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Let's talk Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas

Petite but mighty, Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas are the tiniest of breeds yet they possess a big heart. Instantly identifiable by their apple-shaped head and doe-eyes, their devoted stare conveys the enormous warmth found within. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal, great for city or country homes, and with proper care, live very long healthy lives—often two decades or more. The breed also comes in a long-coat version.

Official name: Smooth-Coat Chihuahua

Other names: Chiwawa, Chi

Origins: Mexico

Chihuahua looking at camera in black and white
  • Drooling tendencies

    1 out of 5
  • Grooming needs

    2 out of 5
  • Shedding Level

    2 out of 5
  • Barking tendencies

    3 out of 5
  • Energy level*

    3 out of 5
  • Compatibility with other pets

    3 out of 5
  • Warm weather?

    3 out of 5
  • Cold weather?

    1 out of 5
  • Suited to apartment living

    5 out of 5
  • Can stay alone

    2 out of 5
  • Family pet?*

    4 out of 5
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations. Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication. For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social, and behavioral needs. Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child. Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice. All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Illustration of beige Long Coat Chihuahua
MaleFemale
HeightHeight
13 - 23 cm13 - 20 cm
WeightWeight
1 - 3 kg1 - 3 kg
Life stages
PuppyAdult
2 to 8 months8 months to 8 years
MatureSenior
8 to 12 yearsFrom 12 years
Baby
Birth to 2 months
  • Drooling tendencies

    1 out of 5
  • Grooming needs

    2 out of 5
  • Shedding Level

    2 out of 5
  • Barking tendencies

    3 out of 5
  • Energy level*

    3 out of 5
  • Compatibility with other pets

    3 out of 5
  • Warm weather?

    3 out of 5
  • Cold weather?

    1 out of 5
  • Suited to apartment living

    5 out of 5
  • Can stay alone

    2 out of 5
  • Family pet?*

    4 out of 5
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations. Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication. For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social, and behavioral needs. Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child. Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice. All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Illustration of beige Long Coat Chihuahua
MaleFemale
HeightHeight
13 - 23 cm13 - 20 cm
WeightWeight
1 - 3 kg1 - 3 kg
Life stages
PuppyAdult
2 to 8 months8 months to 8 years
MatureSenior
8 to 12 yearsFrom 12 years
Baby
Birth to 2 months
Smooth Coat Chihuahua running over grass
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Get to know Smooth-Coat Chihuahua

All you need to know about the breed

“Best buddy” is the ideal phrase to describe the Smooth-Coat Chihuahua, the ideal companion dog. Loyalty is a given for this breed that likes to cozy up but is always on alert where their owner is concerned. Barking at strangers may happen with the Chihuahua but it’s hardly cause for concern. They’ll soon be diverted by another nonstop activity. Playtime is anytime for a Chihuahua!

The breed never grows past 6 pounds—3 kilograms—so they can be taken pretty much anywhere.

We’re often advised to take care of children when there are dogs around, in case they are harmed accidentally. But because this breed is so small, children are the ones who could actually harm the Chihuahua without meaning to. They can be fragile so keep a watchful eye. Indoor play is ideal as are small dog parks. Mental stimulation is great for the Chihuahua breed, and games are an ideal pastime, too.

Far from being a hulking security dog, Chihuahuas can be just as protective of their flock. They tend to be reserved with strangers, but this wariness falls away once a new relationship is formed.

Beige Smooth Coat Chihuahua puppy with mother
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Facts about Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas

1. Treat them, don't spoil them.

Believe it or not, Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas can gain weight easily. With a tiny body, one too many snacks can quickly add up. Use a handful of kibble as a treat, taken from their daily meal allocation. The official breed classification puts the Chihuahua at 6lb, tops.

2. So small in a big world  

The Chihuahua personality is a bold one for sure:  Not to be dismissed, they’ve been known to challenge dogs many times their size. Teaching your new dog how to get along with others will be key to proper socialization as they grow.

Chihuahua puppy looking at camera in black and white
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History of the breed

Many wonder where the diminutive Chihuahua comes from. The dog hails from 12th-Century Mexico during the time the Aztecs conquered the Toltec civilization, and the Techichi dog, a denser ancestor of the Chihuahua breed. The Techichi was lighter and more agile than the current Chihuahua size, if that’s even possible for such a petite breed of dog.

Throughout the centuries, the Chihuahua persevered, eventually gaining huge popularity in the U.S. in the mid-1800s when Americans discovered them in their area of origin, Chihuahua, the Mexican state that borders Texas. The Techichi was then renamed and the Chihuahua breed flourished north of the border.

Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas can be clannish, tending to stick with their own kind. Not bred for a particular job, Chihuahuas function best as family dogs and of course make superb traveling partners. And for that, they’re just the right size: The Chihuahua dog breed is considered the smallest in the world, maxing out at just over 6 pounds.

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas

Illustration of beige Long Coat Chihuahua
1
2
3
4
5

1.Ears

Wide-set ears with erect positioning, tapering to a tip.

2.Head

Distinctive apple-shaped head.

3.Body

Compact body with short, firm back, solid muscularity.

4.Fur

Smooth, firm, fine-haired coat.

5.Tail

High curved tail that forms semicircle or curlicue.
Chihuahua standing on hill looking into distance
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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Smooth-Coat Chihuahua.

This is one dogged dog

The headstrong Smooth-Coat Chihuahua temperament and willful determination is surprising, given their compact size. But small can still mean mighty when it comes to getting their way. The Smooth-Coat Chihuahua is smart and will outsmart you if you let him! The solution: Early education of your puppy to make sure they know who is in charge. Training your Smooth-Coat Chihuahua well can offset any tenacious streak they may have and instill good behavior all around.

Too much exercise wears them out

The Chihuahua breed is a high-energy one for sure, but this doesn't mean your Smooth-Coat Chihuahua needs to take super long walks or play endlessly. A small body means that less is more. Indoor activity or a run in the park on a daily basis suits the Smooth-Coat Chihuahua dog, and they’ll get more mileage out of shorter strolls in the end. And as with all smaller dogs, if they get too tired, you can just pick them up and put them in a carrier the rest of the way home!

Chihuahuas can have a few health issues

Small dog breeds can be prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. It’s easy to think Chihuahuas’ little bodies don’t need a lot to go on, but too-long a stretch between meals and your dog may have a serious dip in energy. Stick to regular meals and follow feeding guidelines. The breed can have cardiac concerns such as narrow heart valves or aortic valve disease, eye disease, and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps). Regular vet checkups can stem any problems before they start. They are also known as a brachycephalic breed, characterized by a flattened snout and nostrils. Breathing difficulties - especially in too-hot or too-cold weather - can be common. Many dogs that have brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome can also show signs of gastrointestinal distress. Take extra care to have your Chihuahua fully examined by a veterinarian regularly.

Tailored Nutrition for Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas

When choosing food for a Chihuahua, there are many factors to consider: their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog. The following recommendations are for healthy animals. If your dog has health problems, please consult your veterinarian who may recommend an exclusive veterinary diet. Clean and fresh water should be available at all times to support your dog’s urinary health. In hot weather and especially when out exercising, bring water along for your dog’s frequent water breaks.

Immune System Support
As puppies grow, they will experience big changes and new discoveries. During this key
period, the puppy’s immune system develops gradually. Chihuahua Puppy helps support
your puppy’s natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E.

High Palatability
The Chihuahua is known for their fussy appetites, and therefore a highly palatable food is recommended. Chihuahua Puppy satisfies the Chihuahua puppy’s finicky appetite with a combination of three factors: a careful selection of exceptional aromas and flavors along with a customized kibble size and shape.

Stool and Odor Reduction
Chihuahua Puppy helps reduce fecal smell and volume, and it helps support optimal
digestion with highly digestible proteins (L.I.P.*) and an appropriate fiber content.

The main nutritional goals for adult Chihuahuas are:

High Palatability
Chihuahuas are known for their fussy appetites, and therefore a highly palatable food is
recommended. Chihuahua Adult satisfies the Chihuahua’s appetite with a combination
of three factors: a careful selection of exceptional aromas and flavors along with a
customized kibble size and shape.

Coat Health
Coat health is a reflection of the dog’s state of health and overall well-being. Chihuahua Adult is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), omega-6 fatty acids and biotin to help maintain the health of the Chihuahua’s coat.

Stool and Odor Reduction
Chihuahua Adult helps reduce fecal smell and volume, and it helps support healthy
digestion with highly digestible proteins (L.I.P.) and an appropriate fiber content.

Exclusive Kibble: Special Miniature Jaw
This exclusive small-sized kibble has been developed to be adapted to the miniature jaw of the Chihuahua.

After 8 years old, Chihuahuas start facing the first signs of aging. A diet enriched with antioxidants helps maintain vitality, and key nutrients, such as taurine, help support good cardiac function. Aging is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for aging Chihuahuas should have the following characteristics:

Healthy Aging Complex
Chihuahua Adult 8+ includes a complex of nutrients to support aging Chihuahuas. It contains an exclusive combination of antioxidants to help maintain cellular health and is formulated with an appropriate phosphorus content for senior dogs.

Cardiac Health
Although important throughout the Chihuahua's life, cardiac health becomes more important as the dog ages. Chihuahua Adult 8+ contains a blend of nutrients, including taurine and EPA and DHA to help maintain cardiac health in mature Chihuahuas.

Stool and Odor Reduction
This formula helps reduce fecal smell and volume by increasing digestibility. Chihuahua Adult 8+ contains highly digestible proteins (L.I.P.), an appropriate fiber content and very high quality carbohydrate sources for maintaining healthy intestines and healthy stools.

High Palatibility and High Rehydration
The kibble shape, size, texture and formula are adapted to the aging Chihuahua and his miniature jaw. Water may be added to soften the kibble and to help stimulate the mature Chihuahua's appetite.

Beige Smooth Coat Chihuahua looking over log
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Caring for your Smooth-Coat Chihuahua

Grooming, training and exercise tips

As a small dog, hikes and morning runs are ruled out, but there are plenty of other daily activities the Smooth-Coat Chihuahua can enjoy. Like any dog, they need moderate exercise to keep in good health. Short jaunts around a few blocks will work to keep them in good shape. The life expectancy of the Chihuahua is a long one; keep them fit all those years with appropriate activity, like simple play indoors and fun games of fetch.

Keep the coat of the Smooth-Coat Chihuahua in shape by grooming it a few times per week; doing so will help dispose of old hair and make way for new, and keep their coat its shiny best. Shedding is luckily not an issue for the breed. Routine nail trims are important as well as the regular brushing of teeth. Daily brushing removes dental plaque but preventing periodontal problems is best done in consultation with your veterinarian.

The devoted, smart Smooth-Coat Chihuahua is a delightful dog to have around. An intense loyalty means they’re motivated to please, and will definitely respond well to obedience training. Instilling good habits in your Smooth-Coat Chihuahua from a young age will yield the best results and curb the tendency to be overly assertive.

As a small dog, hikes and morning runs are ruled out, but there are plenty of other daily activities the Smooth-Coat Chihuahua can enjoy. Like any dog, they need moderate exercise to keep in good health. Short jaunts around a few blocks will work to keep them in good shape. The life expectancy of the Chihuahua is a long one; keep them fit all those years with appropriate activity, like simple play indoors and fun games of fetch.

Keep the coat of the Smooth-Coat Chihuahua in shape by grooming it a few times per week; doing so will help dispose of old hair and make way for new, and keep their coat its shiny best. Shedding is luckily not an issue for the breed. Routine nail trims are important as well as the regular brushing of teeth. Daily brushing removes dental plaque but preventing periodontal problems is best done in consultation with your veterinarian.

The devoted, smart Smooth-Coat Chihuahua is a delightful dog to have around. An intense loyalty means they’re motivated to please, and will definitely respond well to obedience training. Instilling good habits in your Smooth-Coat Chihuahua from a young age will yield the best results and curb the tendency to be overly assertive.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Chihuahuas

Other breeds that might interest you

Read more on this topic

Sources
  1. Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
  2. Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
  3. Wag! https://wagwalking.com/
  4. Royal Canin BHN Product Book
  5. American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/

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