Chihuahua: Temperament, Exercise, Health

(Chi)

Group: Southern, AKC Toy

Also known as: Chiwawa, Chihuahau, Chiuaua      

About Chihuahua          

Country of Origin, History of the breed Inadequate archeological evidence to support the theory that the Chihuahuas descended from the big Techichi, led people to believe that they were brought to Mexico by settlers from Spain. Spanish traders and merchants brought Chihuahuas to Mexico through their trade route in China, which was later supported by the tradition of dwarfing of both plants and animals in China.

Others still believe that they originated in Egypt before being brought to Spain and Mexico.               

A General Appearance of the Dog

Male Chihuahuas are preferred when they have shorter bodies but they appear to be longer when measured from the shoulders to the buttocks. Chihuahuas are known for their slightly oval head, with a Molera on it, which may not always be there, their small body and large, sharp ears. A Chihuahua's snout is usually short and slightly pointed. They have lean jaws and cheeks and blue, mole, pink or chocolate colored noses. They have slightly arched necks, well-rounded ribs and a tail that is either up or curled in a loop with the tip of it slightly touching the back. 

Coat

There are two types of Chihuahuas. One of which has smooth, soft glossy coat, which covers the whole body except the head and ears. The other version has a long coat with an undercoat. This type of coat could be either curly or flat. 

Height

Male : 14 to 16 inches
Female : 13 to 15 inches

Weight

Male: 20-30 Pounds
Female: 18-30 Pounds

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Chihuahuas can adapt to both tiny apartments as well as busy city lives. Although categorized as highly excitable, edgy dogs, good training can bring out the very best in Chihuahuas, who are lauded for their personality and devotion. Most Chihuahuas are known to bond with usually a single, grown-up member of the family and eventually become possessive about him/her and may not be best suited to be children's pets. Owing to their small size, this breed is very sensitive to cold weather condition. They are extremely devoted towards their owners and equally snappy towards strangers. However training Chihuahuas through positive reinforcement and constant interaction can teach this breed some important socializing skills.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

They are suitable for the apartment life style. They do not enjoy much of an outdoor activity and they should never be taken out in the extreme cold and might develop knee problems if over exercised.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Because of their loyalty they can do well in households housing elderly individuals. They have sharp teeth and might even unknowingly bite kids while playing and are thus not fit for houses with kids.

How to take care of the Chihuahua Puppies? They should be kept indoors till the time they are old enough to go out. They are playful and should be given chewable toys to prevent chewing up of valuable furniture. Their ears and eyes should be cleaned preventing infection from setting in and they need vaccination at the right age. Chihuahua puppies enjoy sunbathing and also need adequate rest. Only nutritional dog food should be fed.

Training

They are not easy to train and thus, should be trained through walks and interaction with other dogs and individuals. A small dog like Chihuahua should be crate-trained and obedience training could be imparted as well, but with a bit of persistence. They love attention and hence should be potty-trained through positive reinforcement and are never to be treated harshly. While taking the dog on a walk, one should always put a harness around him and not a leash.

Activity Level

Short daily walks serve the purpose for these dogs and they do not need a lot of exercise. Taking them on walks occasionally should keep them in good spirits, as the breed likes to travel.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Appropriate tests should be conducted by the vet to determine whether the dog suffers from any of the following genetic disorders like pulmonic stenosis, patellar luxation, hypoglycaemia or hydrocephalus.

Cautions about Breeding the Dog

Each Chihuahua is different as they all have a different set of temperament and can develop severe behavioral problems if it has not met its right match. Most of the Chihuahuas have severe complications while whelping and they often have puppies by caesarian section, which are often abandoned after childbirth. Those dogs below 4 pounds of weight should never be bred.

Litter Size: Average: 2

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming

Both types need bathing once a month with mild shampoo. The long coated ones should be brushed several times with soft bristles while the smooth coated ones occasional brushing. Strict ear and dental care should to be taken.

National Breed Club: Chihuahua Club of America.

Recognition: ACR, NKC, FCI, APRI, ANKC, UKC, KCGB, NZKC, AKC, NKC, CKC