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Information and Pictures

Vians Big Mac Attack the black and tan Chihuahua is sitting on a fluffy white surface and there is a green fuzzy backdrop behind it.

Male Chihuahua, "Vians Big Mac Attack, nicknamed Mac—he is a very lovely black and tan short coat with a perfect apple head. He has been evaluated as Perfect by several judges." Photo courtesy of Vian Kennels; see more of Mac at Chihuahua Pictures Page 1






Height, Weight

Height: 6 - 9 inches (15 - 23 cm)

Weight: 2 - 6 pounds (1-3 kg)

Health Problems


A disease that seems to be increasing among Chihuahuas is GME, which stands for Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis. It is becoming more frequent among the apple head Chis. It is, at this time, a very poorly understood central nervous system disease that suddenly strikes without much warning. It comes in three types: focal (lesions in the brain or spine); multifocal (lesions in both brain and spine as well as eyes); and optical (causing blindness. There are several current methods of treating it currently and which continue to be updated as more research is done. While there are methods of controlling it in those dogs who survive the first two weeks, unfortunately, there is no true cure. It can go into remission, sometimes for years, but can always resurface. The medications, testing, etc. in the beginning in order to properly diagnose, the cost is in the thousands and many, many more thousands will need to be spent over the remaining years of the dog's life. While GME occurs in many other breeds (generally the toy breeds though there are some others, there is a tremendous number of Chihuahuas with it. Interestingly, deer head Chihuahua's do not tend to be prone to GME, only the apple-head type.

Living Conditions

They are good little dogs for apartment life. The Chihuahua likes warm weather and dislikes the cold. They need space just like any other dog. Because they are small does not mean they can be kept in a very small area.



Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years.

litter Size

About 1 to 3 puppies




This is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native to Mexico, where it received its name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. The breeds that were used to make up the Chihuahua are unclear, but some think it originated from the Fennec Fox. The dogs were sacred to Pre-Columbian Indian nations and were also popular pets to the upper class. The dogs are prized for their size and are most valued to some fanciers when they weigh under 2-1/4 pounds (1.3 kg).


Southern, AKC Toy


ACA = American Canine Association Inc.

ACR = American Canine Registry

AKC = American Kennel Club

APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

CKC = Canadian Kennel Club

CKC = Continental Kennel Club

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale

KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

NKC = National Kennel Club

NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club

UKC = United Kennel Club

Stoli and Roxi the Chihuahua Puppies are laying in a dog bed with a blanket surrounding them next to each other


Maxwell, Milo and Matilda the Chihuahuas are sitting in a row on a harwood floor next to each other. Milos head is tilted to the left and Matildas head is tilted to the right

"These are our Chi babies, from left: Maxwell (6 months), Milo (9 months) and Matilda (also 9 months). While Milo and Matilda are on the bigger side of the Chi scale at 7 and 9 lbs., Maxwell is on the more average size at about 4½ lbs. Milo is a bit more on the lazy side compared to the other two and sometimes will just sit and watch the others play. He is also a bit insecure which we are working on with him. They are all very loving however and are always anxious to share kisses with their humans and with each other alike. Sometimes they'll lie in the sun bathing each other’s faces and making sure they are all looking their best. Then they will burrow in blankets, pillows, etc. until they fluff it up just enough to get comfortable and then proceed to take a long nap. While none of them are the "alpha" (that's the humans job, isn't it?!) our female, Matilda is by far the most bossy out of the group. If she wants to play, you'd better play or else you'll get a "donkey kick" until she gets a reaction. Typical female! (and yes, I can say that because I AM a female! :o)

"I was always a big-dog person and really was never fond of little dogs. However, when wanting a new addition to our home, I did my breed research and found the Chihuahua to best suit my wants in a dog. Apparently they surpassed my expectations as we went from one to three Chihuahua's in 3 short months with absolutely no regrets.

"I have been watching Cesar Millan's shows for a couple months now and have started to use a lot of his techniques. While my puppies are still young and are a work in progress as most are, I think using these techniques will help them become balanced adults. Of course, the more I watch, the more I learn so I am also a "pack leader work in progress." My pups are already great minding as a result and as an example of that as you can see they are easily "pose-able" for photographs. :o)"

A multi colored Chihuahua puppy is wearing a green collar with a large bone tag hanging from it and sitting next to a plush stuffed animal and behind a rope toy.

"Jasper is a 9-week-old blue merle Chihuahua weighing 1.4lbs. He's a tiny terror, but an overall good boy."

Monkey the Chihuahua Puppy is laying on a pink and yellow flower plush pillow

"Monkey is a 10-week-old Chihuahua. She got her name Monkey because she climbs on my shoulders all the time and adores bananas, so I thought 'Monkey' really fit her. She is very, very playful and is a joy to have. She is completely pad trained now and knows sit! She lives with 2 adults, 2 teenagers (15 and 16) and 2 little kids (7 and 11) and she loves everyone. But, is very attached to me (I'm 16). Monkey is estimated to weigh about 3 lbs. full grown. She is extremely smart and has great manners, surprisingly. Monkey is for sure a lapdog and follows me around everywhere!! Loves car rides and is very well socialized. I've watched Cesar Millan for about 3 years now and have read his book. He's amazing and has taught me so much about dog psychology, he is truly my idol. Monkey is a well-balanced dog and I taught her young not to have the mind set to walk all over me or try to control me in any way. Though she is spoiled rotten, she knows who is boss. I could not imagine my life without my little Monkey and have lots of years to look forward to. I will ONLY have Chihuahuas; they are an amazing breed and truly a joy to have!!"

Tiqi the tan and white Chihuahua is laying on a bed and looking at the camera holder

"This is our 8-month-old, 4.5-lb. Chihuahua Tequila. We call her Tiqi as a nickname and we love her to death. She's very energetic and I'm glad to see your site lists that they should be walked daily. Lots of people think that because she's so little, she doesn't need it, but her behavior is so much better when she's been exercised. She's very social and believes that any person she sees is there for the sole benefit of petting her. She's never learned to bark, which is fine for us. She does well with other dogs and children and is very smart! We were able to teach her to sit, shake with both her right and left paws, and 'walk pretty' in one week! This is her getting ready for bed in her PJ's."

Boo the black Chihuahua is laying on a shiny blue blanket and looking up to the top left

This is Boo, a shorthaired all-black Chihuahua at 1 year old, weighing 6 pounds. Solid black is not a very common color in the Chihuahua breed.

Close Up - A brown Chihuahua is looking to the camera holder. The Words - Natalia Washington 2009 - are overlayed
A brown Chihuahua puppy is sitting on a carpet and looking up at the owner

Chihuahua puppy

Blondie the Chihuahua is in a harness in between a man and a woman who are on a motorcycle. Everyone is wearing a helmet and sunglasses
