Menu
The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog like terrier, weighing no more than 6 pounds. The round “”apple”” head is the identity of a breed. Embossed ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressed. Coats come in many colors and patterns, and can be long or short. The varieties are the same except for the coat.
Chihuahua has loyalty, charm and big-dog attitude. Even small dogs require training, and without it this shrewd swamp will rule your house like a small Napoleon. The compact and reassuring Chihuahua are ideal city pets. They are too young for rough with children, and special care should be taken in cold weather, but the Chihuahua are adaptable – as long as they get too much quality time in their favorite lap.
Dogs like Chihuahua adorn the artifacts of lost civilizations of the world. Trade was generally considered among ancient cultures, so it is no surprise that similar dogs took root in far-flung places. How the Chihuahua type first came to the people of Mexico, however, remains a mystery of prehistory. We know that when Toltec dominated in Mexico a thousand years ago, their breed of choice was a large, heavy ancestor of today’s Chi.
The Aztecs conquered Toltec in the 12th century. Historians have credited the Aztec with technically refining it into a smaller, lighter dog. By the time the Spanish conquistadors acquired Aztec civilization in the 1500s, Tecchi was inextricably linked with Aztec culture, it was considered one of the able treasures of Montezuma, once the conquest of Cortez. The aftermath was lost forever.
But Hardy small dogs lived in remote villages and in the mid-1800s, when Americans began to become interested in the breed, they found many specimens in the state of Chihuahua. Hence it was that this survivor of two lost civilizations gained worldwide fame as a Chihuahua. In 1908 the first AKC-registered Chihuahua, a little boy named Bepi, was recorded.
The famous bandit Javier Kugat did much to popularize the Chihuahua in the 1940s and 50s. Recently, these natural artists stole the show in “”Beverly Hills Chihuahua,”” “”Legally Blonde,”” and “”Sex and the City””. Chihuahua is the name of the minor-league baseball team of El Paso, Texas.
A beautiful, alert, fast-paced compact little dog with gentle expression, and terrier-like qualities of temperament.
Size, Ratio, Substance: Weight – A well-balanced small dog does not exceed 6 pounds. Ratio – The body is off-square; Therefore, when measured from shoulder to point from shoulder height to point of buttock. Some smaller bodies are preferred in men. Disqualification – Any dog over 6 pounds in weight.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
The requirements of the two coat varieties of Chihuahua are slightly different. A smooth-coat Chihuahua will only require occasional brushing and regular bathing to look dapper, while the longer-lasting variety should be brushed at least once a week to avoid any tangles or mats. Both varieties should have their nails trimmed regularly. Good dental care is essential and should include brushing your dog’s teeth, and veterinarians may also recommend treatments designed as part of a teeth-care program. Check the Chihuahua’s ears regularly, and remove any excess wax or debris to avoid ear infections.
Chihuahua is a very vigilant little dog of high intelligence. He is eager to please his humans and responds to positive training practices. Chihuahuas are well aware of how cute they are and learn how to work their way out. Right from the beginning you should apply the fact that you are in charge. Never allow your Chihuahua puppy to do anything that would be unacceptable in an adult. They may have a bit of a “terrier” temperament, so a firm but gentle hand is essential during training. They can excel in obedience training and other canine sports.
Chihuahua loves to run and play and is usually able to do enough exercise in very little space. Just walking around following your people is usually enough exercise for this happy breed. Short, slow walking will keep your dog in good weight and position. Avoid Chihuahua redundancy. If your dog is panting and is working hard to maintain it, then it’s time to pick it up and take it home.
High quality dog food suitable for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior) will contain all the nutrients that the breed needs. Some Chihuahua are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Give very little to table scraps, if not at all, especially avoid cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet.
The majority of Chihuahuas are healthy little dogs, but there are some genetic issues that can affect the breed. You should choose your dog from a breeder who routinely does genetic health screenings on all breeding stock to ensure that the puppies they produce are as genetically sound as possible. Some of the issues that can possibly affect the Chihuahua include potential heart problems (patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disease), eye disease, and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps). Idiopathic epilepsy is also known to occur in the breed.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: