Dog Breeds
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua loving and affectionate breed, known for having a big dog's personality.
Dog Breeds
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua loving and affectionate breed, known for having a big dog's personality.
Dog Breeds
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua loving and affectionate breed, known for having a big dog's personality.
Dog Breeds
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua loving and affectionate breed, known for having a big dog's personality.
Other Names
Chihuahueño (Spanish), Chi,
Other Names
Chihuahueño (Spanish), Chi,
Other Names
Chihuahueño (Spanish), Chi,
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, CKC
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, CKC
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, CKC
Country of Origin
Mexico
Country of Origin
Mexico
Country of Origin
Mexico
Popularity in the UAE
Moderately popular
Popularity in the UAE
Moderately popular
Popularity in the UAE
Moderately popular
Primary Use
Companion dog, watchdog, show dog
Primary Use
Companion dog, watchdog, show dog
Primary Use
Companion dog, watchdog, show dog
Chihuahua
Chihuahua
Chihuahua
Breed History
The Chihuahua have a long history starting from the Toltec Civilization. The people bred these dogs and highly valued them as companions. The Techichi were often depicted in ancient artifacts, while some were even buried alongside their owners.
When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they adopted the Techichi and refined the breed further. However, after the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 1500s, the breed nearly disappeared.
In the mid-1800s, small dogs striking a similar resemblance to the Techichi were discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico. This is where these dogs got their famous name. American visitors in the area were charmed by these tiny dogs, so much so that they brought the breed back to the United States, where they gained tremendous popularity.
Today, the Chihuahua is one of the most famous dog breeds in the world. It is widely known for its bold personality and strikingly adorable appearance.
The Chihuahua have a long history starting from the Toltec Civilization. The people bred these dogs and highly valued them as companions. The Techichi were often depicted in ancient artifacts, while some were even buried alongside their owners.
When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they adopted the Techichi and refined the breed further. However, after the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 1500s, the breed nearly disappeared.
In the mid-1800s, small dogs striking a similar resemblance to the Techichi were discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico. This is where these dogs got their famous name. American visitors in the area were charmed by these tiny dogs, so much so that they brought the breed back to the United States, where they gained tremendous popularity.
Today, the Chihuahua is one of the most famous dog breeds in the world. It is widely known for its bold personality and strikingly adorable appearance.
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Mast Cell Tumors
MCTs look like small, raised bumps on the skin, which may grow over time. (Nardi et al., 2022)
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer affecting lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. Dogs with lymphomas can have swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, weight loss, or lethargy. (Sánchez et al., 2020)
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Neurology
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Reproduction
Reproduction
Temperament and Common Traits
Personality
Chihuahuas are alert, confident, and deeply loyal, often forming strong attachments to owners. They can be feisty and bold, sometimes unaware of their small size, leading them to challenge much larger dogs.
Chihuahuas are alert, confident, and deeply loyal, often forming strong attachments to owners. They can be feisty and bold, sometimes unaware of their small size, leading them to challenge much larger dogs.
Distinct Habits
This breed is naturally vocal and tends to bark at strangers or unusual sounds, making them great little watchdogs. Some Chihuahuas love to burrow under blankets.
This breed is naturally vocal and tends to bark at strangers or unusual sounds, making them great little watchdogs. Some Chihuahuas love to burrow under blankets.
Suitability for Work
While primarily companion dogs, Chihuahuas can also excel as emotional support animals. Their alert nature also makes them great alarm dogs.
While primarily companion dogs, Chihuahuas can also excel as emotional support animals. Their alert nature also makes them great alarm dogs.
Lifespan
The average life of a Chihuahua is 14 to 16 years.
Some healthy Chihuahuas live as short as 12 years, while others are known to live up to 20 years. The oldest was able to live up to 23 years.
Some healthy Chihuahuas live as short as 12 years, while others are known to live up to 20 years. The oldest was able to live up to 23 years.
Training and Care
Trainability
Chihuahuas are moderately easy to train but can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and short training sessions work best.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Chihuahuas are moderately easy to train but can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and short training sessions work best.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Chihuahuas are moderately easy to train but can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and short training sessions work best.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Chihuahuas are not built for extreme heat, as their small bodies can overheat quickly. They are also prone to dehydration, so keeping them cool is essential.
Precautions
It’s best to walk them in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Always provide fresh water, use cooling mats, and avoid hot pavement to prevent burns on their paws.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Chihuahuas are not built for extreme heat, as their small bodies can overheat quickly. They are also prone to dehydration, so keeping them cool is essential.
Precautions
It’s best to walk them in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Always provide fresh water, use cooling mats, and avoid hot pavement to prevent burns on their paws.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Chihuahuas are not built for extreme heat, as their small bodies can overheat quickly. They are also prone to dehydration, so keeping them cool is essential.
Precautions
It’s best to walk them in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Always provide fresh water, use cooling mats, and avoid hot pavement to prevent burns on their paws.
Diet & Nutrition
Dietary Needs
A balanced meal rich in high-quality protein, beneficial fats, and essential vitamins is ideal for maintaining muscle strength and energy levels. These can include chicken, beef, fruits, and vegetables.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
A balanced meal rich in high-quality protein, beneficial fats, and essential vitamins is ideal for maintaining muscle strength and energy levels. These can include chicken, beef, fruits, and vegetables.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
A balanced meal rich in high-quality protein, beneficial fats, and essential vitamins is ideal for maintaining muscle strength and energy levels. These can include chicken, beef, fruits, and vegetables.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Suitability as a Pet
Ideal Owners
Chihuahuas do well with singles, couples, seniors, and small families who can provide consistent care and attention.
Chihuahuas do well with singles, couples, seniors, and small families who can provide consistent care and attention.
They can be good with older children who know how to handle small dogs gently. However, they can be snappy around rough or overly playful toddlers. They usually get along with other small dogs, but they can also get snappy.
They can be good with older children who know how to handle small dogs gently. However, they can be snappy around rough or overly playful toddlers. They usually get along with other small dogs, but they can also get snappy.
Compatibility with Children & Pets
First-Time Owner Friendly
Yes, but with patience. Chihuahuas need owners who have patience when it comes to dealing with their stubborn nature.
Yes, but with patience. Chihuahuas need owners who have patience when it comes to dealing with their stubborn nature.
Physical Characteristics
Head
Typically apple-shaped or deer-shaped, with a short muzzle and a slightly domed skull.
Typically apple-shaped or deer-shaped, with a short muzzle and a slightly domed skull.
Eyes
Their eyes are large, round, and expressive. These are often in dark brown or black.
Their eyes are large, round, and expressive. These are often in dark brown or black.
Ears
The ears are large and erect, giving them their alert expression. They may droop slightly when relaxed.
The ears are large and erect, giving them their alert expression. They may droop slightly when relaxed.
Body
A Chihuahua's body is compact with a level topline.
A Chihuahua's body is compact with a level topline.
Limbs
They have small and sturdy legs with well-defined muscles.
They have small and sturdy legs with well-defined muscles.
Tail
The tail is medium in length and curves over the back or to the side, often covered with a plume of fur in long-haired Chihuahuas.
The tail is medium in length and curves over the back or to the side, often covered with a plume of fur in long-haired Chihuahuas.
Coat
Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have short and sleek fur. Long-haired Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have more volume.
Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have short and sleek fur. Long-haired Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have more volume.
Size
Both male and female Chihuahuas have a height of 15-23 cm (6-9 inches).
Both male and female Chihuahuas have a height of 15-23 cm (6-9 inches).
Weight
Both male and female Chihuahuas weigh up to 2.7 kg (6 lb).
Both male and female Chihuahuas weigh up to 2.7 kg (6 lb).
American Pit Bull Terrier
The pit bull is an outgoing and overly affectionate breed, perfect for owners who want a loyal companion.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a friendly, intelligent, and affectionate hybrid breed that makes an excellent companion.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua loving and affectionate breed, known for having a big dog's personality.
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA