Chihuahuas are not just those tiny little lap dogs that everyone loves. They have been around for centuries, and they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. But most people wonder about their actual size. Some have seen a bigger version of Chi, while some are stuck with smaller ones. Are Chihuahuas Small Dog Breed Or A Large?
Chihuahuas are small but mighty. They might be the smallest breed of dog, but they have a big personalities! Chihuahuas are also great for apartment living because they don’t need much room to run around.
This blog post will cover the pros and cons of living with a Chihuahua and how to take care of your new best friend! If you are considering getting a Chihuahua as your next pet, read on to learn about their temperament and appearance, domestication and selective breeding information, how small they really are, what health effects may occur due to their size, and our final thoughts.
Chihuahuas Temperament And Appearance
Chihuahuas can be a handful! They may look like little lap dogs, but they have big personalities and need an owner who is willing to put some time into training them.
For example, they will bark at everything that moves, which makes Chi hard for apartment living since neighbors might not always appreciate the barking (or your lack of training). Chihuahuas are also difficult to train because they have a mind of their own and can be stubborn.
If you decide that owning a Chihuahua is the right fit for you, start with some obedience classes as soon as possible! This will help them learn better behavior from day one, which makes living with them much easier in the long run.
Chihuahuas come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. They can be long and lean or short and stocky. Their coat can be smooth or rough, and their colors vary from black to white to brown.
One thing all Chihuahuas have in common is their large eyes which give them an adorable appearance that everyone loves!
Domestication And Selective Breeding
The Chihuahua originated from Mexico, where they were used as ratters on farms. They were then brought over to the United States by Mexican immigrants in the 1800s.
| Life expectancy: | 14 – 16 years |
| Origin: Mexico | Mexico |
| Temperament: | Charming, Graceful, sassy |
| Height: | Male: 5–8 Inches, Female: 4–8 Inches |
| Weight: | Male: 6 pounds, Female: 6 pounds |
Selective Breeding
Since then, selective breeding has created the many different shapes and sizes we see today. The American Kennel Club recognizes two types of Chihuahuas: the Smooth Coat and the Long Coat.
Chihuahuas come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. There is no “standard” Chihuahua look, so you may end up with a dog that looks very different from the ones you see in pictures or on TV. This can be both good and bad – good because you will have a unique-looking dog, and bad because it may be harder to find someone who can help you train your Chihuahua if he or she doesn’t look like the average Chihuahua.
Domestication
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog. In fact, the smallest registered dog in the world is a Chihuahua named BooBoo Kennel’s Little PeeWee (weighing in at just over two pounds!).
This means that they don’t require as much food as other breeds and are a good choice for people who live in apartments or tight spaces. However, since they are so small, their health can be more delicate than larger dogs.
The Chihuahua is the oldest dog breed in North America and has been around for centuries. They were originally bred to be ratters, meaning that they hunted and killed rats on farms.
Since then, Chihuahuas have been selectively bred to have various looks and temperaments. This means that there is no one “standard” Chihuahua – they come in all shapes and sizes!
If you are looking for a specific look or temperament in your Chihuahua, it may be helpful to research which breeders specialize in those traits.
How Small Are Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world! These Chihuahuas typically weigh between two and six pounds, but there have been some that weigh as little as one pound or as much as twelve pounds.
This means that if you are looking for a small dog that doesn’t take up too much space, a Chihuahua is perfect! However, because they are so small, they can be more susceptible to health problems due to their size.
Also, the growth rate of Chihuahua varies according to diet, health issues, care level, genetics, and living environment.
As we mentioned before, the smallest registered dog in the world is a two-pound Chihuahua. However, the average weight of a Chihuahua is around six pounds. This means that they are still small enough to fit in most purses or carry-on luggage!
Health Effects Due to Chihuahuas’ Small Size
Since they are so small, Chihuahuas can be more susceptible to health problems than larger dogs. Some common health problems seen in Chihuahuas include:
- Weakness in their hind legs (due to being so tiny)
- Respiratory problems due to their short snouts
- Dental problems due to their lack of chewing surface area
FAQ
Q: I’m Looking For A Small Dog That Doesn’t Take Up Too Much Space. Should I Get A Chihuahua?
A: Yes, Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed and typically weigh between two and six pounds. This means they don’t require as much food as other breeds and can be a good choice for people who live in apartments or tight spaces. However, their health can be more delicate than larger dogs because they are so small.
Q: What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Chihuahua?
A: The average lifespan of a Chihuahua is around twelve years. However, there have been some that have lived up to eighteen years or more.
Q: I’m Having Trouble Training My Chihuahua. Can You Help?
A: If your Chihuahua doesn’t look like the average Chihuahua, it may be harder to find someone who can help you train him or her.
However, plenty of resources are available online and through other dog trainers. It may also be helpful to get a book on training Chihuahuas specifically.
Q: I’m Thinking About Getting A Chihuahua – What Should I Know?
A. First, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who specializes in the type of Chihuahua you are interested in.
Second, be prepared for a lot of hair! Chihuahuas tend to shed a lot and will need regular brushing. Finally, make sure you understand that they are a high-maintenance breed and will require plenty of love, attention, and exercise.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we think that the pros of a Chihuahua outweigh the cons. They are a great choice for people who live in apartments or small spaces and make great companions due to their loyal and loving nature.
However, they do require training and can be difficult to handle if you are not prepared for it. So, if you think you have the time and patience to train a Chihuahua, then we say go for it! You won’t regret it.
