Chihuahua Dog Breed

The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog and its history is shrouded in mystery. Some believe that it originated in Asia, others that it came from Europe. But no matter where the breed got its start, it really is a dog of Mexico. This coupled with the fact that in several Mayan dialects "chi" means dog, would seem to place the ancestors of the Chihuahua in the Mayan period. The Chihuahua comes in two varieties: smooth with a short, close-lying, glossy coat, and the long-coat, with soft-textured, flat or slightly wavy hair that forms a fringe of longer hair on the neck, legs, and tail. To many people the long-coat variety is a mere variant of the typical, short-haired Chihuahua, different only in coat length. To others it is a separate breed. Those who support the idea that this is a distinct type do so because they believe that it is the result of one or more crossing with other breeds.

Pomeranian, Papillon and pekingese are said to have been used to create this variety. Chihuahuas are affectionate but they are also alert and make an excellent little watchdog. They are very loyal and get attached to one or two persons. The Chihuahua is very protective and can bark at the slightest provocation. Chihuahuas are very sociable with their own kind. So several Chihuahuas can live happily in the same household.

The Chihuahua is very loyal to his owner and will always choose you when presented with other alternatives: be it another dog or any other attraction. The Chihuahua makes an ideal companion for elderly and single people. To make this breed even more special: Chihuahuas get along perfectly with dogs of the same sex.

Both photos courtesy of Chihuahua kennel Van't Eiland Ouburg
World class Chihuahua breeder from Belgium specializing in Long Coat and Smooth Coat Chihuahuas

Two Varieties of Chihuahua

The modern Chihuahua comes in two varieties: long coat and smooth coat. Most breed enthusiasts see the smooth coat as the original Chihuahua, and it has always been the most popular of the two varieties in the United States. The long-coated type has been interbred with other Toy dogs, such as the Papillon, but now this variety is strongly established as a separate entity. Today, the long coat and the smooth coat are shown in separate classes, but apart from length of coat, the varieties are identical in both character and conformation.

Chihuahua Care

Chihuahuas are among the most appealing of all dog breeds, and Chihuahua dogs are irresistible. However, it is important that you do not succumb to temptation and rush into Chihuahua ownership before giving it a serious consideration. You may thing that a small dog is easy to care for, but, in fact, the responsibility and commitment is exactly the same as if you were taking on an Irish Wolfhound!

Caring For Male Chihuahua

It is generally thought that Toy dogs mature more quickly than the larger breeds, but this is not necessarily the case with the Chihuahua. A male will not be fully mature until he is around 18 months of age, and his adolescent or "junior" phase is generally around 12-18 months.

At this time, a male Chihuahua may not look his best. He has lost his early bloom, and is at an untidy, caught between puppyhood and adulthood. This is of little consequence to the pet owner, but it can be a nervous time if you are planning to show your Chihuahua.

Temperamentally, the adolescent male may show few changes in behavior. He may mess around a little, and be a bit slower to respond to you, but he is unlikely to be confrontational. Try to be patient with your Chihuahua at this time, and give lots of praise and reward when he responds correctly.

If your are not planning to show your Chihuahua or use him for breeding, neutering is a sensible option. However, it is important to wait until the dog is fully mature - around 18 months of age - before allowing him to be castrated. If the operation is performed too early, the dog is in a period of suspended development, and this may have an effect on his temperament.

The advantage of neutering is that your Chihuahua will not be on the lookout for female Chihuahuas in season every time you go out, and he will not feel the need to mark his territory quite so zealously.

It has been noted that the long-coated Chihuahua grows a more profuse coat after castration, which can be viewed as a bonus, depending on your enthusiasm for grooming. The other possible side effect is obesity. A castrated dog tends to put on weight more easily, and this must be safeguarded against. In terms of health, a castrated dog will be less likely to suffer prostate disorders, and the risk of testicular cancer is eliminated.

Caring For Female Chihuahua

A female Chihuahua is sexually mature when she has had her first season. The timing of this may vary dramatically between individuals: some may have their first season at around eight months, others as old as 15 months.

Despite the major hormonal changes taking place, the female Chihuahua seems to float through adolescence, and rarely gives cause for concern. She is less likely to go through and "ugly duckling" phase than the male, and she will generally continue to be her usual sweet and sunny self.

In most breeds, neutering is recommended for females that are not to be used for breeding, but this is not always the case with Chihuahuas. Compared with castration in the male, spaying in the female is a much more serious operation, and the implications of this should be considered. The tiny Chihuahua is very vulnerable under anesthetic, so there is risk involved. Research has shown that there are health benefits involved with spaying, such as a reduced risk of mammary tumors, and a lower incidence of pyometra (a life-threatening womb infection). However, this must be considered alongside the side effects of obesity and urinary incontinence, which may occur in the spayed female. This is an important decision to make, and it would be wise to discuss the pros and cons with your vet before taking action.

Different dog breeds can suffer from common canine diseases and Chihuahuas are not an exception. Learn more about dog health in general, common canine diseases, preventive care, skin disorders, dog eye and ear infections and more.

Importance of Annual Checkups

Every dog needs to visit his veterinarian at least once a year for a "well-dog" checkup. Senior dogs (over 10 years old) should receive routine checkups twice a year, or as often as your veterinarian suggests. Before your Chihuahua's annual checkup, review his weight records. Has his weight gone up or down? Has he been eating well? Any changes in dietary preference? Water consumption? How's the hair coat?

Vaccinations

Vaccinations appropriate to your Chihuahua, combined with high-quality nutrition and veterinary care, are your best bets for insuring him a long, healthy life. Vaccinations are vital to your Chihuahua's health and well-being. Don't get mislead, or misinformed by some claims that vaccinations are unnecessary or even harmful. While it's true that occasional side effects and problems have been associated with routine vaccinations in the past, new data and new vaccination protocols are helping to make vaccinating your Chihuahua safer than before. Prevention is always more cost-effective - and easier on you and your dog - than treatment of avoidable diseases.

There have been some evidence that some Chihuahuas may be susceptible to severe reactions to Leptospirosis vaccines and can develop distemper encephalitis, kidney and liver failure. The 2003 report of the AAHA Canine Vaccine Task Force indicated that the DOI (duration of immunity) following challenge studies in dogs was equal to or greater than 7 years for the three canine "core" vaccines against distemper virus, parvovirus (CPV-2) and adenovirus (hepatitis, CAV-1).

Some veterinarian experts maintain that the practice of re-vaccinating animals annually is largely based on historic precedent supported by minimal scientific data; unnecessary stimulation of the immune system does not result in enhanced disease resistance and may expose animals to unnecessary risks.

Which vaccinations your Chihuahua needs, and how often they should be given, depend on a number of factors, including your Chihuahua's age, health, medical and behavioral history and living situation. You should discuss with your veterinarian and decided which vaccinations your Chihuahua really needs. Some are essential for health, some required by law, and others optional - depending on your dog's situation.

Breed Standard

The AKC standard for the Chihuahua says these dogs should weigh no more than 6 pounds, and if you have ever seen a picture of a Chihuahua you will readily notice how tiny they actually are. Breed standards in different countries vary and in Britain, for instance, 2-4lbs weight is the accepted standard. According the F.C.I. standard, dogs over 6 pounds are disqualified.

Although these dogs are tiny, they are far from being delicate and weak. They have very few genetic defects and have a very strong immune system.

Chihuahua Breed Outline

Teacup Chihuahua

Contrary to false advertisements, Chihuahuas are not classified by size. Typical Chihuahuas weigh between 3 to 6 pounds. Dogs a little larger than 6 pounds make excellent pets, especially when children are in the family, but you should think twice before buying an especially tiny Chihuahua. Pups wrongly advertised as signature or teacup often are below the breed's standard, too delicate for the average home and may have health problems. These sepcimen are very fragile, high-strung and timorous. Anyone desiring this variety of dogs would be better off with a hamster.

Of all purebred dogs, the Chihuahua is perhaps is the longest lived, most easily living into her teens. Although health problems are not many compared to other breeds of dogs, , Chihuahuas suffer from heart valve problems, as well as cleft palates, hydrocephalus, cryptorchidism (retained or missing testicle), and kidney stones.

Many small breeds suffer from some form of chronic heart valve disease, and a genetic predisposition is suspected. The Chihuahua most often experiences mitral insufficiency, which is a problem with a mitral valve that separates the flow of blood on the left side of the heart.

Many people are drawn to the tinyest Chihuahuas available. Ads for teacup or so-called pocket Chihuahuas boast boast of tiny dogs. The Chihuahua club of America frowns on the use of these misleading terms. Despite of the undeniable appeal, several drawbacks accompany these dogs, including missing teeth, large moleras, and injuries. Tiny Chihuahua puppies will suffer more often from these health problems than larger puppies.

Bred for an extremely small size, teacup Chihuahuas are predisposed to transient juvenile hypoglycemia, so they have to be given insulin on a daily basis. Their knees are prone to dislocation if they try to go up and down the stairs.

Many breeders suggest a dog weighing about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) is ideal - small enough to be cute yet large enough to be fairly sturdy.

If you want to compete with your Chihuahua in obedience and agility, a dog that is near the top of the allowed weight limit will generally have an easier time. Even conformation dogs may be hindered by a tiny size. Since many shows are held outdoors with somewhat tall grass, the tiniest Chihuahuas will have difficulty moving with ease. If you intend your Chihuahua as a companion for a child, a larger dog is usually better suited. A rough guide to adult weight can be arrived at by doubling the pups weight at 14 weeks of age. Of course, this is not exact, but it can give you a general idea for most lines of Chihuahuas.

Photo courtesy of manuncios.com.mx

Chihuahua Topics to Explore

Chihuahua Breed

Chihuahua Puppies

Chihuahua Dogs, Chihuahua F.A.Q.

Chihuahua History

Teacup Chihuahua

Teacup Chihuahua Sudden Death

Pet Pictures: Chihuahua 392

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