The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog with a very, disputed origin. Regardless, most will weigh between four and six pounds and if cared for properly, can easily live to 18 years or more. Although the Chihuahua is not necessarily a good guard dog, simply due to size, they do have a keen sense of awareness, protection, and loyalty to the owner, which makes it one of the best watch dogs you could get. They will alert you to activity with a powerful bark that for such a little dog can be surprising.

This breed of dog is very alert, graceful, and swift moving. They have a huge heart but with a saucy attitude. The eyes are full and set wide apart with a somewhat buggy appearance, the ears large and erect, and the coat is shiny, which can be long or short. The head of the Chihuahua is one of this breed’s distinguishing marks. First, the Chihuahua has what is called a natural molera. Like a human, the skull has three sections and a soft pad at the top of the skull. For dogs, this is extremely rare.

Because the head is so round, many people refer to it as an “apple” head or “apple dome.” Now, when a Chihuahua has a different shaped head due to a much narrower skull, it is referred to as a deer head Chihuahua, resembling a deer. For example, the Chihuahua you see in the Taco Bell commercial is a deer head Chihuahua. Most people prefer the apple dome but with the deer head Chihuahua becoming so popular, in part due to the commercials, some breeders are deliberately breeding deer head Chihuahuas as a means of making money.

The problem is that while this does not affect the quality of the Chihuahua’s life, a deer head Chihuahua would not be show quality nor do they make good breeders since this trait would likely be passed on to other generations. In fact, in the world of Chihuahuas, this is considered a defect. Because some people think this is natural and how the dog should look, they will unsuspectingly purchase a deer head from a greedy breeder, only to discover the head is disproportional.

Sadly, because of the irresponsibility of some breeders, you will find many deer head Chihuahuas winding up in rescue situations. In this case, a person will buy the dog and once they discover the dog is “defected,” they want to get rid of it. Again, there is nothing wrong with the dog, just that it is missing the natural apple shaped head. In fact, some deer head Chihuahuas are abused simply because of a dissatisfied owner.

Therefore, if you are looking for a Chihuahua to breed or show, it is imperative that you work with a reputable breeder, one that will ensure you buy an apple head from quality stock. Now, if you are simply in the market for a sweet, loving Chihuahua, one that will remain devoted to you for life, check into Chihuahua rescues, looking at some of the deer head dogs that desperately need good homes.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 36% [?]

Although the Chihuahua breed of dog has been popular for thousands of years, in current times, two things have led to the increasing popularity of this breed–Taco Bell commercials and Paris Hilton. Due to their incredible small size, you cannot help fall in love with their appearance. However, when owning a Chihuahua, you will soon discover their spirit and heart.

The interesting thing about this breed of dog is that for years, people have been buying what they believe to be a Tea Cup Chihuahua. It is believed that the name came from breeders adding slang to the name, a cute title so to speak. In reality, the name “Tea Cup” was meant only as a description, a comparative if you will to a teacup and its small, dainty size. However, that slang was somehow converted into a type of Chihuahua, which is incorrect.

While a Chihuahua can be so small it fits into a teacup, this is just a comparison, not a breed. Unfortunately, what has happened over the years is that breeders discovered that by using the name “Tea Cup Chihuahua”, they sold more puppies. While not illegal, they began advertising this type of Chihuahua, leading people to believe that a Tea Cup Chihuahua is some type of special breed.

Another problem is that by using the name “Tea Cup Chihuahua,” it produces an image of the dog staying extraordinarily small. Since the Chihuahua is already the smallest breed in the world, weighing between just four and six pounds, people believe they are buying a dog that will weigh just two pounds and while this might end up being the case, there is no way to tell.

All Chihuahua puppies are teeny tiny but it is not until they grow and reach maturity that their true size will be known. Sure, you may luck out and get a very small Chihuahua, but there is no guarantee. Because of this, you would be surprised at how many dogs end up in shelters and rescue homes because they did not meet the expectations of the owner. This tactic of selling more dogs is not only irresponsible and deceiving, but to make things worse, these breeders also charge astronomical prices to unsuspecting buyers. That means instead of paying $500 for a Chihuahua, people end up paying $1,000. You can imagine the frustration and anger once the Chihuahua reaches six pounds and is not a “tea cup.”

In fact, there are some breeders today that have become so convincing in selling Tea Cup Chihuahuas that they are thought to be reliable, reputable sources. Therefore, if you are interested in buying this breed of dog, understand that Tea Cup Chihuahuas do not exist, although small ones do. No breeder, regardless of experience or claims and regardless of the size of the Chihuahua’s parents has the ability to determine the size of the dog once full grown. Beware and be smart so you buy a healthy, loving Chihuahua.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 7% [?]

If you are interested in buying a small dog, one that is loyal, protective, exceptionally smart, alert, comical, and extremely loving, then you might consider a Chihuahua. Sometimes referred to as a “toy Chihuahua,” this breed is the world’s smallest dog, weighing between just four and six pounds at full maturity. Even though small, the Chihuahua has a huge heart and big attitude.

When considering a toy Chihuahua, there are some things to consider. For starters, they do well with children if introduced as puppies but children must be taught to handle this breed carefully because of the small size. However, typically a Chihuahua will do much better with adults and for some reason, prefers women over men. Regardless, this is an excellent breed that makes a wonderful family pet.

In addition, toy Chihuahuas do well with other dogs, even large breeds. The only consideration is again its size, keeping the little dog safe and protected. One woman had a six-pound Chihuahua and a 110-pound Labrador. The two would commonly fall asleep curled up together. In addition, when someone would ring the doorbell, the Labrador would stand at the top of the stairs with the Chihuahua underneath its body as they both barked. As you can imagine, the sight was something to behold.

Even though a Chihuahua is small, do not be fooled thinking this is a timid dog. In reality, the Chihuahua is bold, usually in charge of the household, and never afraid to stand its ground. However, that does not mean this breed is aggressive, just confident. In addition, this breed is generally a healthy dog that will live for 15, 18, and even up to 20 years.

Because of the small size, the fact that the Chihuahua would easily cuddle in someone’s lap all day, and requires very little exercise, it makes the perfect pet for elderly, disabled, or people living in apartments or homes with small or no yards. The price of a toy Chihuahua is around $500 although you can find some wonderful dogs at rescue centers for much less. Typically, these dogs have lost their home due to a deceased owner or unfortunately were taken from a bad situation. Sometimes, you might have to work with temperament a little in building trust but with patience and love, these dogs are genuinely appreciative for a good home.

When choosing, you will find subtle differences between males and females. For instance, the males are a little more rough and tough, tend to be more outgoing, have a very reliable mood, and are often a bit more clumsy and comical. The downside is that some males need a little more work in the housebreaking territory in that they like to mark things but this can be corrected. For the females, they are often a little more calmly affectionate, they learn faster, and are not as easily distracted, but they are prone to mood swings, and drama. Regardless, both male and female toy Chihuahua is perfect pets for many people.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 5% [?]

First and most importantly, there is no such thing as a “Teacup Chihuahua.” This is a comparison statement, not a special breed. Sadly, many breeders are selling tiny “Teacup Chihuahuas” for big money, misleading buyers into thinking they are getting something different, something unique. What happens is that these buyers go home believing their tiny bundle of joy will never grow larger than two pounds and while it may not, there is no guarantee. Therefore, when you get ready to buy your Chihuahua, never buy from a breeder that convincingly talks about a “Teacup.”

However, for the sake of this article, we will use the words, “tiny teacup Chihuahua” only as description, NOT a breed. Choosing the right puppy means you need to dedicate some time and gain a solid understanding of the breed. The Chihuahua is a wonderful pet that is fun, smart, loving, and makes a great watchdog. One of the first recommendations we would make is to look at the entire litter as a whole. Pay attention to any of the pups that seem to stay away, backed suspiciously in the corner. These puppies would require even more patience and may not be the most loving pet.

Next, do not let the breeder talk you in or out of buying a particular puppy. Knowing about the breed and what to look for is your best ammunition for choosing the right puppy for YOU. For example, if you notice one particular Chihuahua puppy completely avoiding the group of pups as well as you, if the breeder should tell you that that puppy has just not been handled much, then one of two things is happening.

Firstly, the puppy could be extremely shy. In this case, it would take a lot of training to socialize the dog to get along with you, other members of the family, and perhaps other animals in the home. This is certainly possible but you have no guarantee that the puppy will ever come out of this state. Secondly, if the puppy has not been handled much, this is a problem with the breeder. A good, reputable breeder has the responsibility to ensure every puppy is handled, loved on, and played with daily to help socialize them. This socialization process is what develops well tempered dogs and if the breeder is not spending adequate time that is noticeable in the puppy, you should see red flags being raised about the breeder’s dedication and competency.

If you notice the tiny teacup Chihuahua hiding under furniture or tucking its tail, chances are you will never be able to bring it out is shell. Sometimes, there are problems with the puppy’s genes that simply cannot be changed. Therefore, learn to distinguish between shyness and fear. Instead, allow the puppy to choose you, not the other way around. When you visit various breeders or rescue organizations, sit down on the floor to see which of the puppies comes to you, climbing in your lap for love and attention.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 5% [?]

Most people have heard the term “teacup Chihuahua,” believing this is a special type of this breed. In truth, there is no such thing as a teacup Chihuahua, although many breeders will use this terminology to make a sale. The word itself conjures up thoughts of an even smaller dog, which is what many people want. Now, considering the average Chihuahua puppy weighs less than three ounces at birth and will only grow to about six pounds at maturity as it is, achieving “teacup” would impossible.

Typically, the reference to a “teacup Chihuahua” is more slang than fact. Sadly, this misconception has the potential to lead to problems. For example, if someone were to want a teacup Chihuahua, only to find it ends up weighing seven pounds once full grown, chances are that person is not going to be happy. Therefore, the dog could be on the receiving end of the disappointment, a very bad position to be in, unless the owner simply loved the dog regardless and did not care.

Remember that the size of the Chihuahua will be determined partly by genetics as well as overall health. Now, someone could ask a breeder for a teacup size, rather than a teacup breed, but the problem is that no one can tell if a six or ten-week old Chihuahua puppy will grow to be a teacup size. Since the puppies will not reach full growth until around the age of two, the person would have to wait and see.

Another more serious problem when it comes to buying a “teacup Chihuahua” is that sadly, some commercial breeders as well as puppy mills will provide false birth dates to make a buck. In this case, the puppy may be just six weeks old but the person is selling it as a ten-week old. The buyer, completely unaware, thinks they have found a very small Chihuahua, thus the teacup as advertised. Of course, as the puppy grows, the truth does come out.

So what is the answer? First, understand that teacup Chihuahuas do not exist but small ones do. The breed itself is already tiny so the best option is to work with a reputable breeder that will provide you with a healthy Chihuahua puppy, the most important factor. You know the dog will not grow to much more than six or seven pounds anyway, which compared to other breeds is exceptionally small. Therefore, the best bet is to do your homework to understand specific things to look for in a puppy and questions to ask the breeder.

From there, you can look at several litters, finding that one special puppy that melts your heart. Together, you can grow with your new pet, learning to love and respect it regardless of size. Now, if you are looking for a Chihuahua puppy to breed, there would be stricter guidelines but again, the same type of situation would exist in that there is no such thing as a teacup. In this case, a reputable breeder, good bloodline, and the right features would be the most important aspects of buying.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

Popularity: 5% [?]