Chihuahua dogs can make wonderful pets! 

And Chihuahua dog adoption is an easy way to bring one into your home. Before you do though, it’s very important to understand both the Pros and the Cons of ownership before proceeding adoption or rescue.

The Pros:

• Chihuahuas are adorable.  They are the perpetual puppy.
•  These little guys are perfect for apartment dwellers. Because of their pocket size, an apartment provides plenty of room for a Chihuahua to move around during the day.  You’ll still need to take them out for walks though!
• Known for being “yappy”, Chihuahua’s make great watchdogs.  They are territorial, and although not physically frightening, their consistent warning alarm can be very foreboding for a potential burglar.
• Chihuahua puppies can be taught to use a litter box or artificial grass area.  This is a huge advantage in the middle of the night or on a rainy day!  There is also a wonderful Dog Training Pad that can be purchased that uses “puppy pads” that are scented to encourage your puppy to go.
• The short hair variety are easy to groom. The long hair type isn’t that difficult either. They need to be bathed and have their nails clipped monthly, but that is about it.
• In general, when these little guys have good health and feel loved and cared for by their owners, they have a long lifespan.  They can live anywhere from 10-14 years.

The Cons:

• Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas can injure easily. Owners must be very careful not to step on, drop or drop something on top of their little Chi.
•  Chihuahuas and toddlers don’t mix. Young children may not realize how fragile they are, or may think it is a toy. It’s easy to accidentally drop or step on one. Care must always be taken due to their being so fragile.
• These dogs do not like cold weather.  They are considered “hairless” and they are true heat-seekers. Most Chi’s hate cold or wet weather and will do just about anything to avoid it.  Care must be taken to ensure your dog has a COVERED bed to snuggle in and warm clothes if brought outside in bad weather.  We like this one.  We like this one best because the top part of the bed, the cover, is heavy enough for the dog to burrow for warmth, and it stays covered.  Some others are too light and do not stay covered.  Or they have a foam insert and it doesn’t actually cover the dog well.

• Same as number 3 above, these guys due tend to bark – A LOT.  If you live close to neighbors, or can’t tolerate the “warnings”, then this breed may not be your best choice.

Generally, Chihuahuas are friendly, cuddly and fun!  Take care to ensure they are the right choice for your family.  They are one of the most popular breeds abandoned to shelters.  This can be avoided with doing your adoption homework before bringing a  puppy home.

Chiwawa Dogs

The term “blue” is often used by Chihuahua breeders to denote this rare color for Chihuahuas.  This color comes from a recessive gene, which explains the rarity.  There is much speculation about this coloring for this breed.   So when someone asks “What is a blue chihuahua?” it’s a bit tricky. First, they aren’t truly blue, they are more of a gray color with a blue tone.  A true Blue Chihuahua is really a diluted black.  This means that the hue will be a grey or dark grey that, when out in the sunshine, will have a slight bluish tint to it.

What makes a Blue Chihuahua so rare?

A Blue Chihuahua doesn’t necessarily have a blue coat.  The coat color is more gray to  to silvery gray with hints of blue highlights.  Breeding a Blue Chihuahua is not an easy task.  It’s all about combining different colored Chihuahuas including fawns and chocolate browns.  However, the Blue Chihuahua is the result of a recessive gene, and both the parents must have the blue gene in their ancestries to produce a Blue Chihuahua.  And even then, the puppy might not have a full blue coat.  It’s common for the coat to be blue and white.

The Blue Chihuahua has all of the other temperaments and traits of a more standard color Chihuahua.  As always, only purchase Blue Chihuahuas from a responsible knowledgeable  breeder.

Parents of Blues

Looking at the parents doesn’t always assure a Blue Chihuahua in the litter.  A Blue chihuahua can be produced from a tan and a black….however both dam AND sire must have the recessive blue gene that is carried down to the puppy.

Reputable breeders will not pair two Blue Chihuahuas together…and there is a very good reason why. Studies have shown that this can cause medical issues in the litter including issues with health of the coat. This is because it is a diluted color and carries hidden defects. Blue chihuahuas are the offspring of two parents who each carry the recessive trait for gray fur.  Due to the Blue Chihuahua being the result of this recessive gene trait, the parents of blue chihuahuas don’t necessarily have to have blue coats themselves.

As a warning, if a breeder unethically breeds two blues together, the resulting litter may have only tans, browns and fawn color puppies.  There is no guarantee on the color of the litter.  Since this is a recessive gene, it can be in the bloodline, but skip many generations.

Chiwawa Dogs 

Here is our Chihuahua Guide to provide some interesting info about our favorite dog:

• The Chihuahua dog is the smallest breed of dog in the world.
• According to the American Kennel Club, Chihuahua is the 10^th most popular breed in the United States.
• Chihuahuas are usually born with floppy ears. However, they stand up as the dog gets older.
• Chiwawa is a very common misspelling of Chihuahua
• The dog Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
• Aztec and Toltec tribes of Mexico considered the Chihuahua to be a sacred animal.
• Chihuahuas are prone to eye problems, heart disease and tooth and gum complaints.
• Chihuahuas are the oldest dog breed on the American continent.
• Chihuahuas prefer the company of other Chihuahuas to other dog breeds. It’s true.  They are believed to be able to recognize their type.
• In comparison to the size of its body, a Chihuahua dog has the largest brain amongst all the breeds of dogs.
• In Mexico and United States, humans have been found to be buried with the remains of Chihuahuas.
• The eyes of a Chihuahua are susceptible to dryness and glaucoma.
• The first Chihuahua was registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.
• The largest litter a female Chihuahua has ever given birth to comprised of 10 puppies.
• Chihuahua puppy litters are usually  no more than 3 to 4 puppies.
• Though Chihuahua is technically the world’s smallest breed of dog, a Yorkshire Terrier  holds the record for being the smallest living dog.

Chiwawa Dogs

Here is a collection of pictures of my Blue Chihuahua, Rockie, from puppy to adult.

Which is correct, Chihuahua or Chiwawa?  And why is “Chihuahua” so hard to spell?

Many people throughout the world spell Chihuahua, CHIWAWA- the phonetic pronunciation. Our favorite dog, the Chihuahua, originated in state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The ancestor of the breed was the Techichi, a sacred little dog of the ancient Toltecs, which it has been stated, they used in ceremonies and, sorry to say, ate. So, partially because this word is a Spanish word and H’s aren’t pronounced in Spanish. That’s why some people have a hard time remembering how its properly spelled without having the “W” stand in for the “Wa” sound.  I’ve even seen it spelled “Chuwawa”, “Chiihuaua”,” Cheewaua” and “Cheewawa”.  And if you have seen the movie, you know it’s spelled “Chi WOWwa!”

I know there are other dog breeds that are tricky to spell as well… “Dachshund” “Rottweiler” and, of course, “Shih Tzu”, but I don’t really care about those breeds.  I’m a loyal Chi fan.  So cheer for my favorite doggie, and that’s how I remembered how to spell it as well.                            C- H- I- HOOOO WHAAA-HOOOO WHAAA!…as the Marines would say!

So, we know that the correct spelling of the breed of dog that we love here on “Chihuahua Dogs” is of course, C H I H U A H U A.  However, we will use them both interchangeably just to be friendly.  There are many people who seek out Chi info using both spellings.  And so, we will use both.

Chiwawa Dogs

The Chihuahua is the smallest of the toy breeds. An energetic, small and fragile dog, the Chihuahua typically has a rounded skull (often called an “apple head”) and large, dark eyes. The two types are the smooth-coated Chihuahua and long-coated Chihuahua. Usually 8 inches tall or less, and weighing between 2-3 lbs., the chiwawa comes in both short and long hair varieties.  Coat colors range from white through cream, sable, sand, blue to black or black and tan combined.

Chihuahua Temperament and Traits

Owners describe their dogs as energetic, clever, and protective.  They usually become very attached to their owners and reserved or even aggressive around strangers, and may even snap around children if not used to them.

While owners say Chihuahua dogs can be trained, it might take more time compared with other breeds. Chi’s can be a little stuborn.  Some owners report difficulties in house-training males.  The tend to want to mark their territory and it is a difficult habit to break.

Health & Lifespan

While not as fragile as their tiny size may suggest, Chihuahua dogs can have some health problems, some are hereditary. Chihuahua teeth are prone to a build up of tartar. Regular brushing at home or ultrasonic cleaning by your vet will help. Special chew strips can help clean their teeth and remove tartar.
Collapsing tracheas are common and can cause a characteristic cough that sounds like “honking”. Their prominent, large eyes can also be prone to injury and possible infection. The Chiwawa dog has an average life span of 12-14 years.

Ideal Owners

Chihuahuas dogs do very well with adult owners and in homes with additional small dogs.  It can be very dangerous to bring a Chihuahua puppy into a family with small children as they are very susceptible to being injured if squeezed or dropped. They can be raised indoors, but they also love to get outside for walks and to dig in the dirt.  Chihuahuas adore sleeping in the sun – whether it’s a sunny window or a back patio, sunbathing is one of their favorite pass-times.

Watchdogs

Mosts Chihuahua dogs love to bark, and as a breed can be considered “yappy”.  This is not always the case of course, but it does make them a great little watchdog if uninvited visitors appear.

Breeding

Due to their small size, breeding Chihuahua puppies can be dangerous to try without the assistance of a good breeder.  Caesareans are common. Litters usually consist of one to three pups.

Grooming

Their toenails need to be tended to frequently as they grow very fast.  Clipping a Chihuahua toenails may seem like an easy task, but my experience is that they hate it. The right tool for the job makes all the difference however.

As far as grooming goes, the short hair Chi is really a very low maintenance dog with a weekly brushing being about the only task required.  The long hair variety requires a bit more time to keep their lovely long hair looking great, but it’s worth it.

Chihuahuas are wonderful little companions with BIG personalities.

 Chiwawa Dogs

Over the past few years Chihuahuas, particularly the type with the nickname of the Teacup Chihuahua, have shown an amazing growth in popularity. Many people tend to have a keen interest in these cute little guys. The Chihuahua breed is the smallest of the toy breeds and it looks like a puppy all it’s life. This makes a lot of people fascinated by them. If you are on of them, here are a few facts about the so-called “Teacup” Chihuahua dog including teacup chihuahua characteristics and traits.

Firstly however, you should know that the “Teacup” Chihuahua is not really a specific breed. In reality these mini dogs are actually the ones that never reached the ideal body weight of a normal Chi or were puppies that were specifically bred to be that small. Some unprofessional breeders may try to have you believe otherwise, and pay much more for a “teacup”, but actually, it is only a nickname. So buyer beware. If you have your heart set on buying one (as opposed to obtaining one through a Chihuahua rescue organization) it’s always beneficial to do your research and find a reputable breeder, not just seller you might find in the classifieds who may be underfeeding puppies in an effort to keep them “teacup” sized. While some sellers may be honest and genuinely concerned about the health of your puppy and your purchase, many others are more interested in selling potentially ill dogs to unsuspecting families. One last point on “teacup” Chi’s. Some people think that if both parents of the puppy are both “teacup” sizes, then the puppy will be as well. It’s possible, however, there is no guarantee that those pups will be that small as well. It’s a gamble.

Chihuahua dogs are lively and energetic and generally a sturdy dog, even though they are so small. They do have a few health issues consistent with the breed and it’s a good idea to be educated on any possible health issues that may occur. Do to there small size, Chihuahuas can become dehydrated very easily. Especially young pups. Common sense dictates that you must ensure they always have clean, fresh water available 24 hours a day. I always make it easy on my Chi’s and have water in all the rooms I allow my dogs access to, especially if they are still puppies. They can also fall prey to low blood sugar very easily. This is mainly an issue for the pups again, so having small amounts of food available when they are young is a good idea – especially if you have your dog with you on a trip or outing.

New puppy owners may be surprised on day to hear their little dog making a sound that is reminiscent of a barking seal. This “honking” sound is a symptom of a very common issue for small dogs called a “collapsing trachea”. It is usually not a serious condition, although in some dogs it can become life threatening. In our dogs case, he usually “honked” when he got too excited, and simply calming him down was the key to minimizing any distress. However, since you should always have any puppy evaluated by a good veterinarian, that would be a great time to ask their opinion. They can fully guide a new owner on what to look for and how to treat this condition, should it arise.

While all these warnings may sound dubious, the reality of having a new Chihuahua is a wonderful event for a well prepared household. With a lot of care and bit of wariness, you will make this an easy transition for your new teacup.

Chiwawa Dogs

The term “Apple Head” is a fairly descriptive nick name given to some Chiwawa dogs. This is due to their heads being somewhat rounded, and shaped like apples. “Apple Head” Chiwawa dogs are small in size and it may long or short hair. This particular dog is seen in various colors.

As far as Apple Head traits are concerned, you should expect an energetic little friend who will likely display a lot of attitude. These little guys are generally smart, look adorable and usually become very loyal to you, their master.

Once you’ve decided to adopt a Chiwawa dog, there are some things you’ll want to buy before you bring your little guy home. First on my list would be a soft, covered bed as Chiwawa dogs love to bury themselves under the warm covers to sleep. This is especially true at night. We live in a warm climate, and our Chi’s can often be found lying in the sun even on the hottest days.

Additionally, I would purchase a harness designed for small dogs together with its leash. Your chiwawa might damage his trachea using a regular collar. This causes the dog to making a choking sound, or “honk”. So a harness which protects them from this type of damage will provide you with good piece of mind.

Potty training or crate training should begin from the very first day that your baby arrives home. During winter, it may helpful to provide an indoor potty tray with specially scented potty pads to use in the house. A chiwawa is particularly sensitive to changes of weather. Even when you feel warm, your little puppy may feel cold.

Make sure that your little Apple Head is fed three times a day (or leave some dry food out all day) as Chiwawa puppies can easily become hypoglycemic, but keep the portions small as your little guy has a very small tummy.

Apple Head Chihuahua or not, bringing a new Chiwawa puppy into your life can be a fun and exciting time. Make sure to take pictures. It’s so nice to look back once they have grown up!

Chiwawa Dogs