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First Impressions
A tiny but sturdy smooth haired pet, much loved by the ladies.
The History Of The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua originated in Mexico during the 19th century.
The origins of the breed are unknown but the dog as we know it was discovered in Chihuahua State, Mexico in 1850. The majority of dogs are descended from the original 50 brought into the USA.
Archeological evidence in Toltec stone carvings establishes the Chihuahua in Mexico in the ninth or tenth century. Written records indicate that the dog featured in the religious life of the Aztecs. Chihuahuas can be long haired or smooth coated. The smooth coat is considered to be the original variety. The long haired dogs were created in the early 20th century
Description Of The Chihuahua
The erect and widely set ears are not altered. The sickle tail is gently curved and held erect and is not altered.
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a round head and short, pointed muzzle. It has round, large, very dark eyes, sometimes dark ruby or luminous in color. The trademark large ears should be held erect.
The body is stout and longer than it is tall.
The breed averages 6 - 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 2 - 6 pounds.
Coat & Grooming
In the smooth coated variety the hair is short, soft and glossy. The hair is longer around the neck creating a ruff.
All colors and combinations are allowed. Mexicans favor a black dog with tan markings or a black and white spotted one. Whereas solid color dogs are preferred in the United States. Minimal grooming is required.
Temperament
The Chihuahua makes a great companion. Their size belies their bravery, they are lively, proud and demands affection which they are delighted to return. They are nimble and move swiftly to dodge careless feet.
Chihuahua's are most loyal and become attached to their owners to the point of jealousy. They do like to lick their owner's face, which doesn’t sit well with everyone. With strangers around they will keep as close as possible to their owner. They can prove difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to skilled, gentle training, using positive reinforcement only.
Life Expectancy and Health
They are very long lived and enjoy a life expectancy exceeding 15 years.
Reported health problems are tiny bones that are easily broken. The soft spot in the skull called a molera may not always fully close allowing even a mild blow to be fatal. Slipped stifle or dislocated kneecaps can cause dogs to have a hopping gait. Some suffer from epilepsy. Gum diseases can affect older dogs.
Chihuahuas with overly large, round shaped heads with whelping and often require Cesarian sections. Because of his short nose, they tend to wheeze and snore. The prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver. It is a good idea to use a sweater for them on cooler days. They are perfect little dogs for life in an apartment.
It is tempting to carry these dainty dogs around but they will keep fitter if allowed to walk. A body harness is safer to use than a collar.
For More Information on the Chihuahua
To get more information, check out the Chihuahua web site:
www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/rescue.htm
Summary
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog according to the Guinness Book of Records. One full grown specimen was reported at just ten ounces!
Not recommended for small children because they are small and quite fragile. Long lived breed.
With their high pitched barkthey make great alarm dogs. They get along fine with other breeds of dogs.
:: Chihuahua Training ::
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