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Chihuahua Breed
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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 longcoat, 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 longcoat 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 vulnerable to the colds and should not live outside.
Both photos courtesy of Chihuahua kennel Van't Eiland Ouburg
World class Chihuahua breeder from Belgium specializing in Long Coat and Smooth Coat Chihuahuas
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Longhaired Chihuahuas 2007 Wall Calendar
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365 Days of Chihuahuas 2007 Wall Calendar
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Chihuahua Puppies 2007 Mini Wall Calendar
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Chihuahua Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Mexico
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| FCI Classification: |
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs; Section 6 - Chihuahueño. |
| Utilization: |
Companion Dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Toy Group |
| Personality: | Chihuahuas are intelligent, alert, curious and hardy. Chihuahuas are wary of strangers and make good watchdogs. They make excellent companions to elderly and single people. |
| Size: | Small
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Height: | 6-9 inches at shoulders |
| Weight: | 5-6 lbs |
| Colors: |
All colors are acceptable. Colors range from snow white to jet black and can be solid, marked or splashed. |
| Other Names: | Chi |
| Average Litter Size: | 3 |
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Life Span: | 12-15 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
They need regular brushing, ear cleaning and nail trimming. |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Social skills: |
Chihuahuas usually get along with other small animals but can be extremely suspicious about strange dogs. |
| Suitability for Children: | Not the best choice for families with young children. They can be snappy with small children and have low tolerance of them. These dogs are not recommended to families with children under 4. |
| Exercise Needs: | Little |
| Train Ability: | Chihuahuas can be difficult to house break. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: |
Most important: Patellar luxation
Other diseases: Color dilution alopecia, Corneal dystrophy, Cryptorchidism,
Demodicosis, Glaucoma, Hydrocephalus, Mitral valve disease, Patent ductus arteriosus, Pattern baldness, Progressive retinal atrophy,
Pulmonic stenosis,
Ceroid lipofuscinosis, Cystinuria, Hemophilia (Factor VIII deficiency),
Neuraxonal dystrophy, Spina bifida
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©2003-2008 Go Pets America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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