Chihuahua

The Chihuahua’s history has been hotly debated. One group feels that the breed originated in China before being introduced to Central America by Spanish explorers. Others firmly believe that the Chihuahua is a native of Central America, descended from the Techichi, a small dog who was a companion to the Toltecs as far back as the 9th century. Small dogs much like the Chihuahua have been found in the pyramids of Cholula, which were built before the 1500s. No matter where the breed originated, it has become a popular pet in Central and North America, Europe, and the Mediterranean, as well as other parts of the world.

The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog !

The Chihuahua is a very small dog, never to exceed about 3 kg to 4 kg (6 pounds), with a bright, alert expression. Other than weight, there are no size classifications. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature, and Standard are several of the many tags assigned to the chihuahua breed but in reality there are only two varieties of Chihuahua, and those are the coat types.

The long coat Chihuahua has a soft, flat, or slightly wavy coat, while the smooth coat (or shorthaired) Chihuahua has a short, close, glossy coat. Both varieties may have an undercoat. Coat colors include black and tan, tricolored, red, fawn, sable, and brindle. The Chihuahua’s head is rounded, with full but not protruding eyes, large erect ears, and a jaunty curved tail that is carried gaily and loops over the back.

Grooming this little dog is not difficult. The long haired coat should be combed every other day and checked for tangles, especially behind the ears and in the pantaloons. The smooth variety can be brushed twice a week with a soft bristle brush. Chihuahuas are not sedentary lap dogs. They like to cuddle, but they also need exercise and playtime.

The breed’s small size makes this easy, as Chihuahuas can chase a ball or toy across the room or go for a nice walk for lots of exercise. Socialization is important for this breed. With early socialization to people of all ages, Chihuahuas can become more comfortable with people outside the home circle. Even though this is a very small dog, training is very important. Chihuahuas are bright dogs and quick thinkers. Without training, they can take advantage of a permissive owner. Training can be a challenge, but with fair yet fun training techniques, these dogs will learn and will have fun doing it.

Chihuahuas are alert little dogs and try to be watchdogs; sometimes they take their job too seriously. This breed is not necessarily the best choice for children, as the dogs can be fragile.

Health concerns include an open fontanel (soft spot on the skull), knee problems, and hypoglycemia.

A Chihuahua must be chosen with care, as the temperament of its owner makes a difference in the temperament of the pup.

More than most other breeds, how a Chihuahua turns out depends mainly on the genetic temperament of his parents and grandparents (entire lines are social or antisocial) and how it is raised (socialization and training) when brought home. Ill tempered Chihuahuas can be easily provoked to attack, and are therefore generally unsuitable for homes with small children. Chihuahuas are graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament. The chihuahua breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular owner and in some cases may become over protective of the person, especially around other people or animals, but may be attached to more. They do not always get along with other breeds and  often prefer the companionship of other Chihuahuas over other dogs. These traits generally make them unsuitable for households with children that are not patient and calm.

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