socialize your Chihuahua as a pup to avoid excessive aggressiveness with other dogs as well as reserve with strangers.  They tend to be fairly dog aggressive.  Chihuahuas generally recognize their own breed, but sometimes disapprove of other breeds.  However, a "very" well socialized Chihuahua can be friendly with strangers and other dogs.  

Height:  6-9 inches

Weight: 2-8 pounds

Health Problems:  Because of his short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore.  His prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma.  Prone to colds, stress, and rheumatism.  Don't let him lick or eat toxic products, fertilizer or chocolate.  Feed lightly as it tends to gain weight.  Chihuahua puppies are born with large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled veterinarian.  They are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppy hood.  Some of the breed have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life.  This makes the dog prone to injury.

Living Conditions:  The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver.  It will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days.  They are good little dogs for apartment life.

Exercise:  Although it is tempting to carry these dainty dolls, they will keep fitter if taken for walks.  A body harness is safer than a collar.  Don't think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space.

Life Expectancy:  About 15 years.

Grooming:  The smooth, short haired coat should be gently brushed occasionally or simply wiped over with a damp cloth.  The long coat should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush.  Bathe both types about once a month, taking care not to get water in the ears.  Check the ears regularly and keep the nails trimmed.  This breed is an average shedder.

Origin:  This is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world.  Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have b been introduced by the Chinese.  It was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century.  The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers.  This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian Nations.  The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog.

Group:  AKC Toy

Recognition:  APR, CKC, AKC, UKC, NKC, ACA