Chihuahua

Breed Description

A decorative dog breed that is endlessly devoted to its owner. The smallest dog breed in the world. The most ancient breed in America. All of this refers to the Chihuahua, or chihuahuense (the official name). There are many legends about the breed’s origins. One legend states that it is the result of the domestication of the techichi – wild dogs that lived with the indigenous people in the 9th-10th centuries in what is now Mexico. They looked like modern Chihuahuas, but were slightly larger. Archaeologists have found figurines of Chihuahua ancestors in the burial sites of indigenous priests in Central America. However, geneticists reject this version of the cute little dogs’ origin. Another hypothesis suggests that the ancestors of modern Chihuahuas came to Mexico with the Spaniards. Only after Mexico declared its independence, starting in 1810, did farmers in the province of Chihuahua begin breeding this breed, from which it later spread to the United States and around the world via Great Britain. In Europe, the breed was met with enthusiasm. The popularity of these tiny dogs on spindly legs grew at an unimaginable rate.

It is believed that Chihuahuas made a significant contribution to the development of toy breeds, which are widely represented in the modern world. Unlike many of their relatives, this breed is known for its developed intelligence and strong health. Moreover, Chihuahuas are undeniable long-lived, with lifespans that can exceed 16 years. The United States registered these adorable dogs in the national breed registry at the very beginning of the 20th century. It wasn’t until 1923 that the breed standard was described in the U.S., which initially only recognized smooth-coated Chihuahuas. Long-haired dogs were included in the international standard in the mid-20th century, in 1954.

Today, in almost every Mexican town, you can find small Chihuahuas everywhere. Despite their size often being smaller than that of a cat and weighing less than 3 kilograms, locals use them as home guardians. Their proud posture and “murderous gaze” seem to warn that in moments of danger, a Chihuahua will not flee but will undoubtedly bite an unexpected guest. At the same time, these cute creatures are quite friendly if their temperament is respected, making them excellent family companion dogs.

Appearance

A compact, slightly elongated body on slender legs. The proud posture of the owner. The head is held high and resembles an apple in shape. Small triangular ears are almost always perked up, acting like sound locators. The tail is of moderate length, proportional to the dog’s body.

There are several varieties of Chihuahuas: long-haired and short-haired. The long-haired variety can have either straight or wavy fur. Typically, this type has distinctive curled tufts on the tail, ears, and legs. As for the short-haired Chihuahuas, their fur is fine and shiny, closely fitting the body. An interesting feature of the smooth Chihuahuas is their sparser fur on the belly and neck. Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas are fully-fledged dogs, although their weight ranges from 1.5 to 3 kilograms. The standard does not set specific size requirements for these dogs. However, one should not pursue overly tiny specimens, as issues with offspring may arise. They come in a wide range of colors, from solid to tricolored. However, the merle or marble color pattern can signal genetic defects that may lead to deafness in offspring. The energy of these small guardians is simply inexhaustible.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of a Chihuahua resembles an apple in shape. In some cases, a slightly oval skull is acceptable. The fontanelle is completely closed. Depending on the type of coat, the head is fully covered with shiny, fine hair. The forehead clearly transitions into the muzzle without being rounded.

Морда

Depending on the type of skull, the muzzle has a wide base, is relatively short, and tapers towards the nose. It is fully covered with fur. The forehead is convex, and the brow ridges are well developed. If the skull has a "deer" shape, the muzzle is slightly more elongated towards the nose.

Уши

Если рассматривать стандарт FCI, то уши чихуахуа должны обязательно стоять, напоминают треугольник по своей форме, достаточно широко и высоко посажены. В зависимости от типа черепа уши могут сидеть чуть шире и их размер может быть варьироваться как в большую, так и в меньшую сторону. Висячие уши считаются дефектом.

Глаза

Large eyes that are dark brown, often black. They are usually set wide apart and look straight ahead. In a healthy Chihuahua, the eyes are not bulging. Lighter shades of eyes are least preferred. Surprisingly, Chihuahua's eyes can change expression and reflect the dog's mood.

Зубы

Healthy teeth should be white without dark spots or chips. An adult Chihuahua, according to international standards, should have 42 teeth. The bite is scissor-like, but a level bite is also acceptable. The cheekbones should not be prominent and are weakly developed. A malocclusion or undershot is highly undesirable.

Корпус

The compact body is almost square in shape. In female Chihuahuas, a slight elongation of the body is permitted. The straight, short back is strong enough. There is no distinct withers. The chest is wide and muscular when viewed from the front. The abdomen is tight and not bloated. The lower back is short, slightly arched, with very well-developed muscles.

Конечности

The legs are straight and thin. The elbows are not splayed out to the sides and form a straight line when viewed from the front. They are completely covered in fur, and in long-haired varieties, the fur above the elbows is generally longer. The hind legs are parallel to each other, thin and straight. Both the front and hind legs are well developed and have strong muscles. The paw pads are small but well developed. The toes are spaced out. The claws are of moderate size.

Хвост

The tail is of moderate length and thicker at its base. It is completely covered in fur. In long-haired Chihuahuas, the fur on the tail flows down like a long fringe. A characteristic of the breed is the tail curling in a semicircle. Typically, the tip of the tail always points upwards.

Шерсть

Currently, the "Mexican" has a very broad palette of colors, ranging from solid to tricolor. Among the most popular colors are gold, chocolate, white, and cream, including various combinations of these. Sable and fawn are less common but still popular. The most exotic color is the tricolor, with white as the primary color combined with chocolate, black, or even blue. The marble color in Chihuahuas is not recommended for breeding and is considered a very serious defect.

Окрас

В настоящее время “мексиканец” имеет очень широкую палитру окрасов, начиная от одноцветного, заканчивая триколором. К наиболее популярным окрасам можно отнести золотой, шоколадный, белый, кремовый, в том числе и в различных сочетаниях между собой. Соболиный и палевый встречаются реже, но не менее популярны. Наиболее экзотический окрас - это триколор белого, как основного цвета в сочетании с шоколадным, чёрным или даже голубым цветом. Мраморный окрас чихуахуа не рекомендован к разведению и считается очень серьёзным дефектом.

Character

One should not underestimate this dog just by looking at its cute appearance and small size. The Chihuahua is a full-fledged dog with a strong character. It is important for them to feel that they are not just a decorative element in the home, but a real guardian ready to protect every family member in case of danger.

Brave dogs were used as rat catchers on the ships of Spanish colonizers in ancient times. Nowadays, in Mexico, these adorable little ones are employed as home guardians in nearly every family, and this is no joke.

At the same time, Chihuahuas are quite friendly creatures and favorites among all family members. Interestingly, Chihuahuas can get along well even with larger dog breeds and cats. It is important to note that larger relatives often treat the Chihuahua as a leader.

Aggression is not characteristic of the breed. However, their brave character can seem like madness when a Chihuahua stands its ground. Chihuahuas are very sensitive, so before allowing children to play with them, it is essential to explain that they should not yell at the little one and to let the dog acclimatize to the new company on its own. Otherwise, the reaction from the “button” can be undesirable and quite noisy.

Regardless of their coat types, Chihuahuas can be jealous of their favorite owner. To prevent this, it is important for all family members to behave correctly. At times, they resemble emperors, especially if observed from the side with their proud posture and somewhat haughty gaze. “Amigos u nog” (friends at your feet) is another informal name the breed has earned for their habit of always being near their favorite owner. For instance, if you are doing something in the kitchen, you can be 100% sure that the dog is somewhere nearby. If you lie down to rest, you will soon realize that “someone” is already snuggled up close by. Like a scanner, the dog studies its owner’s habits, identifies weaknesses, and tries to exert invisible pressure, leveraging any discovered gaps to its advantage.

Nervous, hot-tempered Chihuahuas are a result of improper training, not a breed standard. However, an owner’s incorrect behavior can inflate the dog’s ego to an unreasonable level. The result can be frequent mood swings and antisocial behavior from the pet.In other respects, healthy dogs are very accommodating and calm. Moreover, they are easy to travel with; “Mexicans” are very tolerant of the discomforts associated with long trips or plane travel. Many movie and music stars have voiced support for these miniature dogs. After all, they are so small and cute that you can take them anywhere without any worries.

Care and Maintenance

The smaller the Chihuahua, the simpler its care. However, there are several aspects to consider. Like all dogs, Chihuahuas need regular walks in fresh air. Active exercise for 20-30 minutes is sufficient to recharge their energy. If it’s not possible to walk outside, then a room in your apartment will regularly serve as a racetrack for your “Mexican racer.”

Regardless of the dog’s size or coat length, it’s best to help your four-legged friend in cold weather by dressing it in a special insulated outfit to prevent hypothermia outdoors. Washing its paws after walks, trimming nails as they grow, and daily checks of the eyes and ears for discharge should cover the basics. Let’s delve a bit more into each step.

A characteristic feature of this breed is excessive tearing, especially in windy weather. To timely identify potential eye diseases, it is essential to inspect the dog’s eyes daily and wipe the corners with a cotton pad if needed.

Cleaning the ears helps avoid severe contamination, which can lead to fungal infections later on. In warm weather, checking the ears protects those adorable ears from ticks and other insects easily picked up while playing in tall grass. You can find special ear cleaning lotions at veterinary pharmacies. Remember that Chihuahuas aren’t suited to live outdoors in harsh Russian conditions. They will feel just as comfortable in a country house.

The most labor-intensive aspect of care is grooming their fur. You should invest in brushes for de-shedding, a fur clipper, and special shampoo.

Shedding in apartment dogs is subdued and may go unnoticed throughout the year. They just need a little help with a soft brush from time to time. Additionally, while removing old fur, the brush provides a massaging action that stimulates circulation and soothes the nervous system of both participants in the process. After all, this is another reason to spend time with your beloved pet. Short-haired Chihuahuas can be bathed once a week, but very carefully to avoid getting water in their ears and eyes. The water temperature should be warm but not hot. Dipping your elbow in the water can help you determine how comfortable the dog will be during bathing. Generally, water temperature should range from 35-40 degrees.Long-haired little ones require more grooming, especially during shedding periods. They also need to have their fur trimmed every six months. When preparing a dog for a show, it’s best to use the services of professional groomers. Long-haired Chihuahuas are not bathed frequently but must have their fur combed after bathing. Failing to do this promptly can result in matted fur in some areas, which can spoil the dog’s appearance and even lead to health iss

Training and Education

With pronounced leadership qualities, the Chihuahua is considered a challenging dog in terms of training. It’s not that the dog doesn’t understand what is expected of it; rather, it’s about the methods used. Possessing a developed intelligence, this little one understands that it must submit but is only willing to do so on its own terms. Basic commands can be learned quite quickly, especially when training begins at a young age. As is customary, decorative breeds leave their homes around 2 months of age. After acclimating to their new environment, owners start teaching their new companion its name, then the place, and gradually expand the range of commands.

To participate in shows, very complex commands are required, and training your Chihuahua for these can be a challenging yet exciting task. Owners take pride in their training achievements when their dog performs a “smile”-one of the most complex commands that this little hero can master. If the training process involves giving a command, executing it, and rewarding the dog with its favorite treat, progress will come quickly. In cases where the owner uses harsh training methods, they will surely face considerable resistance from their four-legged friend. Yelling and rudeness can traumatize the dog’s psyche, and it may turn from a beloved pet into a burden with unpredictable behavior.

Gradually, moving from simple to more complex tasks, rewarding even the tiniest successful actions of the dog, you will surely achieve your goals. Always remember that your dog is alert and closely watching to claim its place as the owner in the home. Be resourceful! In particularly challenging cases, the help of a professional dog trainer may be necessary. This can save both the dog’s and its family’s nerves. Reliable breeders at Zooinika offer healthy puppies with documents and pedigree.

How to Choose a Puppy

First of all, you should determine the purpose for which you want to buy a Chihuahua puppy. For example, do you intend to participate in shows? Or are you planning to get a pet or a companion for frequent travel? After answering these questions, you can start looking for a breeder. Never buy a dog from an unlicensed seller or through online ads. Chihuahuas are a very popular breed and it is easy to encounter a dishonest seller who is selling a dog with hidden faults.

Once you have chosen a breeder, you need to carefully check all the documents for your puppy. Additionally, pay attention to the conditions in which the Chihuahua family is kept.

Remember, a healthy puppy will not show aggression or cowardice, will not tuck its tail between its legs, or whimper while nudging around in search of something. Inspect the puppy’s coat, eyes, and ears. There should be no discharge from the eyes, and the ears should be clean and free of secretions. It is advisable to closely examine the puppy’s teeth. A healthy puppy typically has 28 baby teeth, but it is acceptable for there to be 26 or 30.

Check the joints – they should not be painful.

Obtain comprehensive recommendations from the breeder regarding all necessary vaccinations and the puppy’s diet. Only after this can you make a final decision. Remember, you are choosing a companion for many years to come. Zooinika is the best option with a pedigree from trusted breeders.

Health and Diseases

With regular visits to the veterinarian and timely vaccinations, dogs from Mexico live very long lives and do not cause their owners any health problems. However, there are several diseases that Chihuahuas are particularly prone to.

These include dislocations that can be inherited. If the fontanelle does not close, the dog may suffer from hydrocephalus. Epilepsy is one of the most severe diseases affecting Chihuahuas. Oral issues such as cavities and periodontitis can be avoided or the risk minimized with proper dental care for your beloved pet. Obesity is another serious issue that can be prevented by monitoring their diet and not overfeeding your four-legged friend. Eye and ear problems can occur in all dogs, so we shouldn’t attribute additional ailments to Chihuahuas unnecessarily. In some cases, due to tracheal issues, dogs may wheeze. Defects in the nasal bridge, particularly in dogs weighing less than 2 kilograms, can cause a Chihuahua to snore. In such cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. In older age, Chihuahuas may also face kidney problems. You can find more information on the Zoonyka classified ads.