descend from ancient Mexican breeds , the Chihuahua is a small but lofty click breed prized for their fellowship and affectionate nature . These are spunky , joyful little wienerwurst that love life and attack it with relish .
Origin and History
The Chihuahua ’s origin is unclear , but there is a theory that their ascendant could potentially be the South American dog , the Techichi . In the ninth century A.D. , a civilization known as the Toltec carved drawings depicting a dog appearing similar in nature to the Chihuahua . The Aztecs conquered the Toltec refinement and believed theTechichihad the office to heal the ghastly and safely guide their multitude to the next life .
The version of the Chihuahua known today was hear some clip afterward , in the 1850s , in Mexico . The dogs were adored by American traveler who get them back to the states . They were recognized byAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC)in 1904 and have continue one of the most popular stock since the sixties .
Breed Characteristics
Chihuahuas oftentimes form attachments to a single person , yet they are usually willing to make newfangled friendly relationship if fitly introduced , particularly if they have been decent socialized .
Appearance
According to the AKC stock standard , the Chihuahua ’s soundbox is just slimly longer than it is tall , and it ’s compact . The topline is level , and the tail should be carry either sickle or curved over the back . The Chihuahua should be well - balanced , and should not transcend 6 pounds . There are tiny " teacup " Chihuahuas , but they are usually not particularly healthy .
The head is this breed ’s most distinctive feature . The skull is well - rounded and is often described as an " apple head word . " The eye are full and rotund , and they should convey a saucy expression . The ears should be gravid and held erect , and they should erupt to the position at about a 45 - grade slant when the dog is relaxed . The muzzle is moderately short , and the stop is well - defined where the muzzle meets the head . The bite is either level or scissored , and bites that are overshot or undershot are conceive a serious fault .
Any coat colouring material is allowable , including substantial colors , as well as frank with markings or plash .
Temperament
The Chihuahua , also known as a chi , may be the smallest breed of dog , but they certainly pack a wallop in the personality department . Although many may still have that range of a function of the trembling chi so prevalent decades ago , today ’s Chihuahua is a unlike customer . Thanks to the wonderful work of creditworthy stock breeder , the Chi fancy has been able to greatly improve the temperament of this adorable stock .
Members of this breed are more likely to be the Kings and Queens of all they survey . They are quite robust and even Terrier - the likes of in temperament , and full of ego confidence . Of course , every dog is an person , but overall , the melioration in personality has been amazing . It should be take down that while these andiron have a instinctive lovemaking for children , their tiny size does not make them the best pets for young kid .
This breed is territorial , conceive profoundly in the pecking monastic order , and will bullyrag each other to establish their office in the ordering of dominance in their family group . unremarkably , these upshot resolve themselves , but if you find two of your PET are trying to take commission , you ’ll likely have to resign yourself to keeping them part .
Training
Training seems to be the Chihuahua ’s one fallible point . That ’s not to say they are not level-headed enough to learn , because they are . However , these detent are drive by impregnable territorial instincts . This results in wet around the house to grade territory , and female person seem to be no better than males in this esteem . This intend you must be utterly diligent when commencing potty training , and be sure to good scavenge up any accident so your pet is n’t drawn back to that spot . Some owner find that using a litter corner or potty pads is helpful .
Chihuahuas do really take well to obedience training , and can learn to trace consistently given commands . This may in reality be of some assist with the tiddly training issuance many owners face . lightsomeness trainingalso seems to appeal to their mindset , and there is nothing so adorable as the sight of one of these little , mighty shiner racing around the form at full tilt .
Due to their affectionate and easy nature with humans , these miniature dogs also make wonderful therapy dogs , brightening the atmosphere during nursing abode trial .
Exercise Requirements
These little hot dog only require 30 minutes of use every day . A stroll through the park will cater the exercise that Chihuahuas necessitate to stay happy and healthy . They ’ll almost certainly quest more exercise than they can handle , so it ’ll be up to you to figure out when they ’ve had enough .
Health
As with most strain , there are health business to be aware of prior to bringing home your furred companion .
Lifespan
In general , Chihuahuas are a good for you breed that often live 12 years or more .
Grooming
Grooming a pet Chihuahua is fairly straight . The breed comes in two varieties ; smooth coat and long coat . The tranquil - coated miscellanea is a walkover to bathe and dry , and even though the long coating carries more hair , it is still fairly leisurely to maintain as long as you take fear to comb out through the fringes and the skirt at the rear . you could bath your dog as often as once a hebdomad , if you care .
Toe nail and ear do need to be checked more on a regular basis on this strain . Since they do not spend the amount of meter running around as do other breeds , they do n’t have the chance to wear thin their nails down , so keep their nail clipped . uninfected their ears out twice a calendar month with a cotton mop dipped in a slight alcoholic drink .
Famous Members of the Breed
The Taco Bell Chihuahua brought a great mess of attention to the strain , though this dog was not the best representative of the standard . However , a chi is a chi , andGidgetmade her scratch . Her influence was also feel at Chihuahua rescue computer program across the nation , when hasty owners surrendered their pets after actualise the amount of aid the strain requires .
Purchasing or Adopting a Chihuahua
If you ’re looking for a Chihuahua pup , a expert property to start is theChihuahua Club of America . The club has a breeder directory usable as well as helpful tips on how to encounter creditworthy breeders with quality dog-iron . TheAKC Marketplacepage also has a stock breeder search . look to pay around $ 400 to $ 800 , although in high spirits - end show dogs from champion lines can be as much as $ 2,400 .
Rescue Organizations
If you ’re not special on a puppy - age Chihuahua , and would be interested in a rescue andiron , you may set out your search onPetFinderandSave - a - Rescue . you may also search strain - specific rescue organizations :
Is This the Breed For You?
If you live in a abode with young nestling , you may require to consider looking at other , more stalwart small breed dogs . If you shack in a family with onetime children and adults , or you live alone , and are searching for a small stock you could haul everywhere with you easily , this could be the breed for you . They are zippy , but do n’t require an inordinate amount of exercise and adjust well to apartment - support . Prior to making the decision to purchase or dramatise this strain , do your enquiry and check off the corner to see if this breed is what you ’re looking for . Then , take the next steps toward bringing one base .
