Chihuahua Dog:
The petite stature, large personality, and range of coat kinds and colors that the Chihuahua Dog breed exhibits are some of its attractions. They are among the top 10 watchdogs that professionals recommend, are all canines, and are completely competent of participating in dog sports like agility and obedience.
Yes, we’re talking about Chihuahuas—tiny dogs with plenty of personality who look amazing in a sweater. This well-known companion dog is affectionate, lively, and infamously cute. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a Chihuahua Dog that doesn’t know how to play up their cuteness to get what they want, as is the case with other little dogs.
Despite being purebred, you could still be able to discover these dogs in shelters and rescues. Don’t forget to adopt! If you want to bring a dog home, avoid shopping.
Chihuahuas require the least amount of maintenance and exercise and adore nothing more than spending time with their owners, even inexperienced pet parents. The entire family will get along with them, making them great apartment dogs. Just make certain that any kids who come over understand how to play gently with a little dog.
For a complete list of Chihuahua Dog breed characteristics and information in Petlifehealth, see below!
Chihuahua Dog Breed
Not merely because of his affiliation with a particular fast-food Mexican restaurant, the Chihuahua Dog is a spicy little hot tamale. He is known for being the tiniest dog in the entire world, yet inside his little frame may possibly have the largest personality. He appeals to both men and women because of his larger-than-life demeanor.
Chihuahua Dogs are playful and active dogs who adore being near their owners. They go with them in tote bags when their owners run errands or go shopping, and they accompany them everywhere in the home. Chihuahuas frequently develop strong bonds with only one person, and if they’re overindulged, they can become quite demanding.
In addition to being loving companions, Chihuahua Dog are smart and quick learners. They may participate in agility and obedience competitions with the same zeal and success as bigger dogs. They are, however, stubborn little canines. The best chance of success is if you can convince them that competing or simply following your instructions is enjoyable. When teaching your Chihuahua, use praise and food treats as positive reinforcement. Harsh treatment won’t have an effect on him.
It’s crucial to take into mind the Chihuahua’s little stature while thinking about him. Chihuahuas are adventurous, inquisitive dogs. They have managed to get out of yards through tiny cracks in the fence and can fit in spaces other pups and dogs couldn’t. Additionally, despite the fact that they frequently rule the territory, larger, more boisterous dogs may unintentionally hurt them.
Because of the potential for harm to a young child, chihuahuas are not advised for households with children under the age of eight. No of how your household is structured, it’s crucial to socialize your Chihuahua with people, other animals, and children. Chihuahua Dogs are wonderful watchdogs since they are distrustful of strangers, but they must learn how to interact with humans nicely. The Chihuahua Dog needs constant monitoring in unfamiliar circumstances, while out for walks, and while they are in the yard. It is also vital to keep in mind that Chihuahuas often lose sight of their small size and will defend themselves against a larger hostile dog.
The Chihuahua Dog is an excellent go-anywhere companion because to his charm and distinctive size. Many claim that once you spend your life with a Chihuahua, there will be no other dog breed for you. People who live with them get loyal to them.
Chihuahua Dog History
The Chihuahua Dog‘s origins are unknown, as they are for many breeds, however there are two hypotheses as to how they came to be. The first is that he came from the Techichi, a breed of dog native to Central or South America.
When we consider the data that suggests the Chihuahua originated in Central and South America, we are forced to consider the Toltec culture. There are Toltec sculptures from the ninth century C.E. that show a dog with wide ears and a round skull that resembles the Chihuahua. The function of these dogs, known as Techichi, in Toltec society is unknown.
The Techichi were assimilated into Aztec civilization when the Aztecs defeated the Toltecs. Many of the dogs were utilized in Aztec ceremonies and resided in temples. The Techichi, according to the Aztecs, possessed mystical abilities, including the capacity to predict the future, heal disease, and safely transport the souls of the deceased to the underworld. A red Techichi would often be killed and cremated beside the corpse. The Techichi were a source of food and fur for the Aztecs as well. In the late 1500s, the Spanish overthrew the Aztecs, and the Techichi vanished into oblivion.
The second hypothesis is that Spanish traders carried little, hairless dogs from China to Mexico, where they crossed them with small, indigenous dogs.
Whichever explanation is true, the shorthaired Chihuahua we know today was found in the 1850s in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from whence he got his name. The small dogs were carried home by American tourists to Mexico. A Chihuahua called Midget was the first of his breed to be recognized with the American Kennel Club in 1904 as they started being displayed in 1890. Papillons or Pomeranians were likely bred with to get the longhaired type. The breed had a surge in popularity in the 1930s and 1940s thanks to its association with Latin music bandleader and dance king Xavier Cugat. The Chihuahua has been one of the most well-liked breeds recognized by the AKC since the 1960s. They currently hold the 11th place among the 155 breeds and types recognized by the AKC.
Chihuahua Size
A Chihuahua Dog typically weighs 3 to 6 pounds. There are smaller Chihuahuas, but they often have poorer health. Chihuahua Dogs are also capable of being overweight, with some weighing 12 pounds or more. These may be wise selections for families with kids.
The tiniest dogs in the world are chihuahuas.
They are barely a little over five inches tall. The skulls of chihuahuas are rounded. Some have a mushy region where the bones on top of the skull have not fused. It’s known as molera. They have short, pointed muzzles and huge, prickly ears. They have big, rounded eyes. The dogs have a longish tail that is carried up or over the back and are slightly taller than they are long. There are two different coat types. One is brief and smooth. The other has long, plush legs and ears that are fringed. The color and pattern of the Chihuahua coat may be practically any. Chihuahuas are regarded as having a long lifespan, with an average lifespan of up to 14 years.
Chihuahua Personality
The brash and self-assured Chihuahua Dog is frequently compared to a terrier. He makes a great watchdog because of his keen sense of awareness and mistrust of strangers. Being sensitive, he enjoys attention and company.
Although they are often open to establish friends with different individuals if properly introduced, Chihuahua Dogs frequently form close bonds with a single human. At first, though, be prepared for them to be a little reserved. If they are not properly socialized as puppies, chihuahuas might become shy.
Chihuahuas, like other dogs, require early socialization, or being exposed to a wide variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences when they are young. In order to guarantee that your Chihuahua Dog develops into a well-rounded dog, socialization is important.
Chihuahua Temperament
Chihuahua Dogs are devoted lapdogs who adore spending time with their owners. If they aren’t curled up next to you, they could be curled up in a corner or beneath a blanket. Or they’ve managed to locate a sunny area where they can relax.
Chihuahua Dogs make excellent companion animals. They are bold, incredibly vivacious, adventurous, and proud of who they are. Chihuahuas are brave, happy, and nimble, but without the right human guidance, they may become independent. They are devoted to their owners and form attachments to them. Others like licking their owners’ faces.
Chihuahuas, according to their owners, make excellent conversationalists and are sure to alert you to any excitement or irregularities in the home. Since of their outgoing personality and terrier-like attitudes, they make great watchdogs because they are wary of strangers. As with all breeds, socialize your Chihuahua puppy so she can learn to feel at ease in a variety of situations and environments as an adult and stop being so yappy. Chihuahuas typically form a close bond with a single person. Once properly acquainted, they can become friendly, but only when it suits them.
Chihuahua Health
Although the Chihuahua Dogs has no significant health issues, like all breeds, he may be born with or develop some illnesses. Even while not every Chihuahua may have one or more of these illnesses, it’s still vital to be aware of them so you can ask educated questions of breeders and know what to watch for as your Chihuahua ages.
You can assure that you obtain the healthiest Chihuahua by purchasing from a reputable breeder. Before you bring home a puppy from a reputable Chihuahua breeder, he will have received his shots and deworming. Only physically healthy, mature (at least 2 years old) dogs are used by ethical breeders, and they examine their breeding stock for hereditary conditions specific to the breed, such luxating patella (bum knees).Both parents should have health certificates, which are proof that a dog has been examined and found to be free of a certain ailment. You may anticipate seeing Chihuahuas with Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) heart and patella certifications. You can visit the OFA website to validate health approvals (offa.org).
Dogs under the age of two do not receive health certifications. That’s because certain health issues don’t manifest themselves until a dog is fully mature. Because of this, it’s frequently advised to wait until dogs are two or three years old before breeding them.
The following diseases might have an effect on Chihuahua Dogs:
- Patellar Luxation: This issue, sometimes known as “slipped stifles,” affects a lot of little dogs. It is brought on when the patella, which consists of the femur (the thigh bone), patella (the knee cap), and tibia (the calf), is not lined up properly. This results in a skip or a hop in the gait or lameness in the affected limb. Although the actual misalignment or luxation does not often happen until much later, the problem is present from birth. Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that can be brought on by the rubbing that patellar luxation causes. There are four levels of patellar luxation, from grade I, a rare luxation that only temporarily impairs the joint, to degree IV, when the tibia is severely turned and the patella cannot be manually straightened. The dog seems to have bowlegged legs as a result. Surgery may be necessary to correct severe degrees of patellar luxation.
- Hypoglycemia: All toy breed puppies may have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. [Note: I’ve left this section marked as a toy breed. There is a distinction between little and toy-sized dogs, such as between Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Beagles, and Miniature Dachshunds.] Early-stage hypoglycemia is easy curable, but if left untreated, it can be deadly. Breeders and parents of toy breed pups must be aware of the warning signs and symptoms since clinicians occasionally mistake this illness for viral hepatitis or encephalitis. A hypoglycemic dog will sluggish down and become listless before shaking or shivering. Get him to the vet right now and put some honey under his mouth. He’ll ultimately pass out, have convulsions, go into a coma, and die if the scenario is allowed to continue. It’s an emergency if your Chihuahua is limp and has grayish-blue gums and a tongue. When toy pups don’t have enough fat stores to deliver enough glucose under stressful situations or when they skip meals, hypoglycemia happens.
- Heart Murmurs: A disruption in the blood flow through the heart’s chambers is what causes heart murmurs. They serve as a warning sign for potential cardiac diseases or conditions that require monitoring and care. One is considered to be extremely mild, while five is considered to be quite loud when grading heart murmurs. The dog could need medicine, a specific diet, and less exercise if the illness is obvious, as determined by x-rays and an echocardiography.
- Pulmonic Stenosis: This congenital heart condition happens when the blockage caused by a defective pulmonic valve prevents blood from flowing through the heart adequately. Because of this, the heart may have to pump more forcefully and grow bigger, which might cause heart failure. The severity of the condition will determine how it is treated. There is little to no blockage in moderate instances, therefore no treatment is required. Surgery is advised if the condition has seriously impacted the dog, however the treatment depends on where the obstruction is located.
- Collapsed Trachea: Although the exact mechanism is unclear, fast air intake flattens the trachea and makes it harder for air to reach the lungs, much like when too much force is applied to a soda straw. Dogs with this condition have an irregularity in the chemical composition of their tracheal rings, which causes the rings to lose their rigidity and lose their ability to maintain their circular form. This problem may be hereditary; it occurs in particular breeds.
- Hydrocephalus: Because of a genetic flaw, a blockage, or a trauma at birth, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can build up in the brain and put pressure on it. The head seems bloated or enlarged, but an ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis if necessary. Hydrocephalus has no known treatment, however in mild instances, steroids can assist lower fluid pressure. The fluid from the brain can also be sent to the belly via a shunt. Chihuahua purchases should be postponed until the age of four months since puppies with serious conditions typically pass away before that.
- Open Fontanel: The top of a Chihuahua’s head has a sensitive area from birth. Normally, the soft area closes, much as a newborn would, but occasionally, one won’t completely shut. Handle these pets with caution. A careless hit to the head might be fatal.
Shivering: Shivering is a typical Chihuahua behavior. It’s unknown what causes them to shake or shiver, although it often happens when a dog is nervous, scared, or cold.
Chihuahua Care
Despite being a little dog, the Chihuahua Dogs nevertheless need training and exercise. It might be surprising how much energy an adult Chihuahua possesses. In the backyard, he will chase squirrels incessantly and is eager to play as long as you are. Chihuahuas like strolls, controlled yard romps, and toy retrieval. It’s critical to prevent overexertion in them since they’ll keep going until they drop, especially on hot days.
Chihuahua Dogs should never live outside, despite the fact that they love to play outside. They are not protected from large dogs or raptors like hawks or coyotes that could enter your yard. They were raised to be companions, and you are the ideal environment for a companion. Chihuahua training may be a fun endeavor. They excel in a variety of canine sports, including agility and obedience, but even for a Chihuahua that is just a companion, puppy kindergarten and basic obedience classes are crucial. Your Chihuahua will socialize with many other dogs and people in class and acquire the etiquette that all canines should know.
As long as you take your Chihuahua Dogs out often and according to a regular schedule, they are just as simple to housetrain as any other breed. Puppies need to go outside right away when they wake up in the morning, right after every meal, right after naps, right after playing, and just before night. When you can’t watch them, putting them in a crate will teach them to regulate their bladder and stop them from having accidents in the house. If they are not crated, schedule a one- to two-hour break for them and avoid crating them for longer than two to four hours at a time, unless it is overnight.
Crate training is a gentle technique to make sure that your Chihuahua Dog doesn’t get into things he shouldn’t, in addition to housetraining. Chihuahuas, like any dogs, may be destructive when they’re young. Although they may not cause as much harm as a Lab puppy, those tiny fangs can nevertheless leave their imprint. Early crate training can also prepare your Chihuahua to cope with confinement if he ever needs to stay in boarding or be hospitalized. But never leave your Chihuahua inside a kennel all day. He shouldn’t stay there for more than a few hours at a time, unless he’s sleeping at night, as it’s not a jail. Chihuahuas are household pets, not animals destined to live confined lives in kennels or crates.
Your Chihuahua can quickly learn whatever you can teach if you train him using positive reinforcement methods like food incentives, praise, and play.
Chihuahua Exercise
The Chihuahua Dog enjoys playing and running, and can generally burn up all of their excess energy in a relatively little area. For this content breed, prancing around and following their owners typically suffices as exercise. Your dog will maintain a healthy weight and condition with short, leisurely walks. Do not overwork the Chihuahua Dog. It’s time to pick up and carry your dog home if he is panting and struggling to keep up.
Chihuahua Training
The Chihuahua Dog is a little, very intelligent dog that is incredibly vigilant. He is eager to please his owners and takes positive training methods effectively. Chihuahuas appear to be well aware of their cuteness and learn how to obtain what they want. You need to make it clear from away that you are in command. Never let your Chihuahua puppy act in a way that would be inappropriate for an adult. When teaching them, use a firm yet soft touch because they have a tendency to have a little of a “terrier” disposition. They can succeed in canine sports and obedience training.
Chihuahua Feeding
Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of premium dry food each day is advised.
NOTE: The amount of food your adult dog consumes is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity. Like people, each dog is unique, thus they don’t all require the same quantity of food. A very active dog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying. The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl.
Chihuahua Grooming
The short, silky hair should periodically be softly combed or only wiped down with a moist towel. A soft bristle brush should be used every day to brush the long coat. Give both species a bath once a month or so, being careful to avoid getting water in their ears. Regularly check your ears, and keep your nails cut. This breed sheds on average.