🧠 Temperament
Chihuahuas are devoted, alert, and surprisingly bold. They tend to bond extremely strongly with one person and can be territorial and jealous. They are often suspicious of strangers and can be snappy if poorly socialized or frightened, early socialization is essential. Their fearlessness means they will challenge dogs many times their size, which can be dangerous. They are generally not recommended as a first dog for families with very young children due to their fragility and tendency to bite when startled.
🏥 Health considerations
Chihuahuas are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially as puppies, they can go into shock if they miss meals. They also frequently have a molera, a soft spot on the skull that may never close, making head injuries a risk. Dental disease is extremely common due to the small jaw crowding 42 adult teeth into a tiny mouth. Patellar luxation, tracheal collapse (use harness, not collar), and heart disease in older dogs are also concerns.
🏃 Exercise needs
Chihuahuas need 20–30 minutes of daily exercise. Their small legs mean they get adequate exercise from indoor play and short walks. They must not be over-exercised and should be kept warm, they lose body heat rapidly and genuinely require a coat in cold weather.
✂️ Grooming
Smooth-coated Chihuahuas need only a weekly brush. Long-coated varieties need brushing 2–3 times weekly. All Chihuahuas require daily tooth brushing, dental disease is the number one health concern in the breed.
🍽️ Feeding your Chihuahua
A 2 kg Chihuahua needs approximately 80–110 kcal per day, tiny amounts that must be measured precisely. Puppies especially must eat frequently (3–4 times daily) to prevent hypoglycemia. Never skip meals.