This entry was posted on 2016-08-14 by Schalk.

The Chihuahua was first discovered in Mexico. They are the smallest dog breed in the world. They have become a popular icon in the United States. One that is very well known is Tinkerbell, Paris Hilton's Chihuahua. The Chihuahuas extreme loyalty to their owners is one of their best traits.

Personality and Temperament of Chihuahua

This breed’s temperament varies, For example: they may be reserved around strangers but friendly with household dogs and other pets. They are also quite protective; often displaying their boldness by barking and because of this wouldn’t be categorized as good guard dog. Among toy dog lovers today, this dog is one of the most prized.

The Chihuahua is quite an intelligent breed and will take well to training, if done early. Some Chihuahuas have even been trained to use a cat litter box.

Traits

• Weight: 1-3 kg
• Height: 15 - 23 cm
• Coat: Short, long and wavy or flat
• Colour: Black, white, chestnut, fawn, sand, silver, sable, steel blue, black & tan and parti-color
• Litter size: 2 or 3 puppies
• Life span: 14 - 18 years

Physical characteristics of a Chihuahua

There are three different  types of coat a Chihuahua can have, smooth with soft and glossy hair,  long with straight or soft hair or wavy. Its elegant body is small and compact but slightly long compared to its height. The Chihuahua’s attitude, alertness and living expression has a close similarity to that of the terrier. The coat colours include solid white, with spots, solid black or a variety of patterns and colours.

How to care for your Chihuahua

This breed isn’t fond of the cold and therefore doesn’t like to live outdoors. The long hair coated variety needs to be brushed at least two to three time a week. The smooth variety doesn’t need much care, just a little brush now and again. The Chihuahua is quite easy to exercise, a short leased walk, a run around the house or exploration in the garden will keep this little dog happy and fit.

Health

The Chihuahua average lifespan is about 14-18 years; the minor health issues that it can suffer from are hypoglycemia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), patellar luxation, pulmonic stenosis, and hydrocephalus. Its major health issue is molera (a hole in the Chihuahua's skull) this can occur if the bones in the fontanel aren’t firmly fixed together.

History & Background of the Chihuahua

The history of the Chihuahua isn’t very accurate but here are two theories. The one theory is that the Chihuahua was originally developed in China. The Spanish traders then bought them to America where they inbred them with small local dogs. The other theory is that it is of central and South American origin descended from a small mute dog, the local Techichi. They used to some times sacrifice it in Toltec religious rites. They believed that after death this tiny red dog would guide their souls to the underworld. The Aztec families would bury the dog with the dead member of their family. However when they weren’t used for rituals they we very well taken care of by their owners.

During the 1500s, when the Aztec Empire was decimated by Hernán Cortés and the Spanish colonizers. The forefathers of the Chihuahua nearly became extinct. Three small dogs were discovered in 1850 and are thought to be the current versions of the Chihuahua. They were discovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which is where this breed got its name. Soon after Arizona, New Mexico and Texas experienced huge imports of this breed. In the 1900s this breed started to gain its celebrity after Rhumba King, Xavier Cugat, started appearing in films holding a Chihuahua dog. Today its is said to be one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.

Nutrition

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