Chihuahua
Chihuahua Complete Breed Information
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with a lot of personalities. They are endearing, intelligent, and aggressive dogs. Chihuahuas are appreciated by their owners for their distinctive looks and lively dispositions, despite their small stature. This beloved companion dog is loyal, lively, and notably cute. And, like other little dogs, you'll be hard-pushed to find a Chihuahua that doesn't know how to use their cuteness to get what they want.
Weight
- Male: 2-6 lbs
- Female: 2-6 lbs
Height
- Male: 6-9 inches
- Female: 6-7 inches
Life Span
- 12-20 years
Appearance
A Chihuahua's body is somewhat longer from the front body point to the base of the tail than he is tall, measured from the withers top of the shoulder blade to the floor. Although many Chihuahuas dogs have the more narrow and slanted unofficial deer-like head, the skull is domed (apple-shaped). The ears are upright and relatively big. Chihuahua puppies are born with floppy ears that get stronger as they age. Adult Chihuahuas may not always wear their ears up; they can also keep them back, which they do frequently depending on their mood. When you're relaxing or sleeping, your ears usually slide back. Long and sickle-shaped, the tail has a little upward bend.
The eyes are large and round. Dark brown is the most common eye color. Light brown Chihuahuas can be found with light-colored coats. It's conceivable to observe fawn and white coats with hazel or green eyes. Ruby is a possibility, but it's exceedingly uncommon.
Blue eyes are occasionally found, but they are considered a significant flaw in the show ring. The length of the coat might be smooth, short, or lengthy. Smooth coats provide a tight and lustrous appearance. The hair on long coats is either straight or somewhat wavy. While most Chihuahuas have a single coat of fur, some have a double coat with an undercoat.
Temperament
Chihuahuas are sassy, alert dogs with a personality to match a giant. They may not be able to communicate effectively, but that doesn't stop them from expressing precisely what they want: generally, a lot of quality time with their favorite person. Chihuahuas are frequently loyal to a single family member, and their need to be with them and protect them can become obsessive.
Those dogs are known as "armpit piranhas." If they're being held and someone approaches the person carrying them, the Chihuahua will make every attempt to defend his owner, regardless of whether it's required or not.
Despite his small stature, the Chihuahua is brave and fearless. Chihuahuas have a reputation for being pampered and untrainable, but this is frequently due to a lack of effort from their owners. Like any other dog, Chihuahuas require consistency in their rules and structure to learn well. They are trainable if you are willing to put the time in.
Living Conditions
Chihuahuas are great pets for apartment dwellers, students, or people who live in smaller houses due to their tiny size. Of course, taking a dog outside when it's cold and rainy is never enjoyable, especially for Chihuahuas. If you don't want to take your dog out on cold winter days, Chihuahuas are ideal because they can be trained to use a litter box or wee pad. When you do take them out to do their business or get some exercise, don't leave them alone in the yard: They could be attacked by a bird of prey or other larger animal.
Chihuahuas will undoubtedly be the kings and queens of the domain. Remember that, like any dog, Chihuahuas may get into problems if they aren't socialized from an early age. They will not back down if they get into a yappy fight with another dog, even if it is a much larger one. However, if properly socialized, they will get along with other dogs in the house, particularly other Chihuahuas and even cats.
As adorable as they are with their owners, Chihuahuas may be wary of strangers. And, while they get along with older children, they're not the best dogs for families with tiny children since they're too delicate to play with. If a Chihuahua isn't held correctly, she might jump out of a child's hands and hurt herself, so keep an eye on your kids while they're around these little puppies and educate them on how to deal with them.
Care
Smooth and lengthy coats are available in Chihuahuas. Smooth Chihuahuas have a velvety, glossy, close-fitting coat with a ruff around the neck of thicker, longer hair. They have very little hair on their heads and ears. It is preferable to have a hairy tail rather than a naked one. Smooth Chihuahuas shed, but the amount is minimal enough for anyone but the most house proud to handle. Brush them regularly with a rubber grooming glove or soft bristle brush to eliminate dead hair and maintain skin and coat healthily.
The long-coated Chihuahua results from a recessive gene, which means that a puppy must inherit the gene from both parents for the long coat to develop; thus, he isn't as common in litters as the smooth. The dog has a ruff around the neck, fringed ears, feathering on the legs, and a plumed tail, and his long, silky hair are flat or slightly curled. The remainder of the body's hair is virtually as smooth as the sleek Chihuahua's. Although they shed annually, Chihuahuas with long coats are attractive and straightforward to maintain.
Once or twice a week, brush the long coat with a soft bristle brush. Remove knots from the hair on the ears, legs, and tail with a stainless steel comb. If you brush your Chihuahua regularly, he shouldn't require baths as often. If he spends a lot of time on your furniture or your bed, though, washing him as often as once or twice a week isn't a bad idea. So that he doesn't get chilly, use a mild dog wash and thoroughly dry him. Allowing him to air dry is never a good idea.
Use a solution prescribed by your veterinarian to clean your Chihuahua's large ears. Cotton swabs should not be used inside the ear since they might push muck farther down. Wipe the ear out with a cotton ball, avoiding going more profound than your first knuckle. Trim his nails regularly, generally every two weeks. They should never be so lengthy that they make a noise on the floor.
Health
The Chihuahua has no severe health issues, although he might be born with or develop specific diseases, just like any other breed. Although not all Chihuahuas will get any or all of these ailments, it's essential to be aware of them to ask breeders questions and know what to watch for during your Chihuahua's life.
Purchasing a Chihuahua from a reputable breeder will help you receive the healthiest Chihuahua possible. Before you take home a puppy from a reputable Chihuahua breeder, he will be vaccinated and dewormed. Only physically sound, mature (at least two years old) dogs are used by responsible breeders. Their breeding stock is tested for hereditary illnesses specific to the breed, such as luxating patellas (bum knees) and heart disease.
Both parents should have health clearances, proof that a dog has been checked and certified for a particular ailment. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will provide health certifications for patellas and heart problems in Chihuahuas. The OFA website can be used to verify health clearances.
Dogs under the age of two do not receive health certifications. Because specific health issues do not manifest themselves until a dog reaches full adulthood, this is the case. As a result, it's standard advice that dogs should not be bred until they're two or three years old.
Folic acid, heart disease, patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), hypoglycemia, and epilepsy are all potential health concerns to be aware of, according to the CCA. Earwax build-up and dry skin are also common problems in Chihuahuas. According to the CCA, before you take your Chihuahua home, make sure your breeder has completed all OFA-recommended health testing. If you're adopting a Chihuahua, make sure you get all of the medical information you can.
Molera, a tiny hole on the top of the skull the size of a pencil eraser, is typical in Chihuahuas. Historically, the existence of molera, which is similar to a soft area on a newborn baby's skull, was an indication of breed purity. Still, it is not a signal of health issues later in life. Size, heredity, and skeletal structure all have a role in whether a Chihuahua retains its soft spot.
History
While the origins of the Chihuahua are unknown, there are two primary ideas. According to one theory, Chihuahuas are descended from the techichi, a more effective form of the Chi that dates back to the 9th century and the Toltec civilization. The Aztecs defeated the Toltecs, and the Aztecs emphasized techichi in their culture because they thought the canines had magical abilities, such as the capacity to see into the future, heal the ill, and safely escort the spirits of the deceased to the underworld.
Techichi was a temple dweller who took part in numerous ceremonies and buried the deceased. However, when the Spanish invaded the Aztecs in the late 1500s, the techichi vanished. According to the CCA, the dogs resided in isolated communities. They were discovered by Americans visiting Mexico in the mid-1800s, primarily in the state of Chihuahua, earning them the moniker we know them today.
According to the second idea, small hairless dogs from China were introduced to Mexico by Spanish traders and mated with small local dogs. Some speculate that Christopher Columbus may have played a role. These are the origins of short-haired Chihuahuas; long-haired Chihuahuas were most likely developed through crosses with papillons or Pomeranians. Whatever version of the narrative is correct; we know that Chihuahuas have been depicted on ancient artifacts.
The first Chihuahua was registered with the American Kennel Club was born in 1908. Chihuahuas were popular as pets in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, thanks to Xavier Cugat, a famous singer, and bandleader who memorably swung his baton with one hand while holding a Chihuahua with the other.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons to wish to acquire a chihuahua; they are adorable, little, don't require a lot of exercise, have a huge personality, and are loyal to a fault. Their unusual size and attitude make him an excellent go-anywhere companion. The ideal Chihuahua parent would most likely work part-time or from home to devote as much time as possible to caring for and connecting with their pet.
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