Exercise

Contrary to belief, the Chihuahua is ready and able to walk as far as most owners would wish, although he won't object to being carried. The fact that exercise requirements are moderate makes this breed an ideal choice of pet for the elderly or apartment living.

Grooming

The Chihuahua should be groomed several times a week with a soft brush. A rub down with a velvet glove or wash cloth will make the coat gleam. Nails must be regularly clipped and the ears kept clean.

Feeding

The requirements of a very small Chihuahua should be 2 – 3 oz (57 – 85 g) of a high quality pet food, with a few treats through the day. Chihuahuas fare better on two or three small meals rather than one large daily meal, due to their tendency for low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia). Larger Chihuahuas can manage up to 1/2 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) of dog food and a few dog biscuits. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Chihuahua.

Health Care

Not as delicate as one might imagine, but Chihuahuas dislike the cold and appreciate a coat to keep them warm when out of doors in the winter. These little dogs are definitely not designed for kennel living. Chihuahuas that start life with a healthy mother and proper nutrition are seldom sick. Very small Chihuahuas (improperly referred to as ‘teacup’ Chihuahuas) are more prone to serious health conditions, and are generally much more fragile.

Cautions

Watch out for the molera, a small opening on top of the skull. Unlike that of a baby it most likely will never fill in, so a blow on the head could prove to be fatal. This breed is prone to 'snorts;' a spasm of the trachea that sounds like he is choking -- also called a reverse cough. This is stopped by gently rubbing his throat, or briefly covering his nose with your hand (forcing his to breath through the mouth). They also have a tendency to shiver, a habit that evokes sympathy from onlookers, wrongly imagining that the Chihuahua is terrified or frozen.

Dislocated knee caps (Luxation of the Patella) are a common condition of all small dogs, and the Chihuahua is no exception. A dog with bad or weak knees should never be bred. Unscrupulous Chihuahua breeders will get away with it because often the condition does not become obvious until after the pup is a year old. Chihuahuas are also prone to heart conditions. It is important to take your new Chihuahua to a vet shortly after purchase and have her check the pup thoroughly.