Chihuahua
Spunky, smart and opinionated
Chihuahuas 101
Toy groupA fast-food chain’s ad campaign in the ‘90s featuring a talking Chihuahua may have done more to promote this spunky breed than it did to sell tacos. Fortunately, the devotion, portability and intelligence of these little charmers has meant a large and loyal fan base that endures to this day.
What we love about Chihuahuas
Like spunk and attitude? This is your dog
These little dogs, who can have short or long coats, are convinced they are big dogs and may get themselves into trouble as a result. Most families will find them to be easy-care dogs who are bright and opinionated. Most Chihuahuas want nothing more than to be with their people all the time.
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Chihuahua
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Seizures
Senior Chihuahua
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Collapsed trachea
Valvular heart disease
Kidney failure
Chihuahua puppy
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Allergic reaction
Gastritis
Toxicity
Young adult Chihuahua
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Toxicity
Mature adult Chihuahua
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Seizures
Senior Chihuahua
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Collapsed trachea
Valvular heart disease
Kidney failure
Chihuahua puppy
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Allergic reaction
Gastritis
Toxicity
Young adult Chihuahua
Risk level for common Chihuahua conditions
Luxated patella
Dental disease
Toxicity
Nationwide can help you save on your Chihuahua's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
Get your Chihuahua’s health information in a free report
One famous Chihuahua is "Gidget," the Taco Bell mascot. Her charistmatic presence and catchphrase "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" (Spanish for "I want Taco Bell!"), made her an icon and boosted the breed’s popularity in the 1990s. Although Gidget passed away in 2009, her legacy as a famous Chihuahua lives on.
Chihuahua coat care and colors
The Chihuahua comes in two coat types, smooth and long-haired, and a dozen recognized colors and patterns and at least that many others. The short-coated version is a bit more common and needs little in the way of grooming. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath will keep fur sleek and shiny. Long-haired Chihuahuas are also pretty easy to care for, although brushing and combing should be more frequent to prevent matting. Many small dogs get fussy about nail trims, and the Chihuahua is no exception. To avoid unhappiness, Chihuahuas do best when acclimated as puppies to having their feet handled and nails trimmed. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.
What is the best way to care for my Chihuahua's delicate, thin coat?
The key to getting your Chihuahua a shiny, healthy coat can be found both on the inside and on the outside of a dog. Good health, good nutrition and veterinary-prescribed parasite control will contribute to a healthy, shiny coat. Regular combing, brushing and bathing as needed will keep a Chihuahua's healthy coat looking great.
Can I bathe my Chihuahua frequently?
There’s no need to wait until your Chihuahua is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Most do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. If you have a long-haired Chihuahua, make sure to comb or cut out any mats before bathing, since water makes mats even more difficult to remove. You can extend the time between baths with regular brushing and combing.
Do Chihuahuas shed a lot?
All dogs shed, some a little and some a lot. Short-haired Chihuahuas shed minimally, and long-haired Chihuahuas are moderate shedders. The perception of how much a dog sheds is typically related to how much fur ends up on clothing, furniture and carpets. Brushing your Chihuahua regularly will help.
Chihuahua exercise & training
Chihuahua fun facts
Top girl names for Chihuahuas
of Chihuahuas are female
of Chihuahuas are male
Top boy names for Chihuahuas
Nationwide loves Chihuahuas of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Chihuahuas
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