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Chihuahua
Breed:
Belongs to the toy breed.
- The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world. The dog is slightly longer than it is tall
- The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognizes two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat. Many smooth-coat Chihuahuas have thin hair, but other smooth coats have a very dense, thick coat.
- The breed was discovered in the late 1800's by American tourists in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, after which the breed was named.
Origin:
The Chihuahua's origins are not exactly known.
Theories range from the Chihuahua being of Chinese ancestry - brought to Mexico by Chinese only 100 years ago, to it being the descendant of an ancient Egyptian breed.
The most current theory holds that Spanish merchants brought Chihuahuas to Spain by way of their trade routes with China and from there to Mexico.
Up until its time of development as a pure breed in the United States, the origin of the long-coated version of the Chihuahua is identical to that of the short-coated variety. The long coat is thought to have been achieved by crossbreeding the short coat Chihuahua with other toy breeds. The Papillon, Pomeranian, Pekingese and Yorkshire Terrier are suggested as possible crosses.
Personality:
- The Chihuahua breed is alert, intelligent, playful, affectionate and loyal, and makes an excellent companion for elderly or disabled people or families with well-behaved children.
- The breed is a graceful, swift-moving with a proud expression, possessing a terrier-like attitude.
- The Chihuahua has been known to be temperamental. This breed is usually reserved with strangers It may snap at children if being teased.
- Many Chihuahuas focus their loyalty on one person, becoming overly jealous of that person's other human relationships.
Home adjustment:
- The Chihuahua dog breed is thought to be adaptable when it comes to living in different environments. Chihuahuas become very attached to their owners and are very willing to please.
- Very much a lap dog, the Chihuahua enjoys being pampered.Their alertness, intelligence and size make them easily adaptable to a variety of environments, including the city and small apartments.
- While Chihuahuas are often characterized as snobbish, correct training and socialization can result in an outstanding companion.
- Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size and physical fragility.
Care:
- Chihuahua grooming needs are minimal. Short-haired Chihuahua should be brushed gently or wiped with a damp cloth. The long-haired Chihuahua should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush.
- Bathe only when necessary. Check ears regularly.
- They must be trained and socialized early.
- Minimal exercise is required for both variety of Chihuahuas.
- Chihuahuas are sensitive to the cold due to their small body size, so many owners dress their dogs in sweaters or coats in cold weather.
- This breed requires veterinary care in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy.They are also prone to the sometimes painful genetic condition known as hydrocephalus, or water on the brain