Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Its history mirrors the long-coated variety: small dogs of this type were found in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the mid-19th century, likely descended from the Techichi, a companion dog kept by pre-Columbian peoples in Mexico, with some evidence of small Asian dogs contributing to the type after Spanish colonisation. The smooth coat is the more common and, historically, the more frequently seen variety, and it was the coat type first recognised when the American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1904.

Living with a Smooth Coat Chihuahua brings the same big personality as the long coat in an even lower-maintenance package, since its short, close coat needs little more than an occasional wipe-down and sheds lightly year-round. It feels the cold more than most breeds owing to its small size and thin coat, and shivering in cool weather is normal rather than a sign of distress, though a jumper on winter walks helps. It is intensely loyal, often bonding most closely with a single person, and can be sharp with strangers or unfamiliar dogs if not socialised early.

Its tiny size makes it fragile around rough play, jumping from height, or being stepped on, so it needs careful handling and is generally better suited to households with older children or none at all.

Today the Smooth Coat Chihuahua remains hugely popular worldwide as an apartment and city companion, prized for its portability, long lifespan and outsized personality relative to its size.