Many other American celebrities had this cute little dog breed as a part of their iconic look. Chihuahua puppies will begin showing signs as they slow down and become listless. They can become bossy and start to rule the roost! Stick with them or you’ll have to give up your favorite pillow because your dog has decided they like it more. Many historians, however, give credit to the Aztecs for refining this br… It is believed that the Toltecs (people who conquered the Mayas) were the first to domesticate the Techichi and take it home as a pet and that they also used it for religious purposes. Modern Chihuahuas hail from Chihuahua, Mexico. They are the smallest dog in the world, weighing 3-6lb, and are one of the low-maintenance dog breeds with a lifespan of 15-20 years.. Long-haired Chihuahua: the fur is fine, silky, straight or slightly wavy, with a relatively dense undercoat. Chihuahuas are comical, entertaining, expressive, and loyal little dogs. Activity Requirements: Because of their very small size, they can live comfortably within an apartment. Toltec carvings are dating to the 9th century C.E. They want nothing more than to join you on your daily adventures and stay close by your side. Give them a bath just if it is needed to protect the important natural oils in his skin. Chihuahua At a glance In the 1940s, well-known bandleader Xavier Cugat was known for conducting the orchestra with a Chihuahua under his arm. Take care of this little breed overheating because they don’t know when to take a break. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). that depicts a dog resembling the Chihuahua, down to the large ears and round head. Small dog remains have been found in graves in Mexico and the United States, which could support the previous theory. The quick answer is while most will be short haired, they do have the potential for a longer coat. Although they look…, At Holistapet we strive to create natural remedies that help reduce the severity of your pet’s physical and mental ailments. A Chihuahua’s size has branded it as a purse dog, lap dog, and just about anywhere else you could carry your little best friend, dog. It is speculated by experts that this breed came about when other miniatures like Papillons or Pomeranians were crossed. The wide eyes stand apart and are another of these dogs’ most prominent features. Anytime your toy breed is limping with a grayish-blue blue tongue and gums, is considered an emergency. Long haired chihuahua pups between 8 and 12 weeks old need 4 meals in a day. An adequately socialized Chihuahua needs exposure to many people and other animals. When welcoming your new little Chihuahua home, it would be best to establish ground rules. The Chihuahua’s ears are prone to ear wax build-up and dry skin. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a few brands to figure out what sits right and what they seem to enjoy the most. She is about 10 percent on her way to becoming trilingual. Small dogs like the Chipin dog need to be kept warm in cold climates. When she is not typing behind a desk you can find Roxanna watching a variety of documentaries to quench her curiosity or on a walk with her favorite dog, Diego. Puppies with severe cases usually pass away within a few months of age. How much fur they shed will depend mostly on whether they have a single or double coat. They thrive on inordinate amounts of attention. This breed comes in solid colors, including cream, fawn, red, black, white, gold, brown, silver, and blue. The best time to take a Chihuahua puppy to the bathroom is the first thing in the morning and after every meal. The Chi-Chi is small in stature but can be big in attitude – particularly if he inherits more of the Chihuahua DNA. Other traits that can occur from improper socialization may include timidness and a constant state of being on edge. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lastly, Grade IV is when a dog begins to get a bowlegged appearance. It would be more suitable for married couples and families with teenage children. While not all Chihuahuas will face the following issues, it’s important to keep your best friend healthy. Required fields are marked *. This may cause a problem if they encounter a large, more aggressive dog. These dogs have to be treated with extra care because even a mildly severe blow to the head could kill them. Their jaw is small, making their teeth even smaller and weaker. Your email address will not be published. Of course there are many very sweet chihuahuas out there. This will naturally help reduce plaque. The Aztecs also used the Techichi for food and pelts. These dogs are so small, they have teacup in their name because they can easily fit inside of one. They are fine-boned but muscular dogs with large dark eyes, apple-shaped heads, and large ears. Mixing a lively, quick, and courageous Chihuahua with a spunky, loyal, and happy Shih Tzu sounds like a winning combination. Quick Summary Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds. Because they were bred for warm weather, this breed doesn’t handle the cold well. If you ask someone who owns a chihuahua, they will tell you that their dog has their very own personality. This method involves keeping the dog in the crate for two to four hour periods, except at night. Chihuahua’s Temperament For Kids Have you ever walked past a house and out of nowhere a little Chihuahua pops out and starts barking at you? Much of the history of the Chihuahua is speculation and conjecture, although everyone agrees on some issues, for example: it is named after the Mexican state that borders Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. There are 2 types of breeds, the long-haired and the short-haired. Without proper exercise, Chihuahuas may develop the aforementioned behavioral problems. If there is an excess of undercoat, it will puff up and look like a Pomeranian’s fur. Grade I is an occasional luxation, causing temporary lameness in the joint. If you’ve ever heard of the state of Chihuahua, it is a Mexican state from which the Chihuahua dog breed is named after. The main takeaway is that Chihuahuas are a loving and incredibly loyal dog breed. Feed chihuahua puppies 3 to 6 months old three meals each day. The most recognizable Chihuahua is Tinker Bell, who spends her days nestled in socialite Paris Hilton’s handbag. It definitely wouldn’t hurt to enroll your Chihuahua in some basic puppy obedience classes. The Chihuahua (affectionately called 'Chi') may descend either from tiny, hairless Chinese dogs or the South American 'Techichi', a favored pet which was buried with the deceased in the hope they would lead the way to the afterlife. They do not tolerate the cold at all. Chihuahuas will always seek out the warmest spot to hole up in, which means settling down under the blankets and against your armpit. Being pet owners ourselves, we agree that our pet’s health and wellness always comes first.🌱🐶🐱, *All products are Federal Farm Bill Compliant and contain less than 0.3% THC*, Chihuahua Dog Breed Temperament & Personality [Full Guide], making this sassy and popular breed the perfect travel-sized companion, German Spitz Dog Breed Temperament, Personality, & FAQ Guide, Welsh Terrier Dog Breed: Temperament, Personality, & FAQs Explained, American Bulldog Breed: Complete Temperament & Personality Guide. These rings lose their stiffness and become unable to retain a circular shape. Caring for a Chihuahua The Shi Chi or Chi Tzu may be small but its personality is immense. Its round, happy eyes are always inviting, wanting people to play with it, hold it, and cuddle with it. The Chihuahua is a small dog with a big character. It can be noted in puppies with signs of an abnormally large head where fluid has accumulated. These murmurs are caused when a disturbance appears in the blood flow through the heart’s chambers. Other good times to take them out are after, playtime, naps, and before they go to sleep. This improper line-up causes lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait. They suffer from a condition called separation anxiety. Character & Temperament. Some believe that the breed’s small size results from crossing the Chihuahua with Chinese crested dogs. It means the Chihuahua has the merle gene, which is known to cause several health problems. : Slippage in the knee joints (also known as a dislocated patella or spilled fluid) is a common problem in small dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a loyal dog inclining a single member of the family, towards whom they would remain ever faithful and also possessive enough to protect him from any danger when the need arises. The Miniature Pinscher is known to be intelligent, independent, and energetic, while the Chihuahua is loyal, sassy, and entertaining. Jealousy is a big part of the Chihuahua’s personality and something that makes them quite incompatible with children. Marilyn Monroe had a Chihuahua named Choo-Choo. The Chihuahua has a surprisingly long lifespan of 13-17 years. They can be a bit difficult to train, but they are smart and learn quickly. Most Chihuahuas feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children make, and stress and fearfulness, including defensive biting, may be the result. Your tiny Chihuahua puppy will grow up to be 5-6 pounds of sassy, outsize personality. The wealthy and the Aztec clergy thought the Techichi was sacred, while the lower class sometimes used it for food. The Saint Bernard is okay for new owners, but may not be as easy as the Chihuahua. Chihuahua. Are Chihuahuas a Popular Breed? The Chihuahua is not shy by any means and packs a bold attitude. Grooming will be at the forefront of your priorities as these dogs do shed quite a bit. Either way you have to ask the vet. Bold and confident, Chihuahuas have an air of self-assuredness in whatever they do. Murmurs are graded by sound, one being the softest and five being the loudest. However, one thing … Chihuahuas are fragile, and a toddler may hurt the dog while playing or further scare the already timid dog. You may be surprised to hear that they make excellent contenders for obedience and agility events. This is the main reason Chihuahuas (or their Chihuahua temperament) are generally unsuitable for homes with babies or small children. There are four ranges or grades of patellar luxation. Many Chihuahuas can live a happy fifteen to twenty years with proper care, which is a long life span as far as dogs go. The straight-haired variety remains the most publicly recognized, but the long-haired variety has increased in number and popularity. If you also want a well-behaved little dog, do your homework if you heart is set on a "chi." However, a breed this size does come with the downside that a dog so small is a lot more delicate and should be handled with even more care than the average Chihuahua. If this were to be left to continue, your puppy could collapse, go into convulsions, followed by a comma, and die. Caring for this high-energy level breed means a lot of care, time, and patience. If you have these symptoms, it may be that you are not getting enough fatty acids. In fact, many people often say that the Chihuahua has the attitude of a terrier. This includes all sorts of environments so that your little dog can become accustomed to different sounds and smells. They have a long body compared to their legs, giving them a unique appearance and a cute little trot of a walk. It wasn’t until 1909 that a Chihuahua named Midget was the first of his breed registered and recognized by the American Kennel Club. Quick Facts. Chihuahua Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training, Personality, Behaviour and Health Advice. If you have to take him to a cold place, try putting the “puppy” in a sweater or coat to help keep him warm. The Techichi, a sacred dog of the ancient Toltecs, is the likely ancestor of this small dog breed. Characterized by a sturdy body, round or flat head, erect or floppy ears, and big, round-shaped eyes, these dogs make an adorable pet because of their sweet and humble disposition. Feed puppies 6 months to 1 year 2 times in a 24 period. Chihuahuas are also quick to step up as pack leader if they feel their is a vacancy. This problem can occur at any age, although a small part of young puppies have a greater potential for the development of hypoglycemia. As it is a small dog it is easy to groom and to keep up with loose hair around the home. Chihuahuas are a whole lot of dog squeezed inside a tiny physique. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with the Chihuahua dog breed. Consider your little friend’s small mouth when it comes to feeding them. Chihuahua. If training starts at an early age, they respond well and appropriately. In other words, it is when you see them walk with an irregular skip or hop. Chihuahuas are small dogs and are quickly provoced. Owner Experience - The Chihuahua is an excellent choice for new/inexperienced owners. The relics and remains of the Techichi indicate that the breed was long-haired and dumb, very different from the modern Chihuahua. (low blood sugar). As mentioned before, Chihuahuas can be unfriendly toward other dogs if they’re not socialized when young. Hypoglycemia occurs in toy puppies who don’t have the fat reserves to supply adequate glucose when stressed or don’t eat regularly.