Chihuahua: Breed Info, Characteristics & Facts!

Chihuahua, this charming little dog who`s name you can never forget makes great a companion, especially among women. They bond with their owners quite strongly and they are easily trainable.

They can become rather prickly when it comes to strangers as they enjoy getting the entire attention from their owners.

These loyal and friendly canines make wonderful pets for first-time dog owners.

History

Chihuahua`s history isn`t really certain. This dog got the name after the Chihuahua Mexican state, the place where was discovered for the first time in 1850.

Some historians believe that Incas or Aztecs were the ones developing this breed, while other ones claim this particular dog might be traced to Spanish canines back in 1500s.

The use of the Chi dog isn`t certain either. Some believe this specific type of canine may have had some religious importance, while other ones believe they may have been used as food by Central American indigenous people.

The very first dogs of this breed are also believed to have come to the U.S. at the beginning of the 19^th century.

The Chihuahua`s introduction to the large public has happened in somehow unorthodox ways. Adelina Patti, an opera singer from 1890, publicized the Chihuahua when she got a dog from this breed concealed in a beautiful bouquet by Mexico`s president then.

Later in the `40s, the popular Xavier Cugat, leader of a band in those times, was for the first time seen conduct with a dog of this breed under his arm.

Recently, this breed has gained recognition and appreciation due to the dapper Chihuahua featured in the commercials of the well-known Taco Bell brand.

Appearance

Regarding the UK Kennel Club and the AKC, two types of Chihuahua are recognized – the Long Coat (long hair) and the Smooth Coat (smooth hair).

On one side, the AKC, both these varieties of Chihuahua as the very same breed! On the other hand, the UK Kennel Club has a “different opinion” as it considers these two varieties as being 2 different dog breeds.

Both these two varieties of Chi have their own particular charisma. Present dog breed standards defined by the AKC outline an “apple-dome” or “apple-head” skull configuration.

This type of canine has erect ears and big round eyes placed on an almost exaggerated rounded skull.

Current Chihuahua breed standards don`t usually specify a particular range of height. However, it does specify a specific weight and description when it comes to their general proportions.

Usually, this breed`s height ranges around 15 – 23 cm, but certain canines grow as far as 30 – 38 cm. American and UK breed standards state that a dog of this breed must weigh up to 2.7 kg.

These dogs come in just about any combination of color, either splashed, solid or marked, which results in a large range of variation. Some of the most often encountered colors are white, black, fawn, brown, red, cream or chocolate.

Note: There isn`t a pattern or color that is considered more valuable than another color.

Personality

This type of dog is seen as very confident and often described as similar to Terriers. He is suspicious of strangers and stays alert most of the time. This makes him a wonderful watchdog!

However, he does have a more sensitive side, thriving for companionship and fondness. They are willing to meet new people and make new friends. But, they are often bonded to a single individual. They are a bit reserved and shy at first encounter, if you will.

Like any other dog breed, they need early training and socialization – getting them to know different experiences, sounds, and people – when they are still puppies.

Exercise

Chihuahuas enjoy playing and running. They can get their full routine of physical exercises even in small spaces like the room of an apartment.

Even if they follow their owner around the house all day, it is more than enough physical exercise for this cute little breed. Short walks will maintain this dog`s daily physical routine without worries. – Check here for more!

Try to avoid putting him into too much effort! If you notice him working too hard to keep up with you, it`s probably time to carry him in your arms until you get home.

Intelligence & Trainability

Chihuahuas are very smart little creatures. However, training is vital, and it has to start as early as possible for proper socialization. They might seem small, but don`t let their look deceive you.

It could be a “big” mistake to spoil them too much only because they look so cute.

Allowing enough time and being consistent when training your Chi from the first day you brought them home is one of the most important aspects regarding your new pal.

That is if you want a housetrained canine that will behave properly. Training a dog of this breed takes quite some time and a lot of patience.

Although the fact that they are clever does help, they are also quite independent by nature and like to decide on their own what to do and when to do it.

Being so stubborn by nature, maybe it`s best to think again when attempting to teach a Chihuahua to retrieve something. They`ll probably sit and look at you when you throw anything for them to catch.

Nutrition

Keep in mind that if your Chi is in the early stages of his life, adulthood, or a senior, he`ll need quality food appropriate for his age and size.

Some dogs of this breed are predisposed to gaining weight, so keep an eye out for their level of weight and consumption of calories. And although treats are essential during training, don`t offer him too many as this can easily lead to overweight.

Try to avoid foods with a high amount of fat or cooked bones. And if you have to, offer him table scraps in a moderate manner.

Try to learn more about which human foods you need to avoid giving him and which are allowed. And if anything, contact your veterinarian if any worries should arise regarding the little one`s diet or weight.

Grooming

A Chi comes in two different types of coat: long & smooth. A smooth-coated Chi can shed, but the amount can be so small that is easily manageable.

Brushing them on a weekly basis using a rubber glove or a brush specially designed for grooming could make things a lot easier and also keep their coat healthy and smooth.

Long-coated ones are very nice-looking canines, and although they are quite easy to groom, they shed a bit more often. Brushing them twice weekly using a gentle bristle brush can make things go a long way.

You can also get rid of any tangles from the areas around the tail, legs, or ears with a stainless steel comb.

Accidents & Injuries

If it`s the first time you own a Chi, you may not know this, but you`ll soon find out: Chihuahuas get into accidents and, therefore, get injured more than they get ill, and that`s mainly because they are always full of energy.

• Due to their very small throat, these tiny dogs might sometimes choke on things that, for a large dog, don`t pose a problem. So, always be on the lookout for small objects that you may have overlooked on your floors. Also, swallowing a bit of anything toxic (e.g., grapes, chocolate, raisins, etc.) could put your Chihuahua in danger when a big-size dog would never have a problem.
• You must always maintain your little friend in a fenced yard or leash. Chihuahuas aren`t an off-leash type of dog and shouldn`t let be wandering around! There are lots of things that can go wrong when talking about such a tiny pet.
• A Chihuahua`s bones can easily get fractured when jumping from your arms or the furniture. Many dogs of this breed always slip from a raised deck or between a stairwell railing`s slats all the time. If your children throw a ball in a Chihuahua`s direction without paying attention, your little furry friend may easily get hurt.
• Don`t let your Chihuahua play with larger dogs. They can easily get injured simply by bouncing around. Imagine that a “friendly” creature 20 times your weight is suddenly jumping on you! That doesn`t look like a happy image.

Facts about Chihuahua

• As already mentioned from the beginning, Chi is the smallest canine in the world.
• This type of dog is naturally small, so there is no mating between different breeds.
• There are 2 types of Chihuahuas: short-coat & long-coat.
• Despite their tiny size, these canines are full of affection and energy besides everything else.
• Chihuahuas are always observant and alert.
• Even though they are so small, this breed has a lot of courage and personality. They`ll never hesitate to challenge other dogs of larger sizes if they feel the need to be protective of their family.
• They are among the top choices for owners who want to have a pet in a small apartment.

Final Conclusion

Having a Chihuahua in your life can both prove to be a wonderful experience and a demanding one at the same time.

However, you can turn things around more in your favor if you know how to take care of this stunning breed.