Group 9 · Companion dogs
Chihuahua (Long-haired)
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, in a smooth-coated and a long-coated variety, with a big heart and often a strong bond with one person. It is alert and lively, but its size means it must be handled with care, so never choose 'as small as possible'. This breed profile covers the Chihuahua (Long-haired).
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Chihuahua - Korthaar Chihuahua - Langhaar by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 6 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 heart examination
- 1 kneecap examination
- 1 other examination
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (6)
-
Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM)
Examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- MRI
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital heart disease (auscultation)
Heart examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Merle colour test (PMEL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PMEL: SINE insertion (200-280 bp)
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 7 (NCL7)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- MFSD8 c.846del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Chihuahua - Korthaar Chihuahua - Langhaar, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) and Congenital heart disease (auscultation). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Merle colour test (PMEL), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 7 (NCL7), Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1) and Eye disorders. According to the breeding advice, a mating of two merle parent dogs is subject to a breeding ban: at least one parent dog must be free of the merle allele. According to the breeding programme, BOAS is a hereditary condition for which no generally recognised scientific test is currently available. Dogs with severe breathing problems, too short a stop and narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), diagnosed by a vet, are not used for breeding. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Chihuahua needs short walks and playtime every day. A little coat can help in cold weather. The smooth coat is easy to look after; the long coat needs brushing a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- What is the PMEL (merle) result of both parent dogs?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
A Chihuahua is alert and quick to bark at unfamiliar sounds or people. Treat it as a real dog and not as an accessory: socialisation and training matter just as much as with large breeds. Children need to learn how to handle such a small dog gently. Also note the merle rule from the breeding programme.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
