• Chihuahuas are very alert and intelligent dogs. 
• They are excellent companions. 
  
• Graceful, swift, friendly and fearless are adjectives that come to mind
• This is also a breed that recognizes and prefers the company of its own kind.

Daily Care

• There are two coats, long and smooth; neither  requires a lot of grooming.  A wet washcloth or baby wipe can often be enough. 
• The long coats require brushing once a week.  However, if you want to fuss and brush, they will enjoy it.
• Teeth should be brushed on a regular basis.
• Nails should be clipped about every two weeks according to activity level.

Health Concerns

• All in all, the Chihuahua is a healthy little dog.  I have know some in their late teens and early twenties; so, expect a long relationship with this breed
• You can help towards this longevity by spaying or neutering at a young age, keeping the dog at ideal weight, feeding a good quality food and working on good dental hygiene.
• Luxating Patella:  The patella is similar to the human kneecap.  We have our puppies checked at least twice by a veterinarian before they leave us so we know the patellas are tight .  However, injury in the future can create a problem causing  the patella to slip. 
• Dental disease:  Tartar control is important in maintaining a healthy dog.  Beside brushing, there are now dental sealants available for dogs and additives to drinking water that aid in dental health.

Myths  

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The Teacup Chihuahua

Let me assure you there is no such thing.  This is a phrase used by those that lack true knowledge of the breed.  This breed is the smallest.  This is not to say that a specimen of another breed may be smaller then your Chihuahua, but that the breed, as  a whole, is the smallest.  If you are set on the smaller of the small, those under 3 pounds please do your research.  They tend to have larger moleras.  They are also more prone to health problems.  This can be like buying a very delicate piece of crystal and the purchase of such should not be entered into lightly.

I am frequently asked if I have the “deer” type Chihuahua or the “apple” type.  There are only two types of Chihuahuas, long coat and smooth coat.  This is a breed that is supposed to be 6 pounds or under, with an apple domed head.  I breed towards the standard as set out by the AKC. 

Molera

The molera is a soft spot on the top of the head.  It is typical of Chihuahuas, though some may not have it.  It was once considered as a mark of purity of this breed. It does not mean that the dog has a condition known as hydrocephalus.