Teacup Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are the world’s tiniest dogs, and it is not uncommon for Chihuahua lovers to refer to smaller species as “Teacup Chihuahuas”, “Tiny Toy Chihuahuas”, “Pocket Size Chihuahuas”, etc. Chihuahuas can vary in size, and the standard wither height for the Chihuahua ranges between 6 and 10 inches. Chihuahuas are purely companion dogs, not intended for hunting, physical work or service. They are small and fragile, and they are well accustomed to indoor life. Chihuahuas are sensitive to harmful outside influences, especially cold and rain. Not infrequently, they suffer from breathing difficulties, wheezing and snoring. They have extremely delicate bones and hence they are prone to injuries.

Teacup Chihuahuas, as they are often called, are superb family companions. Despite their small size and delicate bodies, they are very protective and self-assured. They have a saucy and vivacious disposition, and they are much more active than some people think. Chihuahuas appreciate daily walks on warm days, and some dogs enjoy intelligence games. Teacup Chihuahuas can get on well with other small-sized dogs. Well socialized Chihuahuas are good with non-canine pets.

Chihuahuas can be very jealous and possessive around their loved ones. Many dogs bond with one particular person in a household. They can be reserved with strangers and snappy with small children. Chihuahua breeders do not usually recommend this dog for families with small children, because Chihuahuas hate it when someone teases them, and small children are often rough with small animals. Not infrequently, interaction with small children ends in injuries and bites. Teacup Chihuahuas are quite intelligent, and some dogs can learn and perform various fascinating tricks.

There is still much uncertainty as to the breed’s origin, but they are known to be related to the Techichi dog (non-existent today), which was a sacred dog of the ancient aboriginal tribesmen, who lived in what today is Mexico. For this reason, Chihuahuas are considered to be the oldest dogs in the New World. Numerous archaeological finds suggest that the Techichi dog was very similar with the modern Chihuahua in terms of appearance. The process of the dog’s evolution toward the dog it is today is hard to trace, and most theories concerning the formation of the dog’s genetic makeup are mostly based on speculation. Most probably, today’s Teacup Chihuahuas have been influenced by some Oriental dog, probably the Chinese Crested Dog.