We are used to seeing it in the arms of members of the so-called jet set, accustomed to gracing the catwalks, but in reality the chihuahua is not a handbag dog that, by virtue of its micro dimensions, gets itself accepted into restaurants and fashionable venues — it is a small dog with a big heart and indomitable courage, hidden beneath the miniature guise of a lapdog.

The origins of the chihuahua

Native to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico — bone remains of dogs similar in proportions were recently discovered in the pyramid of Cholula — it appears, according to many scholars, to have a close kinship with the Chinese dog, sharing ancestral links in both temperament and morphology. From China, then, the chihuahua is said to have been brought to Mexico, where small, similar dogs already existed. Indeed, the chihuahua is the smallest dog breed ever selectively bred by humans. Yet, despite this, it retains a lively and combative character and can be, despite its small proportions, a tireless guardian and defender of home and family.

Long-haired or short-haired, it's still a chihuahua

The chihuahua standard provides for both a long-haired and a short-haired version. "The choice, in this case, is purely aesthetic. The long-haired variety needs to be brushed and combed frequently to prevent knots forming in the coat. A bath once a month will be ideal for maintaining cleanliness and skin health in both versions," explains Cristina Russo of the Casa Russo Breeding Kennel.

This small dog often suffers from bad breath, and its teeth need to be cared for and monitored carefully to prevent early problems with tartar and tooth decay. A healthy and robust dog, the little chihuahua can nonetheless easily develop eye problems — slightly protruding and therefore prone to trauma and conjunctivitis — which must therefore be kept under observation. A word of advice before purchasing: the chihuahua is a small dog, but it must show no signs of rickets. Its weight ranges from 1.3 to 1.8 kilograms, although individuals of the breed weighing one kilogram or 3.5 kg do exist. In any case, a thorough veterinary examination will establish the exact build and morphology of the new arrival.

The chihuahua's temperament

It is a perfect companion for large families, but it is often chosen as a companion by sedentary singles. Even though it loves outdoor life and has a strong pack instinct, it adapts easily to domestic life, soaks up cuddles and affection, and, precisely because of its small size, can follow its two-legged companion virtually everywhere without any great difficulty.

"At the same time," Russo continues, "the chihuahua proves to be an attentive watchdog, raising the alarm at the slightest noise, and showing great courage even in its dealings with larger dogs." It is no coincidence that these small dogs are said to have been used by Toltec priests to guard temples in ancient Mexico: in packs of around ten individuals, they were capable of deterring thieves and four-legged predators like a small but noisy miniature army.

The pros and cons of choosing a chihuahua

"The chihuahua is certainly not a sedentary dog," adds Cristina Russo, "but, at the same time, precisely because it is so small, it will never be a hiker or a tireless walker through woods and mountains." If one opts for this breed, one must therefore take into account above all its size, which makes it a perfect companion for a city apartment, but it is not recommended if one wants to choose a companion for hiking or outdoor sports. "Attention must also be paid to diet," warns Russo, "because the chihuahua is a sturdy little dog, but it must not put on weight and become a roly-poly. Opting for an appropriate diet from puppyhood, following the advice of the attending vet, is therefore fundamental to keeping it in full health."

The characteristics of the chihuahua

This small dog's strong character makes it easily susceptible to behavioural mistakes on the human side. "The chihuahua is very intelligent and loves to observe and establish behaviours designed to capture the attention of those who live alongside it," adds Cristina Russo. "Never overindulge it with bad habits and vices, therefore, and always bear in mind that this small dog is not a toy, nor a handbag plush toy."

Aggressive and snappy chihuahuas are simply the product of poor upbringing by owners who have confused small size with submissiveness and fragility. Nothing could be further from the truth for this small dog, bred over the centuries not only for companionship but also, and above all, for guarding and defending territory.

What is the correct diet for a chihuahua

To feed these dogs properly, as mentioned, it is essential to follow the advice of the attending vet. First and foremost, it is important not to overfeed the animal, as obesity is one of the greatest threats to the chihuahua's health. For the correct feeding of an adult chihuahua, it is advisable to give it no more than two meals a day, divided into the quantities suggested by the vet, which may vary depending on the individual animal. One can choose either dry food, avoiding low-quality feeds, or home-cooked meals, such as white and red meats, boiled fish, rice and boiled vegetables. Feeding a chihuahua puppy requires extra care. The first months of life, up to around the seventh month, are very important for ensuring adequate growth. When using packaged feeds, specific kibble exists for the different growth stages of the animal, namely starter, puppy and adult.

The importance of the pedigree

As with every breed, at the time of purchase, the breeder must provide the official pedigree of the dog (without it, the dog cannot be described as "pedigree" or even sold), which records its genealogy and lineage. The pedigree is also extremely important for the puppy's health: examine it carefully to uncover any errors made by unscrupulous breeders (such as, for example, mating between close relatives — father and daughter, grandfather and granddaughter — a practice that is highly detrimental to the health of the dogs and the breed). For information on breeders, one can visit the website of Enci, the Ente nazionale cinofilia italiana, which provides a list by region as well as the standard for recognised breeds.