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Chihuahua information
The Chihuahua is a tiny toy
sized dog. The body is longer than it is tall. The head is well
rounded, apple in shape and the muzzle is short and pointed with
a well defined stop. Puppies have a soft spot on the top of the
skull called a "molera", which usually closes by adulthood. The
large, round eyes are set well apart and are dark, ruby, and may
be lighter in white dogs. The erect ears are large. Dewclaws may
be removed. The tail is long, sickle-shaped, either curled over
the back or to the side. The coat comes in both a short coat or
a long, wavy or flat coat. All colors, both solid, marked or
splashed are accepted. Colors include, but are not limited to,
black, white, chestnut, fawn, sand, silver, sable, steel blue,
black & tan and parti-color.
Temperament
The
Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively,
proud and adventurous, they enjoy affection. Brave, cheerful and
agile. Chihuahua's can be strong-willed without the proper human
leadership. They are loyal and become attached to their owners.
Some like to lick their owner's faces. Socialize them
well. For some, they may be slightly
difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and
respond well to proper, firm but gentle (positive reinforcement)
training. May be difficult to housebreak. Do not let the
Chihuahua get away with things you would not allow a large dog
to do (Small Dog Syndrome), such as jumping up on humans. While
it may be cute for a 5 pound tiny dog to put his paws on your
leg when you come home from work, it is allowing a dominate
behavior. If you allow this little dog to be your pack leader
they will developed many behavior issues, such as jealousy,
aggression with other dogs and sometimes with humans, and will
become undeniably suspicious of people except for their owner.
When strangers are present, they will begin to follow their
owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. A Chihuahua
who is pack leader of their humans may snap at children. This
breed is generally not recommended for children, not because
they are not good with them, but because most people treat the
Chihuahua differently than they would a large dog, causing them
to become untrustworthy. Because of their size, this breed tends
to be babied and things we humans clearly see as bad behavior
for a large dog is looked over as cute with a small dog. Small
dogs also tend to be walked less, as humans assume they get
enough exercise just running around during the day. However a
walk provides more than just exercise. It provides mental
stimulation, and satisfies the migration instinct, all dogs
have. Because of this, small breeds such as the Chihuahua tend
to become snappish, yappy, protective, and untrustworthy with
kids and humans they do not know. Chihuahua's who are their
human's pack leader tend to be fairly dog-aggressive. An owner
who realizes this and treats the Chihuahua no differently than
they would a large breed, becoming a clear pack leader, will get
a different, more appealing temperament out of this wonderful
little dog, finding them to be good little child companions.
Size
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm.)
Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg.)
Needs
Although
it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about; these are
active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play can take care
of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds,
play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do
not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide
array of behavior problems, as well as neurotic issues. They
will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such
as a large fenced in yard.
They are good little dogs for
apartment life. The Chihuahua likes warm weather and dislikes
the cold. They need space just like any other dog. Because they
are small does not mean they can be kept in a vary small area.
Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat
should be gently brushed occasionally or simply wiped over with
a damp cloth. The long coat should be brushed daily with a soft
bristle brush. Bathe both types about once per month, taking
care not to get water in the ears. Check the ears regularly and
keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.
Chihuahua Origins
This is the oldest breed on the
American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native
to Mexico, where it received it's name from the Mexican State of
Chihuahua. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the
nineteenth century. What breeds were used to make up the
Chihuahua are unclear, but some think it originated from the
Fennec Fox. The dogs were sacred to Pre-Columbian Indian nations
and were also popular pets to the upper class. The dogs are
prized for their size and are most valued to some fanciers when
they weigh under 2-1/4 pounds (1.3 kg.).
Training your dog
How to Groom your dog
