One of the most popular teacup breeds, often known as the smallest breed that started the teacup puppy craze, Teacup Chihuahuas make the best 'accessory pets'. With their small size and the cute clothes, collars, carriers, and jewelry that go with these tiny pups, it's hard not to love them and treat them like precious and prized bundles of joy!  Who wouldn't want a Teacup Chihuahua of their own to bring  around everywhere you go?  Chihuahua puppies are just way too cute and precious!

Breed: Chihuahua

Origin: Mexico. This breed of dog is named after the state of Chihuahua, in northern Mexico.

Size and Weight: Chihuahuas are of the Toy Group, and one of the smallest purebreds around. The Kennel Club in the UK and the American Kennel Club in the US does not accept any animal over 6 lbs into the competition ring, but animals can grow as big as 10 lbs, and possibly even bigger. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) accepts dogs between 3.3 – 6.6 lbs, but will accept dogs smaller than this into the show ring. The teacup variety is anything less than 4 lbs. The Chihuahua’s height ranges from 6 – 10 inches, but can even get as tall as 12 – 15 inches. Breeders often use the words “miniature”, “teacup”, “tiny toy”, “apple headed”, or “deer headed” to describe the size of their dogs, but these connotations do not exist in the Kennel Clubs, and thus could be confusing or misleading as breeders do not need to follow any rules in using these labels.

Color: Chihuahua coats come in a variety of colours, including cream, fawn, red, chocolate, blue, and black. The classic Chihuahua is fawn colour, where blue is very rare. They can also come in multiple colours, such as tricolor or brindle. Patterns can also be seen as well, such as spots, marks, etc.

Coat: Chihuahuas either come with short hair (classified as a Smooth Coat variety), or with long hair (classified as a Long Coat variety). Their coats do shed, so be aware of this for people with allergies to animal dander and dog fur.

Body: Heads of Chihuahuas are described to be round, apple shaped. Chihuahuas may have a molera, or a soft spot in the skull, when born. This is normal, but care must be taken during the puppy’s first six weeks to avoid injury to the brain. Eyes are usually big and dark. With dogs of lighter coat colour, lighter eyes are accepted, except for blue. Noses are dark as well, except in very light coated dogs, where noses can be as light as pink. Their ears are large, pointed, and erect. Muzzels are slightly pointed. Tails are long and covered in hair. Paws are small and toes are well split up.

Temperament: Chihuahuas are alert, spunky, with a terrier-like attitude. Because they are small animals, they can be startled easily and may have a tendency to bite when frightened. Chihuahuas also have a reputation of being protective of one’s owner and being territorial. Therefore, it may not be wise to have Chihuahuas with small children, and be aware that a Chihuahua may not warm up to strangers. Of course, remember that a properly bred Chihuahua with proper training and treatment from a responsible owner, like any other breed, leads to an animal with a wonderful temperament.

Care: Chihuahuas are capable of adapting to living in smaller spaces, such as apartments, and tend to not require as much exercise as larger breeds. But Chihuahuas still need their walks; don’t think that these pets can go on being carried all day! Chihuahuas, like other small breeds, tend to have a longer life span, at around 10 to 17 years. Lately, with irresponsible breeders who are inbreeding animals for a smaller size, there may be higher tendencies for genetic defects, especially neurological ones. Chihuahuas, because of their small size, are also prone to hypoglycemia, and hypothermia. Other problems include eye infections, airway injuries and joint injuries.

Famous Chihuahuas: Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbell, Taco Bell’s Chihuahua ‘Gidget’ during the “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” commercials phase, Heart-Kun and Love-Kun, Chihuahuas in Japan with heart patterns