The lively Chihuahua readily gives affection but demands it as well. They are intensely loyal and can become attached to their owners to the point of jealously.

Small in stature, the Chihuahua has a very large personality. They are fun-loving creatures that love nothing more than to be around their owners. They tend to form a bond with one person and could be quite demanding if they are over-pampered.

Chihuahuas are fast learners. They will do just as well in obedience or agility sports as large dogs. Though intelligent, they are very wilful and need persuading to do what you’d like them to. Chihuahuas are curious dogs and love to explore, which makes them prone to escaping the yard.

Chihuahuas are not recommended for families with smaller children (younger than eight) because of their small size. They are wary of strangers and need to be socialized young to avoid being unfriendly to other humans or dogs. They can be aggressive toward other breeds but seem to recognize their own kind. They make great watchdogs, though, and tend to think they are larger than they are.

Due to their short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore. They are prone to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma due, in part, to their prominent eyes. They are vulnerable, in early puppy hood, to fractures caused by accidents. Some have a section of their skull that remains open during their entire life.

Chihuahua’s can have short or long-haired coats and range in color from black to white and everything in between. The height of a Chihuahua varies more than in any other breed.

Dog DNA Tests

Discover the allergens that may be affecting your pet with a Dog Allergy Test. Tests for allergens including foods, environmental factors, supplements & household products. Click here to read more about the At Home Dog Allergy Test.

Exercise Induced Collapse DNA Testing is a screening test for your dog to determine if it carries the gene associated with Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC). Click here to read more about testing Exercise Induced Collapse in Dogs.

The PRA-prcd DNA Test is a screening test for your dog to determine if it carries the gene associated with Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). Click here to read more about the PRA Test.

The DNA My Dog Test identifies the breeds within your mixed-breed dog. You will receive a custom certificate and report detailing health concerns and personality traits for each breed found in their DNA. Click here to read more about the DNA My Dog Breed Test.

Our Dog Breed Inheritance Chart explains how purebred and mixed breed puppies inherit DNA from their parents.