Breed Details
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability
Affectionate
Apartment Friendly
Barking Tendencies
Cat Friendly
Child Friendly
Dog Friendly
Excercise Needs
neaten
Health Issues
intelligence operation
Energy Level
Shedding Level
Social Needs
Stranger Friendly
Territorial
Trainability
Watchdog Instincts
This sassy little click has a super - size personality . He knows what he require and pass after it with single - minded conclusion . For his size , he ’s an fantabulous guard dog , but he can be yappy if he ’s not teach to moderate his barking . The tiny ( as diminished as two pound ) Chihuahua offers feistiness coupled with enduring loyalty to the person he choose as his own , along with an expressive face , include large , orotund eyes that show everything the dog is think .
Despite the many endearing qualities of the Chihuahua , if you ’re reckon his bantam sizing makes him a bang-up pick for child , you ’d better cerebrate again . The Chihuahua may be just right for traveling around in a puppy purse , but he ’s far too small and fragile for even the gentlest of children ’s game . Chihuahuas also lean to be high - strung and prone to nipping , snapping , and even sting when affright or threatened , or when hold his hoi polloi or territory .
Some of these tendencies can be helped through early breeding and socialization . regrettably , too many masses with Chihuahuas allow them to become little tyrant , displaying manner that would not be acceptable in a larger dog . This dog needs blue and ordered training from puppyhood on to operate his nipping as well as any tendency he has to fight back with other dogs . Like many small dogs , Chihuahuas are n’t aware of their own size and wo n’t pause to challenge a dog many times larger than themselves . Also , like many small firedog , Chihuahuas are hard to household - train without a sight of consistence and forbearance .
The Chihuahua is also very yappy and will be noisily vigilant about any usurpation into his territory , actual or imagined . He ’s not especially fond of strangers of any species , reserving his affection for his chosen person and , sometimes , the repose of the family .
Chihuahuas come up in two pelage types , short and long . The short coat shake off more than the foresighted , but the long does require day-by-day brushing to keep it from tangling and to absent utter hair’s-breadth . But since there ’s not much weenie , there ’s not much coat , even in the long - hairy translation .
Other Quick Facts
TheHistoryof Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua is a native of Mexico , and his ancestors were smother by many myths . They were believed to be spirit guidebook that protect souls as they move around through the underworld . While the stories about the dog ’s origins are interesting , there ’s no actual evidence about how long they ’ve existed or that they were known to the Aztecs or other peoples who inhabited Mexico before the Spaniards came .
Some dog experts say they were among the first native dogs of the Americas , others that they were bestow to the New World after the Spanish conquest of Mexico . Still others believe the little dogs may have originate as miniaturize versions of pariah dogs , the nondescript dark-brown dogs with prick ears that result when cad are leave to breed on their own with no selection for color or other specific characteristics . Whatever the case , the stock takes its name from the DoS of Chihuahua , where late-19th - 100 American tourer first encountered the tiny canines .
The Chihuahua we bang today was rise by North American breeders . The first Chihuahua registered by the American Kennel Club , in 1904 , was named Midget . The Chihuahua Club of America was formed in 1923 . Today , the Chihuahua ranks 13thamong the breed registered by the AKC .
ChihuahuaTemperamentand Personality
Chihuahuas are saucy and alert , with a mind of their own . They might not be able to speak , but that does n’t preclude them from allow you experience exactly what they want : usually flock of tone fourth dimension with their favorite person . Chihuahuas are often devoted to a special person in the family and can even become obsessive about their desire to be with them and protect them . There ’s a name for those frank : “ armpit piranhas . ” If they ’re being held and someone border on the person holding them , the Chihuahua will make every effort to protect his person , whether it ’s necessary or not .
Despite his tiny size of it , the Chihuahua is fearless , never faint-hearted or frightened . If you see him shivering , it ’s commonly because he ’s cold . That ’s why you see so many Chihuahuas wearing sweaters andjackets for dogs .
Chihuahuas have a report for being spoiled and untrainable , but that ’s often because the great unwashed do n’t make an effort to civilize them . Chihuahuas are just like any other andiron : they need consistent rule and structure if they are to con effectively . They are extremely intelligent .
What You Need to Know About ChihuahuaHealth
Tiny dogs often come with big health problems , and the Chihuahua is no exception . Many Chihuahuas live long , good for you lives , but the breed can suffer from a variety of wellness condition including :
Luxating patellasare an orthopedic trouble . The patella , or kneecap , of most very pocket-size dog-iron , admit the Chihuahua , can very well become displaced , causing pain and lameness . In balmy cases the knee quickly fall away back into place on its own , but life-threatening case must be corrected surgically . necessitate your veterinary surgeon to examine your dog ’s articulatio genus on a regular basis , especially if you notice him hitch or “ bunny hopping ” while running .
The Chihuahua ’s round , protruding eyes are one of his most distinctive characteristics , but they are prone to a number of genetic eye disorders as well as to frequent injuries .
Chihuahuas ofttimes have what ’s called a “ molera , ” or an open fontanelle , which is a soft orbit under the peel of the forehead where the bony plate of the skull have not fuse together . It may eventually close up up and become hard , but in some frump , the molera never in full closes . While many dogs can subsist a normal lifespan with a molera , some may have a condition called hydrocephalus ( fluid buildup in and around the brain ) , which can get seizures and even death if not treated . A Chihuahua with a molera can live a perfectly normal life history , but he is more prone to head injuries so he ’s not the good candidate for a home with rumbustious minor or with child , rougher dogs .
Chihuahuas can also be turn out with aliver defectknown as a portosystemic shunt , in which blood is diverted off from the liver . This may cause a buildup of toxins in the dog ’s body , stunted increment , and can be fatal if not corrected with surgery .
Teeny - petite Chihuahuas ? They ’re cute , but they are also fragile and more prone to aesculapian problems like hypoglycaemia ( downhearted blood loot ) . Reputable breeders discourage hoi polloi from buying the minuscule two- and three - pounders because they usually lead to heartbreak .
Although Chihuahuas are value for their small size , they ’re often fed toobesity . A Chihuahua ’s skeleton is not designed to carry much weightiness , and even a few extra ounces can be a significant burden to a wienerwurst this size . As with all dog , leanness is far healthier – and tawdry , when it comes to veterinary toll . save a Chihuahua list is particularly of import if he has luxating patellas .
diminutive backtalk oftentimes stand for there ’s no room for right development of teeth . It ’s essential to get regular veterinary dental upkeep for a Chihuahua , and he may need to have some teeth pulled to make room in his mouth for right development of the rest of the teeth .
For a more accomplished rundown on Chihuahua ’s wellness , check out this usher published bythe Chihuahua Club of America .
The Basics of ChihuahuaGrooming
Chihuahuas come in two pelage type : placid and long . Smooth Chihuahuas wear a velvety , shiny , close - fitting pelage and have a ruff — an area of thicker , longer hair — around the cervix . They have a light covering of hair on the head and ears . The empennage should be furred , not bare .
Smooth Chihuahuas spill , but they are so little that the amount is manageable for all but the most family lofty . sweep them weekly with a rubber preparation baseball mitt or gentle bristle brush to remove dead whisker and keep the skin and pelage hefty .
The longcoated Chihuahua is the product of a recessive gene , meaning a puppy must have the gene from both parents for the long coating to express itself , so he is n’t seen in bedding as frequently as the smooth . The long , soft pelage is savorless or slightly curly , and the dog has a ruff around the cervix , fringed ear , feather on the legs and a plumed tail . The hair on the rest of the body is almost as liquid as that on the bland Chihuahua . Longcoated Chihuahuas are beautiful , and they ’re light to groom , but they do cast seasonally .
Brush the longcoat with a soft bristle brush once or twice a hebdomad . Use a stainless blade comb to remove tangle from the pilus on the ears , legs and tail .
If you brush the Chihuahua faithfully , he should n’t needfrequent baths . If he spends a muckle of time on your furniture or in your layer , though , there ’s nothing unseasonable with bathe him as often as a couple of metre a week . Usea easy shampoo made for dogsand dry him soundly so he does n’t get chill . Never let him sit around and air dry .
Keep your Chihuahua ’s big ears strip witha answer recommended by your veterinarian . Do n’t use cotton swob inside the ear ; they can push gunk further down into it . Wipe out the ear with a cotton plant globe , never go bad deeper than the first knuckle joint of your finger .
Chihuahua ’s a prone tolong nails , so trim them regularly ( unremarkably every match of weeks ) . They should never be so long that you hear them get across on the base .
Choosing a Breederfor Your Chihuahua
witness a honorable breeder is a mickle like ascertain the right-hand pardner : It takes time and patience , but it ’s at long last deserving the effort . How do you bang when a stock breeder is reputable ? Here are some canonical tip .
Signs of a good breeder
The breeder is associated with an established club . wait for a breeder who is a member in good standing of theChihuahua Club of Americaand who has agreed to abide by the club’scode of ethics . It specifies that its penis should evaluate all breeding stock for hereditary fault , never sell firedog to pet computer memory , and take back Chihuahuas they have bred in the outcome that the buyer can not keep them . The CCA list member breeders on its web site , but it ’s still of import to interview them before grease one’s palms .
The stock breeder offers a wellness guarantee on her puppy . draw , do n’t walk , away from breeder who do not perform necessary genetical and wellness examination on their lines . Reputable stock breeder will be able to provide formal certification on these examination and will propose a wellness warrant on her puppy ( call up of it like a warrant ) .
The breeder asks and answers question aboveboard . You will never find a “ perfect ” line of pawl who is immune to all genetic health issues . Good breeders will be open and true about what wellness problem are common in Chihuahuas and how often finical issues pass in their own lines . They will also ask as many questions of you , the purchaser , as you will ask of them . Responsible breeders care about the eccentric of environment in which they are place their puppies .
Signs of an irresponsible breeder
The stock breeder seems more concerned in making a ready buck . Avoid breeder who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit rating wit will go through . These types of stock breeder may offer the convenience of allowing you to pick out and buy puppies online visual sense unseen . While these things may make the cognitive operation easier , they are almost never associated with responsible breeders .
The breeder tries to sing the praises of a “ teacupful ” or “ toy ” Chihuahua . These type of characteristics arenotmore valuable or worthy than a properly - sized dog of four to six pounds . uttermost miniaturization bring with it nothing but wellness problem and a cut life . nomenclature like that is a huge red fleur-de-lis that you ’re dealing with a seller more interested in money than the good of the dogs or the humiliated hearts of the hoi polloi who bribe them .
The breeder ’s operation shows signs of being a puppy manufacturing plant . Disreputable breeders and facilities that handle with puppy John Mill can be hard to differentiate from reliable operations . There ’s no 100 % guaranteed way to check that you ’ll never purchase a sick pup , but search the breed ( so you make out what to expect ) , stop out the adroitness ( to identify unhealthy condition or sick animals ) , and asking the right doubt can dilute the probability of channelize into a black situation . And do n’t forget to ask your veterinarian , who can often bear on you to a reputable breeder , breed deliverance organization , or other reliable source for healthy puppy .
Adopting a Chihuahuafrom a Rescue or Shelter
If you are more interested in adopting rather than shopping for a Chihuahua , there are many great options available . To help you on your search , use these tried and rightful tips .
Take advantage of online search engine . Sites likePetfinder.comandAdopt-a-Pet.comare fast and light room to thrive your search for the arrant Chihuahua . They let you to be very specific in your requests ( like housetraining position ) or very world-wide ( all the Chihuahuas available to take in across the country ) . Or , if you ’re specifically look for an animal rescue group in your area , AnimalShelter.orgcan unite you to one fast .
sing to the pet pros . You may be closer to an adoptable Chihuahua than you think . Start talking with all the pet pros in your field about what you ’re looking for . professional person like veterinary surgeon , click walkers , and groomers often have connections people outside of the industry do n’t have . They may have more insight into where to look for an adoptable Chihuahua near you .
reach out out to a breed deliverance . TheChihuahua Club of America ’s delivery networkare full of Chihuahua lover whose exclusive mission is to help these hotdog thrive . They are often the first mathematical group people turn to when they postulate to deliver a Chihuahua to get a new nursing home . Rescue golf-club like these can help you find oneself a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family .
Also , these groups tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice . They also often volunteer foster opportunities so , with education , you could bring a Chihuahua home with you to see what the experience is like .
Once you attain the doomed twenty-four hours when you finally bring home your new best protagonist , ensure to adjust up a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible . Your ex-serviceman can facilitate you name any nameless problems and place up a plan to ensure your Chihuahua can endure as long and glad a life as potential .
Chihuahua FAQs
How long do Chihuahuas live?
On average , Chihuahuas live between 12 and 20 years former . The most common movement of expiry in Chihuahuas is heart disease , which may be foreclose by maintain your pup at a levelheaded system of weights .
Why do Chihuahuas shake?
Dogscan shakefor a variety of reasons . Chihuahuas are among the most notable dog-iron breeds who shake ofttimes , and this is in heavy part due to their high metabolisms . When Chihuahuas get spooky or frantic , their metabolism may cause them to shake up in reply . This also affects their ability to regulate their consistency temperature . Animals with gamy metamorphosis cauterize off their rut quickly , so they shudder to give more heat in colder temperature .
Do Chihuahuas shed?
Yes , Chihuahuas do shed year - circular . However , due to their very small size and shorter pelage , it ’s improbable that their hair will become much of a nuisance in your home .
What were Chihuahuas bred for?
Chihuahuas have a long filiation that dates back to the ancient Aztec and Toltec finish of the Mexico region . There are many theory as to why Chihuahuas were primitively bred , but among the most popular are that they were bred for spiritual sacrifice and as food for human consumption . as luck would have it , these lovely wiener are no longer threatened by such practices and instead enjoy wonderful lives on the laps of owners who love them around the world .
Are Chihuahuas smart?
Chihuahuas often get a bad repp for being obstinate and unmanageable to train . However , Chihuahuas are actually highly intelligent and respond well to positive training methods . In fact , with right instruction Chihuahuas can contend at mellow spirit level of dog sports , like nimbleness and obedience trials .
