General Description

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The Chihuahua is a very small-sized dog with a proportionately robust build and distinctive facial features. Their body is stout and just longer than it is tall, and they have straight limbs. They have a sickle-shaped tail that curls over the dog’s back or off to one side. They have an apple-shaped head with a short, tapered, pointy muzzle. Their large eyes are round, dark, and can sometimes be ruby or luminously-colored. They have large, triangular-shaped, erect ears that are a distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on the top of their skull that closes as they become adults. There is a long-haired variety of Chihuahua, but the most common variety is the short-haired Chihuahua. Their coat comes in a variety of colors including fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, and steel blue. They may also be black & tan or tri-color.

Chihuahua's are often referred to as a 'chico' (ch-e-co), The Chihuahua comes in almost an endless amount of colors. They come in white, brindle, chocolate, black and merle. Merle is trying to be bred out because of a gene that causes blindness and deafness. Some Chihuahua's tails don't curl. A tail that curves over to one side, or that is curly or kinky or twisted is a sign of an improperly developed spine and can be linked to other health issues. The Molera is a correct breed trait that only sometimes closes. Most Chihuahuas have an open Molera (though smaller is better) for their entire lives. Deer, Micro and Tea Cup Chihuahuas are marketing terms that some breeders use to sell small, improperly or underdeveloped dogs. There is no such thing as a T-cup Chihuahua. Chihuahuas belong to the TOY group. Shaking or trembling is not a normal Chihuahua trait. Shaking is a sign of low blood sugar or anemia and urgent care may be required. They may also shake when nervous or stressed out.

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Character

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The Chihuahua is lively, alert, proud, and makes a good companion. They seek and demand affection, and they are very spunky by nature. They are determined, courageous, and they become very attached to their owner(s). They have a jealous streak, and they will follow their owner’s every move if strangers are present. Some Chihuahuas are difficult to train, but they are intelligent and generally learn quickly. They are most receptive to gentle training and positive reinforcement. The Chihuahua doesn’t like to be poked, pestered, or teased, and he may snap if a child provokes him. Because of their small size, they will resort to using their teeth if they feel threatened. This breed can be noisy and difficult to housebreak. All Chihuahuas should be properly socialized to avoid the onset of aggressive behavior. This breed is usually aggressive towards other dogs.

The Chihuahua is also very courageous, lively, proud, affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and enterprising.

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Size

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6 – 9 inches

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Weight

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2 – 6 pounds

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General Health

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The Chihuahua may wheeze or snore because of his very short nose. The breed has prominent eyes that are prone to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Other health concerns include slipped stifle, colds, stress, and rheumatism. This breed shouldn’t be overfed. Frequently, Chihuahuas are born by cesarean section because of their proportionately large-sized heads. This breed typically lives for more than 15 years.

The chihuahua can live up to 13 to 15 years on average. They are prone to get stye in their eyes. This breed is also known for epilepsy and seizures. Seizure medication can cost as much as $60 a month. It is very common after they turn 2 years of age in poorly bred Chihuahuas. The smaller a Chihuahua is bred to be, the more health issues the dog might experience. Small Chihuahuas may develop low blood sugar. And need to eat several small meals to sustain their energetic little bodies. They are known to go into sugar shock very quickly and if not quickly treated, can result in death. In extreme cases you can restore the sugar with Nutra Cal (puppy vitamin gel), maple syrup or even Karo Syrup (just a tiny bit can do the trick)

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History

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The Chihuahua is the oldest dog breed on the continent of North America, and it is the smallest dog breed in the world. The breed is native to Mexico, and many believe it was introduced to the region by the Chinese. They were named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the place where they first arrived. The breed is thought to have been sacred to the Pre-Colombian Indian nations. The Chihuahua wasn’t brought to Europe until the end of the 19th century.

The early Toltecs of Mexico had similar dogs to the Chihuahua called the Techichi. They were used for reaching the gods and helping the dead pass on to the after life.

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Maintenance

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The smooth, short-haired coat of the Chihuahua is easy to groom and take care of. An occasional brushing and wipe-down with a soft cloth are sufficient methods of upkeep. The long-haired variety of Chihuahua should be brushed on a daily basis with a soft bristle brush. All varieties of the Chihuahua should receive a bath on a monthly basis. Owners of this breed should make sure to avoid getting water into the dog’s ear canal. Chihuahuas are average shedders.

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Ideal Environment

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The Chihuahua is happy in a small household or apartment. They are very sensitive to the cold, and they should wear a sweater on cold days. While it’s tempting to carry the Chihuahua instead of let him walk, it’s important that these dogs get plenty of exercise. They love to go for walks, and they shouldn’t be confined to a small space.

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