Mexico’s Most Famous Canine
There are perhaps few breeds that create as much of a polar opposite of opinion as the Chihuahua. They’re four-footed saints in one camp and vicious monsters in another. The truth is, they can be either, depending on how they’re handled.
While dining in a restaurant in Jasper, Alabama, a customer watched a couple sit at the next table. The lady placed a small bag in the empty chair. As the bag moved, a long-haired Chihuahua poked its head out. Not only was this little dog completely quiet and discreet during the hour-long stay, but she was also alert to her handler’s location without moving from her spot. As dog enthusiasts do, a conversation was struck up. It was revealed that this extremely well-trained Chihuahua was, in fact, a certified service dog, complete with a vest and laminated badge. She wasn’t just a seizure-alert dog; she also served a hearing-impaired relative during the California wildfire evacuations. He couldn’t hear what she could, but she made sure he knew.
The Versatility of the Chihuahua
There are dogs featured on shows like The Dog Whisperer—allowed to get away with bad behavior—and many stories of Chihuahuas attacking dogs much larger than themselves. While this is often blamed on the breed, the issue usually lies with the owner, not the dog. Unfortunately, the dog often takes the blame.
A half-Chihuahua made news recently as she completed K9 training. Yes, “Midge” is a certified K9, despite being dwarfed by the 125-pound German Shepherds on the force. However, her job isn’t to chase down and subdue bad guys. Sheriff Dan McClelland of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Department notes that Midge can fit into small spaces and walk on things without causing the damage that larger dogs do. “Size-wise and endurance-wise, they last longer,” he says.
The Chihuahua is a member of the AKC Toy Group. It is a well-balanced dog that should not exceed 6 pounds for showing. The “apple” head is a defining trait of the breed, and there are both short-haired and long-haired versions. Chihuahuas can come in any color, either solid or splashed with white. According to the breed standard, they are alert and possess terrier-like qualities.
Historically, Chihuahuas have long been pets, and at one point, they were considered a “religious necessity.” Dogs resembling today’s Chihuahuas have been found in ruins predating 1530, and the breed’s origins can be traced back to what is now Mexico. Today’s Chihuahua is smaller, possibly due to the introduction of the Chinese Crested. First accepted by the AKC in 1904, the breed has gained much publicity and has many admirers for its trainability and positive qualities.
Among the famous Chihuahuas is “Gidget,” who was the “spokesdog” for Taco Bell. Boo Boo, a less famous Chihuahua, holds the title of the World’s Smallest Dog. At just four inches tall and 1.5 pounds, she weighed only one ounce at birth. Chihuahuas have also been featured on TV shows such as That’s So Raven, Summer Heights High, Transformers, and in movies like Legally Blonde.
Because the breed standard lists a maximum weight without a minimum weight, some breeders intentionally breed smaller Chihuahuas, calling them “teacup,” “tiny toy,” or “pocket-sized” Chihuahuas, often charging exorbitant prices for them. The Chihuahua Club of America does not recommend paying extra for these extremely small dogs, both from an honesty standpoint and a health perspective.
Due to their small size, Chihuahuas have less fat around the liver, which can lead to hypoglycemia. This is especially true for the smallest dogs, which can develop blood sugar issues that, without fast intervention, may lead to death. Stress, hunger, illness, or simply burning more energy than they consume can trigger hypoglycemia. Symptoms include tiredness, sleepiness, and, if left untreated, the dog may collapse and seize. Immediate treatment is needed—apply honey or Karo syrup to the dog’s tongue or gums. This sugar can quickly bring the dog back around, giving you valuable time before heading to the vet.
Additionally, extra Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are recommended to help build cell membranes and support healthy fatty acid levels. A lack of these nutrients can lead to conditions like arthritis, behavioral issues, slow healing, bad odor, skin problems, fragility, heart and circulation issues, kidney or liver problems, vulnerability to infections, and reproductive challenges.
For Chihuahuas, it’s important to remember that excess fat can be dangerous. This breed tends to be easy keepers—meaning they put on weight quickly if not monitored. Overfeeding, combined with insufficient exercise, can lead to obesity, heart disease, and a shortened life span.
Tracheal collapse can be prevented by using a harness instead of a collar, and by avoiding harsh pulling on the collar if one is used. The throat is particularly fragile, and in some cases, the dog may appear to have something stuck in its throat.
Extra-small dogs, like Chihuahuas, have a higher likelihood of experiencing these issues due to their size.
Chihuahuas have also become the foundation for many “designer dogs,” often crossed with other breeds to create puppies that are sold with the illusion of being superior to purebred Chihuahuas. However, these mixed breeds are rarely health-tested, and the parents may not be of good quality. This increases the likelihood of unhealthy genetic traits being passed down.
Chihuahuas are not a high-energy breed that requires extensive exercise. With good care, they can live up to 15 years—an important consideration when adopting a puppy. The breed is generally content with toys and activities, and some may prefer the company of other Chihuahuas. Due to their small size, however, they can struggle to keep up with walkers who don’t take their stature into account.
Crate training provides your Chihuahua with a safe space and helps prevent them from getting into trouble. Due to their size, even small amounts of harmful substances—like sugar-free gum or a candy bar—can be toxic to them.
While the small size of Chihuahuas makes them well-suited to living in apartments and other small spaces, this can also be a disadvantage in certain situations. Above all, don’t adopt the mindset that “he’s just a little dog, and it’s cute when he growls.” If it wouldn’t be cute in a large breed like a Doberman, German Shepherd, or Rottweiler, it’s not funny in a Chihuahua either. There have been many reports of small, out-of-control dogs attacking much larger dogs. Some people may find it amusing until the larger dog retaliates—sometimes fatally. There is no excuse for allowing poor behavior. As demonstrated by many highly trained Chihuahuas, they are intelligent dogs eager to learn!
Give your Chihuahua the home they deserve with a commitment to not only their training but also an understanding of the unique physical issues they may face.
