About Teacup Chihuahuas

The Teacup Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog and is often mistaken for a rat or other rodent. These dogs make the perfect pet for first-time pet owners because they are easy to take care of. They are only about 9 inches high and weigh no more than 5 pounds. 

Physical Description
Teacup Chihuahuas live on average about 15-18 years old. They have distinct characteristics of large eyes that do not stick out, large ears and a curly tail. Teacup Chihuahua breeds are divided into two categories. One breed has long hair and the other has short hair. The short-haired breed shed more hair than the long-haired breed.  However, the long-haired breed needs to be bathed and groomed more often.

Temperament
Teacup Chihuahuas are friendly pets, active and make excellent companions. They are extremely sensitive dogs and do not like yelling or those who raise their voices. A household with louder inviduals may not be the best choice for this delicate breed.

Grooming
This breed of dog is easy to groom due to its small size. They are easy to bathe, but their sensitive skin calls for a very mild dog shampoo. The short-haired breed usually needs to be bathed about every 2 weeks and the long-haired breed should be bathed more often.

Vaccinations
Every pet, no matter what type, has to be vaccinated. Vaccinations protect the pet and the owner, especially against rabies since it is a deadly disease. Have your dog vaccinated as soon as you get them home if they haven’t been vaccinated already. 

Food
Since Teacup Chihuahuas are very small, it is crucial that you do not overfeed it. They can eat three small meals per day. The dog food that you feed it should contain the correct amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fiber.

Coloring
Teacup Chihuahuas come in a wide range of colors. They can be a solid black, a solid white or they can have a pattern with a variety of colors. The most common coloring is fawn, which is the same coloring as the famous Taco Bell Chihuahua.

Health
Chihuahuas in general are known to have only a few genetic defects compared to other breeds of dogs. They could suffer from loose kneecaps, in which the most severe cases require surgery. Low blood sugar is a common problem in small toy dogs. Symptoms include glassy eyes and limpness. Other conditions include heart murmurs, which are very rare, a collapsing trachea, which is treated with medication, and Molera, which is a characteristic and not a defect. Molera is a soft spot on the top of the head.