Chihuahua Dog - Temperament, Appearance, and Care
Have you decided it's time for your family to grow and are considering getting a puppy? A Chihuahua is certainly a tempting option: small, easy to handle, can accompany you almost anywhere, and you don't have to worry about its strength. But is that really the case? In this article, you can discover more information about the breed's history, specific care requirements, special needs, and potential challenges involved in caring for one.
- Chihuahua Dog - Breed History
- Types of Chihuahuas
- Chihuahua - Breed Description
- Chihuahua Puppy - Specific Care
- Health: when to take them to the vet and what predispositions a Chihuahua has
- Nutrition: how to establish a diet for your Chihuahua dog
- Care: how to care for a Chihuahua puppy (bathing, grooming, hygiene)
- Suitable for Children: Chihuahua, a perfect dog for the family?
- How to choose a reliable Chihuahua breeder?
- Chihuahua for Adoption: what does it mean to adopt a Chihuahua?
Chihuahua Dog - Breed History
The origins of this breed are not clearly known, but there are two main theories. One of them suggests that the Chihuahua you found for sale online comes from a dog called Techichi, native to Central and South America. The Toltec civilization dates back to the 9th century BC, and historical remains from that period describe a dog similar to the modern Chihuahua. Techichi were believed to have mystical powers, including the ability to predict the future, heal the sick, or guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife.
The second theory states that a small-sized dog, originally from China, was brought by Spanish merchants to Mexico, where it was crossbred with the small dogs of the area.
Regardless of which of these theories is correct, the Chihuahua dog, as we know it today, was discovered in Mexico in the 1950s, with the breed officially registered in 1904.
Types of Chihuahuas
There are several types of Chihuahuas, classified according to various criteria. The simplest classification considers the length of the coat of the desired specimen:
- Long-haired Chihuahuas most likely originated from crossbreeding Chihuahuas with the Papillon breed;
- Short-haired Chihuahuas, the most common variety.
According to American breed standards, there are no fewer than 7 types of Chihuahuas:
- Short-haired Chihuahua;
- Long-haired Chihuahua;
- Apple head Chihuahua;
- Deer head Chihuahua;
- Teacup Chihuahua;
- Pear head Chihuahua;
- Chihuahuas named after their coat color: white Chihuahua or black Chihuahua, for example.
Chihuahua - Breed Description
Pocket Chihuahua - this is the main characteristic for which the breed is so well known. Their small size makes these dogs permanently associated with puppies, which makes them very popular.
According to breed standards, a Chihuahua weighs between 1.3 and 2.6 kg. Some specimens may be larger than this, and there are also smaller specimens.
The coat can vary in length, but it is smooth and soft. The hair color can vary greatly, with solid, bicolor, and even tricolor specimens. The nose is almost always black, but there is also the possibility of a depigmented nose in light-colored specimens.
Mini Chihuahua / Teacup Chihuahua - what do specialists say?
Very popular in the searches of first-time buyers are the so-called mini Chihuahuas, also known as teacup dogs - which fit in a teacup. Before calling ads promoting mini toy Chihuahuas for sale, discuss with your veterinarian: often, specimens of the breed weighing less than 1.3 kg are also prone to developing a wide variety of health problems, which can reduce their life expectancy and significantly decrease their quality of life.
Chihuahua Puppy - Specific Care
A Chihuahua puppy is certainly a unique experience in terms of dog care. Weighing only a few hundred grams, such a Chihuahua puppy is at least endearing. Given their small size, you must be careful to choose adapted food: wet food immediately after weaning and junior dry food, preferably breed-specific, afterward.
Many owners ignore the importance of training, relying on the small size of an adult Chihuahua. However, socialization and learning basic commands and social coexistence rules are important, thus avoiding extremely annoying situations of aggressive or very noisy dogs. Adequate socialization and setting clear boundaries are essential in preventing "Chihuahua for adoption" ads that we would rather not see anymore.
Health: when to take them to the vet and what predispositions a Chihuahua has
If you're wondering how long a Chihuahua lives - well, the breed is long-lived, like all small dogs. However, for your new friend to have a long and happy life with you, it's important to always consider their health.
One of the reasons why it's recommended to purchase a dog from a reliable Chihuahua breeder is related to the breed's predispositions. When it comes to buying a Chihuahua puppy, price is only one of the criteria to consider, never the most important one. Its state of health comes first.
Although it is generally a healthy breed, excessive and uncontrolled breeding and extremely small sizes predispose it to a series of health problems:
- Patellar luxation is a common condition in small dogs and occurs when the patella (kneecap) is not correctly aligned with the other bones in the knee joint structure. The condition is present from birth, even if symptoms appear later, after the onset of arthritis;
- Hypoglycemia is a common condition among small dogs, favored by the absence of adipose deposits. Puppies become less active, mucous membranes become cyanotic, they start to tremble uncontrollably, and if not intervened immediately, they can fall into a coma. Hypoglycemia is a serious problem that can endanger your puppy's life;
- Heart murmur is a health problem caused by an impairment in how blood circulates within the heart's four chambers. The presence of a heart murmur requires a complete cardiac evaluation and treatment;
- Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital condition in which the pulmonary valve is deformed and cannot perform its function correctly. Untreated, pulmonary stenosis leads to heart failure;
- Tracheal collapse has incompletely elucidated causes, but there seems to be a genetic transmissibility;
- Hydrocephalus can affect Chihuahua puppies, who generally die before reaching 4 months of age. This is one of the reasons why some breeders recommend buying a puppy only after this age;
- Uncontrollable shaking frequently occurs in Chihuahuas, the mechanism that triggers it being unknown. However, it is observed that shaking occurs especially in situations of stress and agitation, and of course, in cold weather.
Nutrition: how to establish a diet for your Chihuahua dog
Given their small size and, therefore, the small amount of food a Chihuahua consumes, veterinarians generally recommend administering dry food with a carefully balanced nutrient content. Some brands offer breed-specific dry food, which can be a superior solution, considering that it is adapted, from nutrients to kibble shape, to the needs of these tiny dogs.
Discuss with your veterinarian about the appropriate diet for your puppy, depending on its age, health status, physiological state, any problems or particularities. Avoid home-cooked food - indigestion in Chihuahuas can be difficult to manage, given their small size.
Care: how to care for a Chihuahua puppy (bathing, grooming, hygiene)
Caring for a Chihuahua is not difficult at all. Generally, a few minutes of weekly brushing are enough to keep the coat in order. Even if you decide to bathe it, the Chihuahua does not pose problems: it air-dries quickly and only needs to be protected from the cold.
The ear canal should be wiped periodically with a corner of a towel or a make-up remover pad, without trying to penetrate deeply. It would be good to avoid getting water in its ears, as this increases the risk of otitis externa. The eyes should be cleaned daily, as with all exophthalmic breeds, which have a natural predisposition to tear excessively.
Claws grow relatively quickly, and most of these dogs do not get enough exercise on sufficiently rough surfaces for natural wear to occur. This is an important reason to teach the puppy, from a young age, the nail clipping operation, which it will then easily accept, including in adulthood.
Dental care is a delicate subject for Chihuahuas, who are prone, like other small breeds, to significant oral health problems. Dental brushing is all the more important for them - you should do this at least 2-3 times a week. Regular detartrage should be scheduled 1-2 times a year.
Suitable for Children: Chihuahua, a perfect dog for the family?
The Chihuahua is a dog full of energy, even in adulthood. Left free to play, it can chase squirrels all day long and is a good playmate for as long as you have the patience to do so.
However well they seem to enjoy themselves outdoors, Chihuahuas should not be left unsupervised as they are not safe. There have been cases where Chihuahuas have been stolen by birds of prey during walks in nature or even in their own yard.
Their constant desire to play makes them a perfect companion for children, right? In fact, not exactly. Most breeders do not sell Chihuahua puppies to families with children younger than 8 years old because the small size of the dog and the children's lack of attention can lead to all sorts of accidents.
Although the socialization of a Chihuahua puppy with children should always be part of the training process, interaction must be carefully limited and supervised. Regarding interaction with other animals, the Chihuahua is generally very dominant towards other dogs, which can get it into trouble.
How to choose a reliable Chihuahua breeder?
To prevent potential congenital health problems, it is recommended that if you want a Chihuahua puppy, you turn to a Chihuahua kennel with a good reputation. The first condition it should meet is to be registered with the Cynological Association. You should be able to visit the parents or at least the mother of your future puppy, to see the conditions in which it is raised and cared for.
Also, a serious and trustworthy breeder will have many questions about the conditions in the family where the chosen puppy would go. The sale will be made with a contract, which may stipulate a series of conditions regarding sterilization or participation in dog shows. Even if it is so small, a Chihuahua dog represents a long-term commitment, for which you must be prepared.
Chihuahua for Adoption: what does it mean to adopt a Chihuahua?
You will find plenty of "Chihuahua for adoption" ads online, with numerous motivations behind this decision. Adoption is a responsible way to save a dog from a difficult life or even death, which is why we encourage it whenever possible. If you decide to adopt, schedule an immediate visit to the veterinarian to find out about your puppy's health status.
Adopting a Chihuahua has several advantages: the small dog probably already knows how to relieve itself outside, has passed the difficult period when it chewed everything it could get its paws on, and other problems specific to puppies. On the other hand, it may also have a series of unwanted habits, and retraining may be necessary to get rid of them. Always weigh this decision carefully.
In conclusion, the Chihuahua is a fascinating, alert, dynamic, and very attractive dog due to its small size. However, any future owner must know that caring for a Chihuahua also involves a series of particular responsibilities. The veterinarian is your and your puppy's best partner for a long and healthy life.
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