Chihuahua The Smallest Dog Of The World Has Proved Size Does Not Matter By Its Extreme Aggression

The smallest breed of dog in the world was named as Chihuahua after it was discovered in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico in old ruins near Casas Grandes in the year1850. There are speculations and multiple views on the origin of the Chihuahuas, but the most popular theory suggests that the Chihuahuas have descended from a companion dog called Techichi which was favored by the Toltecs.


The modern Chihuahua was evolved as a result of breeding between the Techichi and miniature Chinese dogs introduced in the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors. Recognition of the breed in 1904 by the American Kennel Club has contributed to the popularity of the modern Chihuahua. The height of this smallest dog ranges from 6 to 10 inches at the withers while some Chihuahuas can even range from 12 to 15 inches in height. The British as well as the American Breed standards have specified a weight of 6 lb for a Chihuahua. This tiny dog has an apple- shaped head with a pointed and short muzzle.

The large round dark eyes can be often luminous in color. This breed is also characterized by long and erect ears. At the top of the skull of a puppy, “molera” or a soft spot is seen and this gap is closed after adulthood is attained. The stout body consists of a sickle- shaped- tail that is normally curled over to the back or to the side. The Kennel Club of UK and the American Kennel Club recognize two varieties of Chihuahua- the smooth coat or the short haired variety and the long coat or the fluffy variety.

Surprisingly, the long- haired type sheds less hair than the short- haired ones and only a minimal amount of grooming is required for the long haired ones. It is very difficult to classify Chihuahua colors as there is the possibility of wide variations. However, the most common colors include silver, fawn, chestnut, sand, steel blue and even black and tan and parti-color.

A Chihuahua is proud, enterprising, lively and courageous and it is just perfect to be a companion dog. These dogs are strong- willed and give and demand affection. These dogs are marked with extreme loyalty to their owners and extreme suspicion on the rest of the people, especially the strangers. Some Chihuahuas might be a bit difficult to train but they are intelligent to grab things quickly.

But one should make use of positive reinforcement only. A chihuahua is not recommended for children because it resorts to using its sharp teeth in self- defense. Socialization of a Chihuahua from its childhood is very essential to allow the dog to get on well with other dogs and with strangers. The excessive aggressiveness of a Chihuahua enables it to attack larger animals without any fear and without thinking about their own size!

The common health problems that a Chihuahua encounters include neurological disorders like seizure and epilepsy. Overeating might also cause Diabetes to these small animals. Low blood sugar, better known as Hypoglycemia can result in coma if left unattended. A Chihuahua can also suffer from eye- problems like dryness of the cornea and secondary glaucoma. Colds, stresses and rheumatism are also common. The unclosed section of the skull or the molera may not close for a lifetime and this makes a Chihuahua susceptible to injuries.

You must ensure appropriate living conditions for your Chihuahua. Cold weather restricts a comfortable living of a Chihuahua and so it is advised to wrap a warm sweater around your dog during the cold days. The small size of these dogs does not mean that they should be confined to a small place. These dogs need long walks as a part of their daily exercise regimes. Absence of daily exercises and walks might lead to some behavioral problems in your Chihuahua. The average life expectancy of a Chihuahua is 15 years or more on an average. chihuahua