I always want to pronounce this “chi-who-a-who-a”. I heard that in a movie or a old TV show, I can’t remember which one, but it’s stuck with me since then. My husband used to work with a guy who said “chi-wow-wow”. We still laugh at that, but I’m afraid to say it too often for fear that I’ll accidentally pronounce it like that in front of other people, and they’ll think I’m an idiot.
The Chihuahua is another breed that tops the Most Popular Breed lists year after year. These cute little dogs are great for people in apartments and travel well.
History – There are differing theories about the origin but almost everyone seems to be agree that, at some point, this breed came from Mexico.
Size – They should not exceed six pounds.
Temperament – Chihuahuas can have a variety of dispositions – some can be sweet and fun, others high-strung and fearful. If you’re buying a puppy insist on meeting the parents since genetics will play a part in your dog’s temperament.
Pros-
- Doesn’t need a lot of exercise.
- They are great watchdogs.
- Loyal.
- Affectionate.
Cons -
- They tend to bark a lot.
- Can be tough to housebreak.
- Can be clingy.
- Not recommended for families with small children.
This is a smart dog but because of his strong personality and stubbornness, you should consider formal obedience training. They become very attached to their owners and may show jealousy towards others. I’ve met really sweet and funny Chihuahuas and others that could have used some training. Remember to do your homework!
If you’re looking for a Chihuahua puppy the American Kennel Club has a Breeder Info page.
If you’d like to rescue a Chihuahua please visit Chihuahua Rescue & Transport.
Please send me your Chi-Wow-Wow photos if you’d like to include them here.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
My sister and brother-in-law had been raising these dogs, but have stopped in the last couple of years. They have the mom, Jingle…who was a rescue dog, from a very abusive family. She’s shy but very loving if she trusts you! Then the dad is Jasper…he’s very muscular for a chihuahua, and VERY tolerent of my four year old’s picking him up and lugging him all over. He’s really a great dog! Of coarse, their off-spring are sprinkled throughout our family. My niece has one of their first puppies, his name is Pork Chop…his was a chubby puppy, but now he’s very lean and exceptionally well behaved–very loyal and loving! My dad has Pork Chop’s brother, Pepper. He is loving after he finally allows you to get to him…but he is all of the cons! He is always barking, has accidents in the house, doesn’t want little kids to play with him…but he is definately my dad’s dog…I dont think that either of them could live without the other. They are great dogs! But for me, they are kind of like being on vacation…a great place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there!
Pork Chop! How cute is that??
I agree – they are adorable dogs, but after researching them I know that they would NOT be a good breed for us.
What a cutie! We had a chi-wow-wow (hehe) when I was growing up. Great dog, but not so great with little kids. She liked me much better once I was older.