The Ultimutt Chihuahua Handbook

Introduction and history Quirks of a Chihuahua Health Conditions Chihuahua can be prone to Chihuahua exercise Chihuahua grooming Chihuahua diet Why we Recommend Fresh for a Chihuahua

Reviewed by Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS

Tiny dogs with big personalities, Chihuahuas are a loyal, energetic and affectionate breed known for their striking looks.

Introduction and History

Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas are full of personality. This feisty little breed traces its roots back to Mexico, where it was discovered in the 1800s in the state of Chihuahua (hence the name). They are believed to have descended from the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by the ancient Toltec civilisation.

Chihuahuas quickly gained popularity in the U.S. during the late 19th century, thanks to their loyal nature, intelligence, and striking looks. Today, they are known as charming, confident, and affectionate companions, making them a favorite among city dwellers and dog lovers alike.

Quirks of a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas have big-dog energy packed into their tiny bodies. They are bold, confident, and sometimes a little stubborn—traits that can be mistaken for arrogance. Their fearless nature means they often act like they’re much larger than they actually are!

These dogs are incredibly loyal and often form a strong bond with one particular person, sticking to them like glue. While affectionate with their families, they can be wary of strangers and make excellent little watchdogs. Their alert nature means they tend to bark at anything unusual, so early training can help manage this.

Chihuahuas love warmth and comfort, so don’t be surprised if your pup seeks out the sunniest spot in the house or burrows under a blanket. They also enjoy playtime, cuddles, and interactive games, making them great lap dogs with a playful side.

Health Conditions Chihuahua can be prone to

Though generally a healthy breed, Chihuahuas are prone to a few common health issues:

Luxating Patella - A condition where the kneecap moves out of place, causing discomfort or limping. This is especially common in small breeds. Mild cases may not require treatment, but severe cases can need surgery.
Dental Issues - Due to their tiny mouths, Chihuahuas are more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing and dental chews can help keep their teeth in good condition.
Heart Problems - Chihuahuas are predisposed to mitral valve disease, a condition in which the heart fails to properly pump blood around the body and can eventually lead to heart failure. Regular vet check-ups are essential for early detection and management.
Tracheal collapse - Occurs when the cartilage rings supporting the windpipe weaken, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing in some cases

Regular vet visits, a healthy diet, and good dental hygiene all contribute to a long and happy life for a Chihuahua.

Chihuahua exercise

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are energetic and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. While they don’t need as much physical activity as larger breeds, they still benefit from short walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

A couple of short walks each day, combined with some indoor play, is usually enough to keep a Chihuahua satisfied. They love to run and explore, but their small size means they tire out quickly.

Chihuahuas are also sensitive to temperature extremes—they dislike the cold and may need a sweater in winter, while in summer, it’s important to keep them cool and out of direct sunlight.

Chihuahua grooming

Chihuahuas come in two coat types—short-haired and long-haired. Short-haired Chihuahuas are low-maintenance, requiring just occasional brushing, while long-haired Chihuahuas need more frequent brushing to prevent tangles.

A bath every 2-3 months (or as needed) keeps their coat fresh.
Regular nail trims prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
Ear cleaning helps reduce the risk of infections.
Daily teeth brushing is crucial for their dental health and is much easier when started from an early age. Ask your vet for advice about tooth brushing if you are unsure.

Chihuahua diet

Chihuahuas have small stomachs but fast metabolisms, meaning they need small, frequent meals to keep their energy levels steady. A high-quality small-breed dog food that contains lean protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients is ideal.

Overfeeding is a common issue—since they burn fewer calories than larger dogs, portion control is key to prevent obesity. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging and adjust based on their activity level. Regular checkups with a vet will also help to ensure that their weight and health can be accurately assessed, and that any changes can be made if needed

Chihuahuas can also be picky eaters, so finding the right food may take some trial and error. Always provide fresh water, and avoid feeding them human food, as their digestive systems can be sensitive.

Why we recommend fresh for a Chihuahua

Highly processed kibble can really exacerbate the conditions Chihuahuas are more susceptible to. A dog fed on a fresh food diet will live on average 32 months longer than a dog fed a dry diet (read more about this on our blog). That’s why a fresh Tuggs diet, gently cooked to lock in the nutrition, pre-portioned and tailor-made is a no-brainer for your pooch.

Promote better digestion for your Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are pretty good at digesting a whole load of things (more so than us humans!) but that’s not to say they can digest anything. The human-grade ingredients we include in Tuggs is highly digestible and helps your Chihuahua thrive in so many ways: providing the protein for growth (particularly muscle growth), a strong heart, and of course, nice and firm poops. With ingredients your Chihuahua can digest, their poop will be less volumous and less stinky. Makes picking them up slightly less tedious!

Improve dental hygiene for your Chihuahua

Dried pellets are definitely not the answer to clean teeth (or fresh breath). In fact, due to its ultra-processed nature, kibble is more prone to getting stuck in your pup’s teeth, contributing to decay and plaque build-up. Unsurprisingly, a fresh-food diet contributes far less to this. Moreover, the fresh ingredients contribute to a stronger overall immune system, ready to fight off any bacterial infections in the mouth or beyond.

Maintain healthy joints for your Chihuahua

Chihuahuas can be prone to issues with their joints. Fortunately, a lean body condition will lessen the chances of issues manifesting - easily achievable on a Tuggs diet. Our salmon oil in each recipe has loads of Omega-3 fatty acids, the first port of call for any doggy looking to improve arthritis and reduce inflammation. Even if kibble did contain some of these healthy fats, the ultra-processed nature of the food makes it harder for your Chihuahua to absorb the goodness. Furthermore, the fats can go off given kibble has such a long shelf life. Fresh food is, well, fresh. The ingredients land on your doorstep with all their goodness ready to nourish your beloved.

Maintain a healthy weight for your Chihuahua

Our algorithm will sort a tailor-made diet for your Chihuahua, with clear portioning, and can be adapted as your pooch grows from a puppy into a lean adult. An overweight Chihuahua will be at a far increased risk of various conditions including arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. Fresh food with no dodgy ingredients is a pretty easy way to stay on top of the weight issue!

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Reviewed by Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first opinion and referral-level practices. Combining a passion for teaching others with his education, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. Then, after gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam began writing. This allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

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