Apr 11, 2013

Chihuahua dog breeds

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest and most recognizable dog breeds in the world, known for its tiny size, bold personality, and wide, expressive eyes. Despite their small stature, Chihuahuas are confident, alert, and loyal, often forming strong bonds with their owners. The breed originated in Mexico and has a long history as a companion animal.

1. Physical Characteristics

• Size:
  • Weight: 2-6 pounds (0.9-2.7 kg), though some Chihuahuas can be slightly larger.
  • Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) at the shoulder.
• Coat Types:
  • Smooth Coat: Short and glossy.
  • Long Coat: Soft, fine, and either straight or slightly wavy.
• Colors: Chihuahuas come in a variety of colors, including fawn, black, white, chocolate, cream, blue, and red, as well as combinations of these colors with different markings.
• Head and Face: The breed’s head is often described as “apple-shaped,” especially for those with round skulls. Some Chihuahuas have a “deer-shaped” head, which is slightly longer and more slender.
• Eyes: Large, round, and expressive, often dark in color, but can also be lighter depending on coat color.
• Ears: Large, erect, and flared, typically standing upright.
• Tail: Moderately long and carried either sickle-shaped over the back or to the side.

2. Temperament

• Bold and Confident: Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas often exhibit a big personality. They are alert, curious, and have a fearless attitude toward much larger dogs and situations.
• Loyal and Devoted: Chihuahuas are known for forming strong bonds with their owners, often becoming “velcro dogs” who follow their people around the house.
• Protective: Many Chihuahuas are naturally protective of their family and can be wary or aloof around strangers. While not typically aggressive, they will bark or display signs of guarding behavior.
• Affectionate: Chihuahuas love to cuddle and be near their owners. They are often found curled up in their owner's lap or snuggling under blankets.
• Energetic but Content Indoors: Chihuahuas have bursts of energy and enjoy playtime but are equally happy lounging around the house. They don’t need as much exercise as larger breeds, making them perfect for apartment living.
• Can Be Vocal: Chihuahuas are known to be quite vocal and may bark to alert their owners to anything unusual.

3. Health and Lifespan

• Lifespan: Chihuahuas are a long-lived breed, often living between 12-20 years with proper care.
• Common Health Issues:
  • Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, common in small dog breeds.
  • Dental Issues: Due to their small mouths, Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental care is essential.
  • Heart Disease: Some Chihuahuas are prone to heart conditions like mitral valve disease.
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can be a concern, especially in young puppies.
  • Collapsed Trachea: A condition where the tracheal rings weaken, causing difficulty breathing.
  • Hydrocephalus: A rare but serious condition where fluid builds up around the brain, most often seen in puppies.

4. Exercise Needs

Chihuahuas are energetic for their size but don’t require extensive exercise. Daily short walks and some playtime indoors are usually sufficient. They enjoy chasing toys or engaging in light agility activities, but they are equally happy lounging in a cozy spot. Due to their small size, they don’t need as much space as larger dogs, making them perfect for apartment living.

It's important to avoid over-exercising Chihuahuas, as their small legs can tire easily. They are also sensitive to extreme weather, especially cold, and may need a sweater or jacket during winter walks.

5. Training

• Early Training is Key: Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas benefit from early training and socialization. Without proper guidance, they can develop “small dog syndrome,” where they act bossy or stubborn.
• Positive Reinforcement: Chihuahuas respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and play. Harsh training methods should be avoided, as they can make these sensitive dogs fearful or anxious.
• Housebreaking Challenges: Due to their small size, housebreaking can sometimes be challenging. Many Chihuahua owners use puppy pads or indoor litter boxes to make training easier.
• Socialization: Early socialization with other dogs, people, and various environments helps Chihuahuas become well-adjusted adults. It also helps prevent excessive barking or fearfulness around strangers.

6. Grooming

• Coat Care:
  • Smooth Coat: Requires minimal grooming, though weekly brushing can help reduce shedding and keep the coat shiny.
  • Long Coat: Needs regular brushing (several times a week) to prevent tangles and matting.
• Bathing: Chihuahuas only need to be bathed occasionally, typically once every 4-6 weeks, unless they get particularly dirty.
• Nail Care: Their small nails can grow quickly and need regular trimming to prevent discomfort or injury.
• Dental Care: Due to their propensity for dental issues, Chihuahuas should have their teeth brushed several times a week or even daily. Dental chews can also help maintain oral health.
• Ears and Eyes: Regular cleaning of their large ears is important to prevent infections. Their eyes should also be checked and cleaned to avoid tear staining or infections.

7. History and Origin

The Chihuahua's origins can be traced back to ancient Mexico, where they are believed to have descended from the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by the Toltec civilization around 1,000 years ago. Later, the breed was further developed by the Aztecs, who revered these small dogs for their companionship and spiritual significance.

The breed gets its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where American tourists first discovered them in the mid-19th century. From there, the Chihuahua was brought to the U.S., where its popularity as a companion animal grew rapidly.

8. Personality

• Courageous: Chihuahuas are known for their fearless attitude, often acting as though they are much larger than they actually are. They are confident and unafraid to take on challenges.
• Devoted: Chihuahuas tend to form deep bonds with their owners and can be somewhat "clingy." They often favor one person in the household but are loving toward everyone they trust.
• Alert: Always on the lookout, Chihuahuas are quick to sound the alarm if they notice something out of the ordinary, making them good watchdogs.
• Curious and Playful: Chihuahuas love exploring their environment and playing with toys, although their play sessions may be shorter due to their small size.

9. Activities and Sports

Chihuahuas can participate in several activities, including:

• Obedience and Rally: With the right training, Chihuahuas can excel in obedience competitions.
• Agility: Their small, nimble bodies make them good candidates for agility courses designed for small breeds.
• Therapy Dogs: Their small size and affectionate nature make them good candidates for therapy work in hospitals or nursing homes.

10. Fun Facts

• Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world.
• They are known for their strong personalities, often acting much larger than their size.
• Chihuahuas have been popularized by celebrities and pop culture, including appearances in movies like "Legally Blonde" and as the mascot for a popular fast-food chain.
• The breed is known for its loyalty and often becomes very attached to one person in the household.

11. Is the Chihuahua Right for You?

Chihuahuas are best suited for:

• Apartment Dwellers: Their small size and minimal exercise needs make them ideal for small living spaces.
• Single-Person Households or Families: They can thrive in both settings, though they tend to bond closely with one person.
• Owners Who Enjoy Companionship: Chihuahuas love to be with their owners and are happiest when they’re near their humans.

They may not be ideal for:

• Families with Small Children: Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas can be fragile and may not tolerate rough handling from young children.
• Cold Climates: Chihuahuas are very sensitive to cold weather due to their small size and thin coats. They often need sweaters or jackets during colder months.
• Owners Unprepared for Barking: Chihuahuas can be prone to excessive barking, especially if not properly trained or socialized.

12. Challenges

Fragility: Chihuahuas are small and delicate, making them vulnerable to injury from rough play or being accidentally