Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is in a small size which has a saucy, alert expression, and big personality. Their coat is smooth with soft and shiny hair in different types and colors. As a national symbol of Mexico, Chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds of the Americas and among the top ten watchdogs recommended by experts.
| Other Names | Chihuahueno |
| Color | Black, Black and Tan, White |
| Height | Males: 5-10 inches. Females: 5-10 inches. |
| Weight | Males: 1-7 pounds. Females: 1-7 pounds. |
| Life Span | 14-16 years |
| Personality | Charming, Graceful, Sassy |
| Exercise | Regular Exercise |
| Origin |
| Popularity | #35 |
| Groom Needs | Occasional |
| Kids Friendly | Yes with supervision |
| Dog Friendly | Yes with supervision |
| Watch Dog | |
| Family Dog | |
| Litter Size | 2-5 |
Chihuahua Video
Introduction
“Graceful, charming, and sassy.” They originally come from Mexico, named after the Mexican state Chihuahua. The cute pocket-sized dogs are full of irresistible attractions, and that makes celebrities love them – an extension of themselves probably! These cutie pies are the smallest dog breed in the world, weighing about 6 pounds and about 9 inches at the shoulder. They say dynamite comes in small packages and their huge personalities make up for that small size, to the point that they can even become aggressive! A Chi owner needs to socialize a pup so only their best paw is put forward when making new friends. Can you believe that you can choose from a variety of nine colors when choosing a Chihuahua? They can either be long-haired or short-haired. They rank 24th on the AKC list of dogs.
Living with Chihuahua
The two coat varieties of the Chihuahua have slightly different grooming needs. Short coat Chihuahuas should be brushed once a week, while the long-haired variety needs to be brushed more often to prevent tangles or matting. You can use a rubber grooming mitt or a brush with short, natural bristles for a shorthaired Chihuahua and a pin brush for a longhaired Chihuahua. Generally, Chihuahuas shed small amounts year-round and heavily in the spring and fall, during this period, it is recommended to brush more frequently.
A Chihuahua doesn’t need a bath more than every month or two, if under regular brushing, and you should use a shampoo formulated for dogs when bathing.
Besides, owners need to check their ears regularly to remove any excess wax or debris to avoid ear infections. You can clean the inner ear with a cotton ball or a gentle cleanser.
Chihuahuas are prone to poor dental health, brush their teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup and fight gum disease, and the daily brush is better.
Additionally, if the dog does not wear down the toenails naturally, the nails should be trimmed once per month.
Chihuahuas like to run and play, and can usually do enough exercise in a small space. Simply trotting with their owners is generally enough for a Chihuahua’s daily exercise. And they can usually stay healthy in good weight and condition by taking a few walks nearby or playing some short-term games in the living room or yard.
It is recommended to use a harness instead of a collar because some Chihuahuas develop collapsing trachea, a condition where the windpipe becomes flattened and easily irritated.
Besides, Chihuahuas couldn’t suit well in very hot or very cold temperatures, so you need to minimize their exposure to both during walks and exercise.
Chihuahuas only need a few hundred calories each day because they are small. A good, balanced diet is always a safe bet when it comes to feeding Chihuahuas, you can feed your dog with a mix of protein, grain, and vegetables, but some Chihuahuas are prone to getting overeating, it is important to watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats may be an important aid in training, but excessive intake can lead to obesity.
A high-quality dog food suitable for the dog’s age should have all the nutrients that the breed needs. Chihuahua puppies should be fed often to prevent hypoglycemia, which is a serious condition for small puppies. You can feed with small meals of high protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates, it may help prevent this issue. Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
Chihuahuas may be prone to the following conditions: Patellar luxation, Congenital heart disease, Heart murmurs, Shivering, Hypoglycemia, KCS, pulmonic stenosis, hydrocephalus
Suggested tests:
Cardiac Exam
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Patella Evaluation
It needs to know that this breed is known for having open fontanels, called a “molera,” which is a soft spot on the top of the skull.
Total Annual Cost: $2272
Cost is estimated for the first year and may vary depending on many factors, such as dog food, health care, leash, collar, licensing, possible fencing, crates, training and obedience classes, dog-walking, grooming, treats, toys, flea, tick, and heart-worm meds, microchips, etc.
The Chihuahua is a very alert little dog of high intelligence. Because this breed is love to please its owners, they are easy to train for the basic commands, such as “sit”, “shake” and “roll over”, but you need to use a positive reinforcement training practice. Never allow your Chihuahua puppy to do anything that will be unacceptable in an adult.
Some owners may worry about is how to conduct a potty training to a Chihuahua. Although toy breeds have the reputation of being tougher to potty train, supervision and consistency will help speed up the process. Most Chihuahuas respond well to using treats during training, but take care to use small treats or even part of meal rations to prevent weight gain.
Athletic and energetic, Chihuahuas can excel in agility training, advanced obedience classes, and dog sports.
History
It is thought that Christopher Columbus brought the Chihuahua to Europe. In a letter to the King of Spain, he made mention of a small dog.
Like a lot of modern-day breeds which history is shrouded in mystery, so too is the Chihuahua. Nevertheless, there are some historians who have their theories on the history of the Chihuahua, believing it leads back to the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.
Apparently dog fanciers are believed to have discovered the earliest of Chihuahua specimens in the middle 1800s, and later, Mexican merchants sold them to border tourists, of which many were brought back to the US as pets.
Archeologists unearthing ancient burial shafts in Colima Mexico believe that the pots and sculptures depicting dogs on them were that of Chihuahua because they had such striking similarities, dating back to 300 BC.
There are other theories that link the Chihuahua to the Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo, a small, mostly hairless dog that roamed Mexico for thousands of years.
Some first written accounts of a Chihuahua come from a dog judge called James Watson. He immigrated from Scotland to New York in the 1870s. On his way, he bought a Chihuahua, Manzanita, for just 5$. He went back to buy more, and one became a champion, Juarez Bell. He wrote about these dogs in the American Kennel Register and Country Life in America.
In the 1890s, the Mexican president gave the famed Italian French opera singer, Adelina Patti a bouquet of flowers. Hidden inside was a small Chihuahua which she loved so much, she took it on many of her tours.
By 1915, 30 Chihuahuas were registered at the AKC and by the 1980s, there were 25,000 registered.
Helpful Information
Breed Club: CHIHUAHUA CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.
Breed Club Link: https://chihuahuaclubofamerica.org/
Breed Club Rescue:
Breed Club Rescue Link: https://chihuahuaclubofamerica.org/breed-rescue/