The Chihuahua is a small dog breed, and the national symbol of Mexico. His name comes from the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Let’s take a look at the Chihuahua dog breed profile.
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Chihuahua Breed Information
Breed Summary
Country of Origin: Mexico
Group: Toy Group
Weight: 2- 6 pounds
Height: 5 inches.
Features: Upright ears
Exercise Requirements: Less than 20 minutes/day
Energy Level: Energetic.
Lifespan: 10-15 years.
Tendency to Drool: Low.
Amount of shedding: low
Social/Attention Needs: High.
Tendency to Bark: High.
Tendency to Dig: Low.
Coat Characteristic: Short or long.
Coat Colors: Black, blue, brown, chocolate, liver, fawn, grey, and white.
Patterns: Bicolor, Black and tan, blue and tan, brindle, merle, tricolor.
General Grooming Needs: Low.
CHIHUAHUA APPEARANCE
- This Little dog weighs less than two pounds and rarely reaches six pounds. They are about five inches tall.
- Chihuahuas have a domed skull. They have large pointed ears, and their snouts are short and pointed.
- His eyes are round and large.
- Chihuahua’s coats come in two varieties: One is soft and short. The other is long and smooth with fringed ears and legs.
- The coat comes in almost any color and pattern.
One of his features is his rounded apple head with erect ears and luminous eyes. His coat comes in many colors and patterns and can be long or short.
HISTORY
This dog carries the name of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and its history is uncertain.
Some experts believe that the Aztecs or the Incas developed this breed; others say this breed can be traced back to Spanish dogs as far back as the 16th century.
The first Chihuahuas might arrive in the United States in the early 1800s.
In 1890 the president of Mexico gave a Chihuahua dog to the opera singer Adelina Patti, and the breed became popular.
CHIHUAHUA PERSONALITY
Chihuahuas are lap dogs, but they are active and like to be busy.
These little dogs are very vocal and make excellent watchdogs.
Chihuahuas make good family pets but have a reputation for biting strangers or small children who may threaten their tiny size.
As with all breeds, the Chihuahua puppy needs social training to feel comfortable with people and other animals in the house.
Chihuahuas usually choose a particular owner but can get along well with other people.
Like many small dogs, they tend to bark more than other dogs, and sometimes they can be temperamental.
Chihuahuas are fast learners and can compete in agility and obedience trials with as much enthusiasm and success as larger dogs and they remain curious and fearless throughout their lives.
HEALTH
These little dogs are generally healthy. The lifespan of Chihuahuas is ten years old, and some dogs can live until eighteen years old, but they can develop health problems as they age.
Some possible health problems to be aware of are:
- Heart diseases.
- Patellar luxation (loose kneecaps).
- Hypoglycemia and epilepsy.
- Additionally, a Chihuahua’s ears can be prone to earwax buildup and dry skin.
EXERCISE REQUIREMENT
Short, slow walks will be enough to maintain your dog in good weight and condition. Chihuahuas love to run and play but do not exhaust him too much. If he is panting, pick him up and carry him home.
CARE
Chihuahuas are easy to care for dogs.
For smooth-coated dogs, you must brush them occasionally and bathe them regularly.
Long-haired Chihuahuas need a brush once a week to prevent tangled or matted fur.
Both coats do not shed much except once or twice a year.
Dental hygiene is also recommended by brushing the teeth at least every other day.
Their nails grow fast and need regular trimming.
You can carefully wipe tear stains under the eyes to remove the discharge.
In general, Chihuahuas do not tolerate cold and must be kept warm.
FOOD AND DIET
- The Chihuahua needs high-quality dog food; you can feed your dog with commercial or homemade food. Always ask your veterinarian for advice.
- Some dogs tend to be overweight, so be careful with calorie consumption.
- Treats are essential for training purposes, but giving too much can cause obesity.
- Provide clean and fresh water.
FUN FACTS ABOUT CHIHUAHUAS
- The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog, and his name came after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
- The Chihuahua comes in two varieties: long and smooth coats.
- Chihuahuas or at least Chihuahuas-like ancestors appear in ancient Mexican paintings.
- The Toltecs, who lived in Mexico in the 9th century AD, owned the Techichi; this breed is the ancestor of Chihuahuas.