All About the Black Chihuahua: A Complete Breed Guide

Chihuahuas come in many different colors, but one of our favorites is black. Though this color isn’t genetically rare, it is definitely something you won’t see every day. Black and tan or even cream-colored Chihuahuas are a lot more common.

Today is all about the beautiful black Chihuahua. If you’re interested in this specific type of Chihuahua, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll share everything you need to know about this breed, including size, temperament, grooming needs, health risks, and much more.

Are Black Chihuahuas Different?

You may be wondering if there is something that sets the black Chihuahua apart from other Chihuahuas.

Though you may not see black Chihuahuas all that often, they aren’t different from other Chihuahuas. In fact, the AKC considers black to be a standard color for a Chihuahua, so even purebred Chihuahuas can be black.

What Do Black Chihuahuas Look Like?

Black Chihuahuas look like any other Chihuahua: adorable, small dogs with bat-like ears and protruding eyes. Of course, black Chihuahuas are black. They can be fully black, or they can have white markings, which you’ll often see on the chest, neck, and face.

Black Chihuahuas are not to be confused with black and tan Chihuahuas, which are (you guessed it) black and tan. Black Chihuahuas can have short or long hair.

What Size Is a Black Chihuahua?

Black Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that typically weigh no more than six pounds. They tend to be five to eight inches tall at the withers.

What Is a Black Chihuahua’s Coat Type and Length?

Black Chihuahuas can have short, smooth coats or long-haired coats. The long-haired coat can be straight or somewhat wavy. The long coat is more of a medium length along the body, but the tail hairs are long.

Whether long or short-haired, some black Chihuahuas can have double-layered coats while others will have only single-layered coats. Regardless of the coat length or amount of layers, Chihuahuas are moderate shedders and are not hypoallergenic.

What Is a Black Chihuhua’s Temperament?

For such a small dog, the black Chihuahua has a lot of attitude. They can be incredibly affectionate and loyal to their owners, but they are also known for being feisty.

Chihuahuas will not hesitate to snarl, growl, or even bite someone who is bothering them or threatening them in some way. Some Chihuahuas can be quite protective of their owners.

Because they are such a sensitive breed, they need a lot of socialization while they are puppies so that they can learn to be friendly with strangers. Luckily, black Chihuahuas are able to get along with other animals like dogs and cats, but it’s still important to socialize them.

Chihuahuas are considered yappy, so while their small size is great for apartment living, you may have to worry about noise complaints. They take to training pretty well and tend to be quick learners, but some do take a bit longer to housebreak.

Are Black Chihuahuas Good With Kids?

We would not recommend the black Chihuahua to a family with young children. Because this breed is so small, it is also somewhat fragile. Young children often do not know how to be gentle with dogs or have not yet developed the motor skills necessary to do so. They could accidentally hurt the Chihuahua.

Furthermore, though some black Chihuahuas can be very friendly, the breed is known for being feisty. It isn’t uncommon for Chihuahuas to lash out at those who bother them in some way. This is why training and socialization are so important for this breed.

Children are more likely to get bitten by a Chihuahua since they may not be as gentle or may not know how to respect a dog’s boundaries. However, black Chihuahuas may be okay living with older children who are gentle and can respect the Chihuahua’s boundaries.

Are Black Chihuahuas Aggressive?

Chihuahuas have a reputation for being aggressive, and unfortunately, it is not entirely unfounded. Black Chihuahuas will growl, snarl, or even bite people who bother or threaten them. They can also be territorial, and some may guard resources such as food or toys.

Though Chihuahuas, including black ones, have this bad reputation, they are not irredeemable. In fact, there are many sweet, docile, friendly Chihuahuas out there. However, if you want your black Chihuahua to grow up to have a good temperament, then you need to put in the work when it comes to socialization and training.

Expose this breed to as many people, animals, sights, sounds, and experiences as possible. If they have good experiences when they’re young, they’re more likely to grow up friendly, confident, and calm.

Training should always be positive, especially with how small, fragile, and sensitive this breed is. Show the black Chihuahua that good things come from you and listening to you is fun, and they’ll be happy to let you touch their toys, their food, their paws, whatever.

Training that uses physical punishment could cause a black Chihuahua to become more aggressive, so steer clear of it.

Are Black Chihuahuas Energetic?

Black Chihuahuas are quite energetic and playful, but because of their small size, it doesn’t take much to tire them out. They can get enough exercise playing in the house or from a short, slow walk around the neighborhood. Black Chihuahuas are certainly low-maintenance when it comes to exercise.

Are Black Chihuahuas Good Service Dogs?

If you’re looking for a service dog, the black Chihuahua could make for a good one. Chihuahuas tend to be quick learners who are eager to please. However, their small size would disqualify them from certain types of service work, such as mobility assistance or guiding.

They can be great psychiatric service dogs, though! Their small size makes them effortlessly portable, and they can easily be put on the lap or held, which can help people feel calmer.

For the same reasons, they would also make great emotional support animals. The only type of assistance work black Chihuahuas may not be suitable for is therapy work. Therapy dogs need to be friendly and accepting of strangers touching them. Since many Chihuahuas don’t warm up quickly to strangers, they aren’t the best option for therapy work.

How to Care for a Black Chihuahua

When it comes to grooming and hygiene, black Chihuahuas are low-maintenance. Whether long or short-coated, they need only be brushed about once a week. All dogs should have their teeth brushed daily, but this is especially important for the black Chihuahua as this breed is prone to dental issues.

Brushing the teeth daily will help your dog keep them. Though this breed will never need to be sent to a professional groomer (unless you want to), they should have their teeth cleaned by a veterinarian at least once a year. It’s also good to let your black Chihuahua have access to chew toys at all times as long as they are not a choking hazard.

Otherwise, the black Chihuahua’s needs are pretty basic. Bathe them as needed and clip their nails regularly. That’s it!

What Health Problems Do Black Chihuahuas Have?

Health issues that may affect the black Chihuahua include the following:

• Heart problems (patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disease)
• Eye diseases (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, cherry eye, corneal endothelial dystrophy)
• Patellar luxation
• Idiopathic epilepsy
• Legg-Perthes disease
• Hydrocephalus
• Dental problems (gum disease, tooth decay)

Seeing all the potential issues a black Chihuahua could face may seem scary. Remember that these are problems that could happen, not will happen. Furthermore, it’s unlikely that a black Chihuahua would suffer from more than one or two of these issues, if any at all.

As scary as these health risks are, you aren’t without options. First of all, making an informed decision about where you get a black Chihuahua from can make a big difference.

Reputable breeders use health tests to make sure their breeding stock isn’t likely to pass any hereditary issues onto their puppies. Furthermore, reputable breeders will be happy to show you these tests as well as the living conditions of their dogs.

Another thing you can do to ensure your black Chihuahua’s good health is routine veterinary care. Most vets recommend that you visit once a year for preventative care such as checkups, blood tests, vaccines, and fecal exams.

How Long Do Black Chihuahuas Live?

Black Chihuahuas typically live for 14 to 16 years. Some Chihuahuas have lived as long as 20 years.

Is a Black Chihuahua the Right Dog for Me?

If you’re looking for a tiny dog with a big personality, then you’ll love the black Chihuahua. This breed can get aggressive with others, including children, so they require an owner who will be dedicated to socialization and training.

The black Chihuahua is a great choice for apartment living (as long as barking is okay) because of their diminutive proportions. Though they’re playful and energetic, they don’t need much exercise and can get their fill indoors when necessary.

The black Chihuahua could be a great choice for anyone who doesn’t have kids (or has older, respectful kids) and is looking for a small, affectionate companion.