Chihuahua - Long Haired

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Dog Breed Group

Toy Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Mexico as a companion 

Life Expectancy

12 - 15 years 

Color

Fawn, white, blond, black-and-tan, patched, and other colors. Eyes and nose are dark in dark-colored dogs, lighter in light-colo 

Coat

Longhaired Chihuahuas have longer hair on the ears, chest , stomach, legs, and tail. Tail stands erect; ears prick up, but the t 

Exercise Needs

Three periods totaling 45 minutes per day. 

Temperament

Moderate energy level. Alert, curious, lively, and highly bonded to owner. Loves to snuggle. Sometime very noisy. Can be hard to 

Good with Children

Gets along fine with children, although they'll snap if teased or startled. 

Grooming Needs

Brush weekly 

Average Size - Male (in)

5 

Average Size - Female (in)

5 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

Maximum 6 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

Maximum 6 

Health Issues

Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on the top of their heads that doesn't always close. Because of this, a bump on the head cov

Living Conditions

Not fond of outdoors. Excellent apartment dog. 

Breed Description

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and was named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. He is a graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with a saucy expression. Two distinct breed types, one with a long coat of soft texture, the other with a short coat. Identical otherwise, both can be whelped in the same litter. Adored for his small size, the Chihuahua is a bright eyed, dainty dog who is perfect for apartment living. Most breeders recommend adopting a Chihuahua puppy between the ages of 4 - 12 months as he will be more mature and agile and not so apt for injury. Much argument exists about the true origins of the Chihuahua. Discovered in Mexico about 100 years ago, the true origins of his ancestors is still a mystery. Some say it evolved in Egypt and found its way to the Mediterranean countries. Here it was taken to Mexico during the Spanish conquest of 1591. Other theories say that four breeds of dog, one resembling the Chihuahua, were domesticated in Mexico long before the conquest. Aztecs sculptures depict a little animal with big ears that was thought to be an ancestor of the Chihuahua. The breed's forerunners were brought into the US before the turn of the century and crossed with terriers such as the Black and Tan Toy to produce the modern Smooth Coat.