Scroll down to read more about this special breed.
About The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, or the Chihuahueño in Spanish, is a toy-sized companion breed from Mexico that comes in short and long-haired varieties. While pint-sized, these little dogs are powerhouses with big personalities. Typically weighing in at just 4 to 6 pounds, Chihuahuas are known for their feisty attitude, loyalty, and love for attention. They make excellent companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. Chihuahuas can build deep connections with all family members, but they often have a penchant for singling out one household member as their “person.” This doesn’t mean they don’t care about others. Rather, they have a unique way of showing undivided loyalty and affection to the one they feel closest to. This breed loves nothing more than being with their people and requires minimum grooming and exercise. They also make excellent apartment dogs.
Regarding temperament, Chihuahuas have feisty and independent personalities. They are also very loyal and affectionate towards their owners. This breed is typically good with children, but they may be too small and fragile for rough play.
Chihuahuas come in two varieties: smooth-haired and longhaired. Smooth-haired Chihuahuas have short, sleek fur that requires minimal grooming. Long-haired Chihuahuas have longer, flowing fur. These small, fluffy dogs require additional grooming and should be brushed regularly to prevent matting.
Chihuahuas come in various colors: black, brown, white, and tan. They can also have a combination of colors, such as black and tan or brown and white, and merle.
Training: Good news! Chihuahuas are fairly easy to train, which makes them a great choice for new pet parents.
Energy levels: Chihuahuas tend to acclimate to your mood, if you want to play they will. But if you want to cuddle on the couch they are ready for either.
Intelligence: Despite what you may have heard, Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs! They are fast learners... and certainly know how to get their own way!
Lifespan: 14-16 years. That being said I've known chihuahuas that have lived up to 22 years.
Imported Bloodlines
At Down South Pups, we are proud to incorporate carefully selected imported chihuahua bloodlines into our program. Imported dogs help preserve genetic diversity, introduce exceptional pedigrees, and maintain breed characteristics that have been developed by respected breeders around the world.
Every dog in our breeding program undergoes health screening appropriate for responsible breeding. We utilize modern DNA testing as one important tool alongside veterinary care, temperament evaluations, pedigree research and careful selection.
Understanding DNA Health Testing
Genetic health testing is an incredible advancement, but it is important to understand its limitations. DNA tests screens are for known genetic variants. They do not test for every possible inherited condition, and new variants continue to be identified through ongoing research. A dog receiving a 'clear' result is clear for variants tested-not necessarily every genetic condition that could ever exist.
Additionally, imported bloodlines may come from breeding populations that differ from those most commonly represented in north American genetic databases. As canine genetics continue to evolve, interpretation of some results may change as more research becomes available.
For this reason, we believe responsible breeding involves much more than a single DNA report. We consider health history, pedigree, temperament, structure, veterinarian evaluations, and genetic compatibility when planning a litter.
Our goal is to produce healthy, beautiful Chihuahuas while continually improving our breeding program through education, transparency and responsible breeding practices.