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Introduction
Chihuahuas are another ancient breed, with records of their ancestors dating back to around a thousand years ago. Although the modern Chihuahua was bred in Mexico, their ancestors may have originated in Asia! In any case, the breed is synonymous with Mexico. They had roles in religious ceremonies as sacrificial animals and were even used as a source of food.
Today, they are a very popular companion and are not on the menu! They are also one of the longest-lived dogs with a life expectancy of up to 20 years.
Appearance and Personality
Chihuahuas are the smallest recognised breed of dog weighing around 1.8 to 2.7 kg. They have distinctive dome shaped head and pointy ears. They come in two coat varieties – a short and long coat. The short coated tend to shed more than the long-coated varieties so both benefit from brushing several times a week. They come in all dog colours and patterns.
Chihuahuas are intelligent and tend to bond strongly to one person. They can become quite overprotective of that person so socialising with other people, pets and dogs from a young age is important. Due to their small size and delicate bodies, they may be better suited to households without children or families with older children.
Chihuahuas are a popular choice for apartment dwellers. But they do still need plenty of walks, play time and enrichment at home. Exercise is just as important for Chihuahuas as for bigger dogs to help avoid obesity.
Common Health Concerns
Patella luxation is a condition where the patella, or kneecap luxates or slips out of place. This condition occurs in many small breeds of dogs, and the Chihuahua is no exception.
Some common reasons for a Chihuahua to visit the vet according to PetSure data (from 2022) include:
| Condition | Highest cost for single treatment (highest pet insurance claim seen for this condition) | |
| Gastrointestinal disease (diarrhoea, vomiting, gastritis, Canine Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis) | $5,356 | |
| Heart (Cardiac) Failure | $8,553 | |
| Skin disease (allergic skin disorder, itchy skin, pyoderma) | $1,230 | |
| Ear infection | $1,527 | |
| Patella luxation | $16,372 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
Most popular Chihuahua names according to 2022 PetSure data:
Most popular female names
- Luna
- Daisy
- Coco
- Bella
- Ruby
- Lola
- Molly
- Winnie
- Willow
- Millie
Most popular male names:
- Teddy
- Milo
- Charlie
- Archie
- Ollie
- Alfie
- Max
- Leo
- Buddy
- Winston
Did you know?
Moonie, the Chihuahua played Bruiser Woods in “Legally Blonde”, the movie starring Reece Witherspoon passed away in 2016 at the grand age of 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chihuahua breed originated in Mexico, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. They are believed to have descended from the Techichi; a small companion dog kept by the ancient Toltec civilisation.
Chihuahuas are known for their small size, alert expression, and lively personality. They usually weigh between 0.9 to 2.7 kilograms and stand about 12.7 to 20.3 centimetres tall. They have a round head, large eyes, and either short or long coats.
Chihuahuas can be good with children if they are properly socialised and introduced at a young age. However, due to their small size, they are more prone to injury and can be easily overwhelmed by rough play. Supervision and teaching children to handle them gently is essential. Regarding other pets, Chihuahuas can get along well with other dogs and cats when introduced properly and given time to adjust.
Chihuahuas are small dogs with moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and playtime in a secure area are usually sufficient. It’s important to keep in mind their size and avoid overexertion, especially during extreme weather conditions.
The grooming needs of Chihuahuas depend on their coat type. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas require minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Long-coated Chihuahuas need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Both coat types benefit from regular teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Chihuahuas can be susceptible to certain health problems, including dental issues, patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), heart problems, and obesity. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups can help minimise these risks.
Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs but can be stubborn at times. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as rewards and praise. Consistency, patience, and early socialisation are key to successful training. Professional obedience classes can also be beneficial
Chihuahuas have a relatively long lifespan compared to larger dog breeds. On average, they live between 12 to 20 years, although some have been known to live even longer with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.
* Please note that the values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.
References
- American Kennel Club, Chihuahua, accessed on 3/11/2020 and available from: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/
- Wikipedia, Chihuahua, accessed on 3/11/2020, available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog)
- The Smart Canine, What Were Chihuahuas Originally Bred For? The Truth About The Chihuahua’s Origins, accessed on 31/08/2021
- Everything DOG as told by Chihuahuas, 9 Super Famous Chihuahua’s, accessed on 3/11/2020 available at: https://chipets.com/9-super-famous-chihuahuas/
Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.
Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.
