Breed Health
Chihuahua Health Issues
A generally long-lived toy breed, though its tiny size brings a distinct set of health considerations worth knowing.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Luxating Patella
A kneecap that slips out of place, very common in toy breeds; mild cases may need no treatment, severe cases occasionally require surgery.
Molera (Open Fontanel)
Many Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot in the skull similar to a human infant’s, which usually closes with age but calls for gentle head handling in puppyhood.
Dental Disease
The breed’s small jaw often crowds teeth, raising the risk of periodontal disease; daily brushing and regular dental checkups matter.
Hypoglycemia
Toy-breed puppies are prone to low blood sugar episodes, especially when very young; frequent small meals help prevent this.
Preventive Care
Handling puppies gently around the head until the molera closes is an important early precaution. Frequent small meals for young puppies help prevent hypoglycemic episodes. Daily tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings meaningfully reduce the breed’s elevated risk of periodontal disease.
Did You Know?
Because of their tiny size, Chihuahuas can be more vulnerable to cold and injury from falls than most breeds — a sweater in cold weather and caution around stairs both matter more than they might for a larger dog.
Chihuahua Gifts
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