Greenfield Puppies
Log in

Chihuahua Puppies for Sale

Chihuahua

Country of Origin:

Mexico

Available Puppies

0 Check back soon!

Share This Breed

Breed Characteristics

Average Size: Small

Average Lifespan: 14-16 years

Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes

Registry: aca,akc

Activity Level: low

Shedding Level: moderate

Grooming Level: moderate

Trainability: high

Good For Novice Owners: high

Adaptability: moderate

Prey Drive: low

Watchdog: very alert

Breed Information

Overview

This dog breed is very alert and playful. Often referred to as a ”tiny dog with a huge personality”, they tend to have a charming, graceful, and sassy personality and can be bold or shy. Socialization early and often ensures they are confident, regardless of whether they have a bold or shy nature. They tend to be gentle with children and other pets. However, a poorly socialized and poorly trained Chihuahua can develop “small dog syndrome”, which will cause them to be potentially aggressive towards other people or animals and to bite or nip when nervous.

The Chihuahua is a small dog breed and is a national symbol of Mexico. One of the facts about Chihuahuas is that they are one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas. Chihuahua ancestors appear in ancient paintings in Mexico and their lineage can be traced back to pre-Columbian ancient kingdoms.

The Toltecs ruled Mexico over a thousand years ago and had the Techichi, which is considered a larger and heavier ancestor of the modern Chihuahua. When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they refined the Techichi into a smaller and lighter dog. These dogs became so valued within the Aztec culture that they became known as one of Montezuma’s fabled treasures after the Spanish conquistadors toppled the civilization in the 1500s.

North Americans started to take an interest in the breed in the mid-1800s and found several in the State of Chihuahua, which is how the modern breed got its name. The AKC recognized the Chihuahua as a member of the Toy Group in 1904. The first recorded Chihuahua registered by the AKC was in 1908. His name was Beppie.

Temperament

Chihuahuas, or Chis, tend to be very alert and playful. Often referred to as a “tiny dog with a huge personality”, they tend to have a charming, graceful, and sassy personality. Individual Chis can be bold or more on the shy or reserved side. Overall, well-socialized and well-trained Chihuahuas are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They also tend to get along well with children and other pets. But, due to their tiny size, especially as puppies, they tend to be a better fit for older children who can be gentle with them. Socialization early and often ensures they are confident dogs, regardless of whether they tend to be bolder or shyer. Although they are open and affectionate with their families, even well-socialized Chis tend to be reserved with strangers. They are likely to warm up once introduced, but may not be willing to leave the company of their favorite human at first. However, a poorly socialized and poorly trained Chihuahua can develop “small dog syndrome,” which will cause them to be potentially aggressive towards other people or animals and may cause them to bite or nip when nervous. Poor socialization is one of the causes of aggression in dogs and it’s important to properly socialize a Chi to avoid poor behavior.

Did You Know?

El Paso, Texas has a Minor League baseball team called the Chihuahuas. Chis were also the stars of the show in dog movies like the 2008 Disney film Beverly Hills Chihuahua. This dog breed has also held major supporting roles as iconic “purse dogs” in Legally Blond and Sex and the City.

Available Chihuahua Puppies

No Chihuahua puppies are available right now — check back soon!

Featured Chihuahua Articles

Similar Breeds