Chihuahua Description
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has round, large, very dark eyes, sometimes dark ruby or luminous in color. The trademark large ears should be held erect. Puppies have a soft spot or "molera" on the top of the skull. The bone usually closes the gap by adulthood. The body is cobby (stout), longer than it is tall, and the tail is sickle-shaped - curled over the back or to the side. Besides the common short-haired variety there is also a long- haired type. Colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, but any color is accepted, including black & tan and parti-color. The dog is more robust than he looks, with a level back, and legs coming down straight and square.
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it enjoys affection. Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's can be strong-willed without the proper human leadership. They are intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners. Some like to lick their owner's faces. For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training. May require patience to housebreak. Many owners simply paper train this breed. Be sure to socialize your Chihuahua as a pup to avoid excessive aggressiveness with other dogs as well as reserve with strangers. 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 it will developed many behavior issues, such as jealousy, and will become undeniably suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, it will start to follow his owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. A Chihuahua who is pack leader of it's humans may snap at children. This breed is not recommended for children, most people treat the Chihuahua differently than they would a large dog. Because of his 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 simulation, 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.
Chihuahua Height, Weight
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Chihuahua Health Problems
Because of his short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore. His prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Prone to slipped stifle, gum problems, colds, stress, and rheumatism. Don't let him lick or eat toxic products, fertilizer or chocolate. Feed lightly as it tends to gain weight. Chihuahua puppies are born with large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled veterinarian. They are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppyhood. Some of the breed have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life. This makes the dog prone to injury.
Chihuahua Living Conditions
The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver. It will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are good little dogs for apartment life.
Chihuahua Exercise
Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about; these are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will 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. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Don't think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space.
Chihuahua Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Chihuahua 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 Origin
This is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have been introduced by the Chinese. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian nations. The most valued dogs weigh under 2-1/4 pounds (1.3 kg.). Some can even stand on all fours in a person's palm! There is a long-haired variety that is judged separately, but is essentially the same except for the coat. The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog.
Chihuahua Group
Southern, AKC Toy
Chihuahua adalah ras anjing terkecil dan dinamakan atas daerah Chihuahua di Meksiko.
Standar yang diakui oleh AKC (American Kennel Club) dikenal sebagai "chihuahua", tetapi mereka ada dua jenis, bulu panjang dan bulu halus. Chihuahua tidak boleh lebih dari enam pon. Mereka banyak warnanya, dan dikenal karena telinganya yang berdiri. Anak chihuahua sering dikira hamster karena mukanya yang pipih, sangat kecil, dan bulu tipis.
Anjing yang berkarakter periang, setia, penyayang, dan serba ingin tahu ini, sangat cocok sebagai teman bermain. dikarenakan sifatnya yang bersahabat dengan anak-anak.
Cara merawatnya adalah dengan memberikan pakan terbaik. Karena perutnya kecil, anjing ini hanya makan sedikit saja. Oleh karena itu anjing ini tidak bisa melakukan aktifitas berlebih. Untuk menjaga rambutnya tetap indah, sisirlah rambutnya setiap hari dengan bristle brush. Dengan penyisiran akan merangsang kulit anjing mengeluarkan minyak, sehingga rambutnya terlihat indah dan berkilau. Mesti diperhatikan, anjing ini rentan terhadap benturan. Maka jangan dibiarkan anjing ini keluar sendirian di luar rumah. Karena anjing dan hewan lain dapat menjadi ancaman keselamatannya
Saat proses persalinannya, anjing ini mutlak harus menjalani operasi caesar. Anakan anjing Chihuahua ini bisa mencapai lebih dari delapan ekor. Agar anakannya bagus, induk tidak boleh mengasuh anak anjing lebih dari enam ekor.
