Selection guide - A Chihuahua is usually a one-person dog

A Chihuahua is usually a one-person dog. They are loving with their owners, but they are often jealous and suspicious of outsiders.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Check potential breeders carefully

Check potential breeders carefully and ask whether they are members of breed, specialty or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check references and make sure the breeder is not running a puppy mill - a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Health problem

Understand that Chihuahuas can suffer from weak knees, colds, corneal dryness, secondary glaucoma, genetic disorders relating to the soft palate and trachea, molera, heart valve problems and dislocated kneecaps. Talk to the breeder to find out what type of health screenings have been performed.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Look at the Chihuahua's features when choosing your dog

Look at the Chihuahua's features when choosing your dog. A good dog will have fine bones without too many muscles, a round head, large eyes and perky ears.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Reconsider Chihuahua if you have children or other pets

Reconsider this breed if you have children or other pets; most Chihuahuas won't get along well with kids or animals.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Reconsider buying a Chihuahua if you want a calm, quiet dog

Reconsider buying a Chihuahua if you want a calm, quiet dog. Chihuahuas act excited when they see you and will bark often, though this can be avoided with proper training.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Consider a Chihuahua if you want a vigilant watchdog

Consider a Chihuahua if you want a vigilant watchdog. Because of their alertness and loyalty to their owners, Chihuahuas are suspicious of visitors.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Chihuahua is a sweet, attentive dog

Choose a Chihuahua if you're looking for a sweet, attentive dog. They love to be around humans and will lie in your lap for hours.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Chihuahua may not be good with children

This breed can be stubborn, jealous and aggressive, and may not be good with children and other animals.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Some Chihuahuas bark a lot

Some Chihuahuas are extremely excitable and many bark a lot, though some bark very little. Proper training can reduce excitability.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Chihuahuas often shiver

Chihuahuas often shiver - not just when cold, but also when excited.

Chihuahua - Dog Lover