Chihuahua | Facts & Information

Colors: black, white, brown and other colors

Origin

The exact origin of the Chihuahua is uncertain, but many believe that its ancestors were an important part of the life of the Toltecs, an ancient Mexican civilization dating back to the ninth century. The Toltecs called this dog"Techichi". After the Aztecs defeated the Toltecs, the breed experienced an ascent for several centuries.

Chihuahuas were so revered that archaeologists found their remains in ancient tombs. In 1520, Hernando Cortes conquered Mexico, leaving little record of the fate of Chihuahua. For several centuries, the breed was lost throughout history.

Towards the end of the 1800s, the breed was rediscovered and renamed chihuahua after the name of the state in northern Mexico where many statues representing this dog were found. Later, it was revealed that a multitude of remains discovered near Mexico City belonged to Chihuahua dogs.

Feeding Chihuahua

Although picky about food, they are cravings for favorite foods, so their weight should be carefully monitored, but also their blood sugar, on the other hand, because they are prone to hypoglycemia.

It happens often enough not to completely change the milk dentition, at the specific age; this aspect must be checked to remove further complications.

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Appearance Chihuahua

It is a very small dog with a well-shaped body, quite solid, slightly longer than tall. It has a large head, round like an apple, with fine jaws, accentuated stop, short and slightly pointed snout, short and pigmented nose consistent with fur. The eyes are large, round, spaced, slightly protruding, full ( without white).

The ears are large, apart, of "bat" format, raised in motion and left laterally at rest. The tail is of medium length, worn rolled on the back. There are two varieties: long-haired and short-haired. The first Variety has a long, straight or wavy, soft hair and can have a mane around the neck, fringe at the tail, ears, legs and is very rarely found.

The Second Variety has a short, soft, shiny, straight hair, well glued to the body. It can have any color or combination of colors such as: black, white, blue, reddish, wheat color, with or without white or dark spots.

Chihuahua Behavior

Although Chihuahua dogs have a small and fragile body, they are true dogs that have all the instincts and needs of any other dog. It impresses with the ability to love unconditionally and loyalty.

The Chihuahua puppy is an extremely devoted dog that will form a very strong attachment relationship with its owner, from family members it chooses one or two favorites. Sometimes he can become superprotective and jealous of the attention that the master gives to someone else.

However, these undesirable tendencies are unlikely to occur, if he was trained firmly, but also with a lot of gentleness from the beginning. They are dogs that seek and demand a lot of attention from the owner whose face loves to lick and have a strong will.

Their creative and curious nature makes them find different ways to get the attention of those around them. The owners are the sun in the sky of the Chihuahua puppy and he needs to spend as much time as possible in their company, communicate and interact with them.

He hates being left alone, even for a short time, and will express his loneliness being destructive, but fortunately it is quite portable and quite often his desire to be in the company of people can be satisfied. They are known for how loud they bark if left alone and for the anxiety they show at those times. With strangers he is reserved and it will take him some time to feel comfortable in the presence of unknown visitors to the house, but he should not be nervous towards them.

Chihuahua dogs are excellent watchdogs, being always alert and interested in everything that happens. They will immediately sound the alarm at the approach of someone unknown or if something unusual is happening on their territory. Bold and courageous, they will engage in any conflict regardless of the size of the dog that provokes them, they will risk their life for the master at any moment without the slightest hesitation.

The Chihuahua puppy is delicate, with a fine bone and although it is full of energy it is not the right playmate for young children because it can be injured by mishandling, especially when it is a puppy, and its vigorous personality will not tolerate teasing.

For those who understand that Chihuahuas are not toys or babies that need to be carried around all the time, that they don't like to be treated like pampered and tolerated beings, Chihuahuas prove to be smart and agreeable companions and true friends.

The basic obedience training of the Chihuahua puppy must begin as early as possible in order for him to turn into a dog that is a joy to live with and that is well received wherever he goes in society. Gifted with great intelligence is easy to train if you turn to positive methods of education, using food rewards and sincere praise for the progress made.

Nervousness and harsh words or physical corrections will only have negative effects on his learning rate and his desire to conform to the will of the master, in whom he loses confidence. Only if a relationship is established based on mutual respect and affection between the owner and the Chihuahua, the latter will give the best of him and will enjoy working together. Chihuahua puppies get along well with representatives of the same breed, have clan spirit, preferring them to other breeds.

Some are true solar batteries, loving to lie in the sun for hours, but this must be carefully monitored because their body does not tolerate extreme temperatures well. Their gentleness and gentle nature make them the ideal choice for the elderly and those with disabilities.

Chihuahua Training

They train pretty hard. It takes a lot of patience, love and perseverance. They respond best if they are rewarded.

They need to be taught to socialize with people and animals.

When you need to punish them, you can send them to the cage or hit them with a newspaper. It makes more noise and scares them.

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Features Chihuahua

The fur of long-haired dogs should be brushed regularly, and short-haired dogs should be brushed occasionally with a rubber brush.

Eye drops should be used to prevent the appearance of"tear stains". It is good to avoid fattening these dogs, as obesity can lead to narrowing of the airways.

The teeth of puppies of this breed should be checked regularly to be sure that the milk teeth have fallen out. Sometimes they remain with the permanent ones and their removal requires surgery.

Chihuahua Diseases

In general, the Chihuahua is a hardy and healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases and conditions have been reported: hydrocephalus is a disorder characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the brain.

Hypoglycemia is a condition associated with a dangerous drop in blood glucose levels. Patellar dislocation is a disorder that affects the patella (patella). Cryptorchidism is a disorder manifested by the lack of migration of one or both testicles into the scrotum.

Trachea collation is represented by the narrowing of the diameter of the trachea that causes a persistent cough.

The average lifespan of the Chihuahua breed is 15-18 years.