How We Protect Our Chihuahuas' Health

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Health testing is an essential part of responsible breeding, but its value lies in how the information is understood and used.

At AmigoReal, every prospective breeding dog completes a comprehensive health-testing programme relevant to the Chihuahua. Results are considered alongside the dog’s pedigree, structure, temperament, development and family history before any breeding decision is made.

Testing cannot guarantee that a dog or puppy will never experience a health concern. It allows us to identify known risks, make better-informed decisions and approach each proposed pairing with greater knowledge and responsibility.

Our results are not hidden. Relevant health information is displayed within each dog’s profile, provided to puppy families and added to The Breed Archive once that dog’s full planned testing programme has been completed.

Chihuahuas are generally long-lived dogs, but like every breed, they may be affected by inherited or developmental health conditions. Some concerns may not be visible during an ordinary examination, and a dog can appear healthy while still carrying a genetic variant or developing an issue relevant to future breeding decisions.

Health screening helps us look beyond outward appearance. It provides information about each individual dog and, when considered across pedigrees and generations, helps us make more informed choices for the future of our breeding programme.

No single result determines a dog’s entire worth, and health testing should never be treated as a box-ticking exercise. Each result forms part of the complete picture used when deciding whether a dog and a proposed pairing meet AmigoReal’s breeding standards.

Every prospective AmigoReal breeding dog completes a planned series of assessments relevant to the Chihuahua. The results are considered together rather than as isolated pass-or-fail measures.

DNA Testing

DNA testing identifies genetic variants relevant to the breed. Results help us understand whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected by a tested condition and allow that information to be considered when planning a pairing.

DNA results are a valuable breeding tool, but they represent only the conditions included within the test and do not replace physical examination, veterinary screening or knowledge of the pedigree.

Heart

Our dogs receive cardiac examinations to check for heart murmurs and other detectable abnormalities. Heart health is particularly important in a long-lived toy breed and continues to be monitored as our dogs mature.

Eyes

Eye examinations assess the health of the eye and screen for abnormalities that may be inherited or develop over time. These include cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes and other conditions relevant to vision and breeding decisions.

Patellas

Each dog’s patellas are assessed for stability and graded individually. Patella luxation occurs when the kneecap moves out of its normal position and is an important consideration within the Chihuahua.

Hips and Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Hip radiographs are used to assess the hip joints and look for evidence of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a condition affecting the femoral head.

Where appropriate, these radiographs are completed under anaesthetic during another planned procedure, such as a dental, to minimise unnecessary stress.

Thyroid Function

Thyroid testing helps assess function that may influence metabolism, energy, coat condition, behaviour and reproductive health. Results are considered alongside the dog’s age, physical condition and veterinary history.

Dentition and Temperament

Health cannot be assessed through laboratory results alone. We monitor tooth development, bite, jaw alignment and ongoing dental health throughout each dog’s development.

We also carefully observe temperament, confidence, resilience and adaptability. These qualities are essential to the wellbeing of the individual dog and form an important part of every breeding decision.

The following conditions may occur within the breed. Their inclusion does not mean every Chihuahua will develop them, nor can all health concerns be prevented through screening. Understanding recognised risks supports informed breeding, early observation and appropriate veterinary care.

Dental Health

The Chihuahua’s small mouth can contribute to crowded teeth, retained puppy teeth and periodontal disease. Regular brushing, veterinary dental examinations and appropriate treatment are important throughout life.

We monitor the development of each dog’s bite, jaw and adult teeth, but continued dental care remains essential after a puppy leaves us.

Patella Luxation

Patella luxation occurs when the kneecap moves outside its normal position. Its severity varies, and signs may include intermittent skipping, lameness or an unusual hind-leg movement.

Our prospective breeding dogs have their patellas examined and graded, with the result considered alongside structure, movement, pedigree and family history.

Heart Disease

Heart murmurs and mitral valve disease are important considerations in small, long-lived breeds. Signs of heart disease may include coughing, reduced stamina, changes in breathing or difficulty exercising.

Our breeding dogs receive cardiac screening, and continued veterinary monitoring remains important as every Chihuahua ages.

Eye Conditions

Chihuahuas may experience inherited or acquired eye conditions, including cataracts and other abnormalities that can affect comfort or vision. Redness, cloudiness, discharge, squinting or changes in vision should always be assessed by a veterinarian.

Eye examinations form part of our health-testing programme.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease affects the femoral head and may cause pain, stiffness or hind-leg lameness, usually in a young dog. 

We use radiographic assessment to look for evidence of the condition before breeding.

Tracheal Health

Tracheal collapse can cause a distinctive dry or honking cough, noisy breathing or difficulty breathing, particularly during excitement or physical exertion.

A well-fitted harness can help avoid unnecessary pressure on the neck, although any persistent cough or breathing concern requires veterinary assessment.

Hydrocephalus and Fontanelles

A fontanelle, sometimes called a molera or “soft spot,” is an opening between the bones of the skull. A small fontanelle may remain in some adult Chihuahuas and does not, by itself, mean that the dog has hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a separate neurological condition involving an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the brain. Concerns such as seizures, poor coordination, unusual behaviour or delayed development require prompt veterinary investigation.

Dogs with an open fontanelle should be protected from trauma to the unprotected area of the skull.

An Important Note

Health testing helps identify and manage recognised risks, but no breeder can guarantee lifelong freedom from every illness or condition. Our responsibility is to use the information available, remain transparent and make breeding decisions with the health and welfare of each generation in mind.

This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice. Any concern about a Chihuahua’s health should be discussed with a veterinarian.

A thoughtfully bred Chihuahua should reflect more than appearance alone. Health, soundness, temperament and correct breed type must be considered together.

While every puppy is an individual and no breeder can predict every aspect of future development, responsible breeding should provide a strong foundation. 

This includes:

• Parents selected using health results, pedigree, structure and temperament
• A pairing planned with clear and considered goals
• Puppies raised in a clean, enriched home environment
• Early handling, socialisation and confidence-building experiences
• Honest information about health, pedigree and development
• Veterinary care appropriate to the puppy’s age
• Lifelong support from the breeder

At AmigoReal, puppy families receive relevant parental health information and access to the pedigrees and breeding history behind their puppy. We believe transparency enables families to understand where their Chihuahua came from and the care taken in planning each generation.

Whether an AmigoReal puppy is destined for the show ring, a responsible breeding programme or life as a cherished family companion, each receives the same foundation of care, intention and respect.