Chihuahua: the smallest dog with the biggest personality

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed in the world and weighs between 1.5 and 3 kg. It’s very attached to its person, alert and braver than its size would suggest. Being so small comes with its own care.

The cold

It has little body mass and loses heat quickly, especially the short-haired ones. If you see it shivering outside in winter, it isn’t putting on a show.

• A coat or jumper in its size for cold days.
• A bed with raised sides or a cave to snuggle into, away from draughts.
• Dry it well if it gets wet.

The neck: a harness is better

In very small breeds the windpipe is delicate, and a collar that pulls can hurt it. With a harness the pull goes to the chest. If it coughs like a honking goose, especially when excited or pulling, mention it to the vet.

The teeth

In such a small mouth the teeth are very close together and tartar builds up early. Brush them often, with dog toothpaste, and ask for its mouth to be checked at check-ups.

Small, but still a dog

Treating it like a soft toy does it no favours. It needs to walk, sniff and meet people and dogs from puppyhood, or it becomes wary. With small children, keep an eye out: a fall from someone’s arms is dangerous for it.

For any health question, your vet is the one who knows your dog best.