Archive | Information

tri color chihuahua dog

Chihuahua Dog Adoption Guide

Chihuahua dogs can make wonderful pets! 

And Chihuahua dog adoption is an easy way to bring one into your home. Before you do though, it’s very important to understand both the Pros and the Cons of ownership before proceeding adoption or rescue.

The Pros:

  • Chihuahuas are adorable.  They are the perpetual puppy.
  •  These little guys are perfect for apartment dwellers. Because of their pocket size, an apartment provides plenty of room for a Chihuahua to move around during the day.  You’ll still need to take them out for walks though!
  • Known for being “yappy”, Chihuahua’s make great watchdogs.  They are territorial, and although not physically frightening, their consistent warning alarm can be very foreboding for a potential burglar.
  • Chihuahua puppies can be taught to use a litter box or artificial grass area.  This is a huge advantage in the middle of the night or on a rainy day!  There is also a wonderful Dog Training Pad that can be purchased that uses “puppy pads” that are scented to encourage your puppy to go.
  • The short hair variety are easy to groom. The long hair type isn’t that difficult either. They need to be bathed and have their nails clipped monthly, but that is about it.
  • In general, when these little guys have good health and feel loved and cared for by their owners, they have a long lifespan.  They can live anywhere from 10-14 years.

The Cons:

    • Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas can injure easily. Owners must be very careful not to step on, drop or drop something on top of their little Chi.
    •  Chihuahuas and toddlers don’t mix. Young children may not realize how fragile they are, or may think it is a toy. It’s easy to accidentally drop or step on one. Care must always be taken due to their being so fragile.
    • These dogs do not like cold weather.  They are considered “hairless” and they are true heat-seekers. Most Chi’s hate cold or wet weather and will do just about anything to avoid it.  Care must be taken to ensure your dog has a COVERED bed to snuggle in and warm clothes if brought outside in bad weather.  We like this one.  We like this one best because the top part of the bed, the cover, is heavy enough for the dog to burrow for warmth, and it stays covered.  Some others are too light and do not stay covered.  Or they have a foam insert and it doesn’t actually cover the dog well.
  • Same as number 3 above, these guys due tend to bark – A LOT.  If you live close to neighbors, or can’t tolerate the “warnings”, then this breed may not be your best choice.

Generally, Chihuahuas are friendly, cuddly and fun!  Take care to ensure they are the right choice for your family.  They are one of the most popular breeds abandoned to shelters.  This can be avoided with doing your adoption homework before bringing a  puppy home.

Chiwawa Dogs

Posted in Care, Characteristics, Dogs, Information, Temperament, TrainingComments Off on Chihuahua Dog Adoption Guide

chiwawa dogs - blue chihuahua dog

Chihuahua Guide

Here is our Chihuahua Guide to provide some interesting info about our favorite dog:

  • The Chihuahua dog is the smallest breed of dog in the world.
  • According to the American Kennel Club, Chihuahua is the 10th most popular breed in the United States.
  • Chihuahuas are usually born with floppy ears. However, they stand up as the dog gets older.
  • Chiwawa is a very common misspelling of Chihuahua
  • The dog Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
  • Aztec and Toltec tribes of Mexico considered the Chihuahua to be a sacred animal.
  • Chihuahuas are prone to eye problems, heart disease and tooth and gum complaints.
  • Chihuahuas are the oldest dog breed on the American continent.
  • Chihuahuas prefer the company of other Chihuahuas to other dog breeds. It’s true.  They are believed to be able to recognize their type.
  • In comparison to the size of its body, a Chihuahua dog has the largest brain amongst all the breeds of dogs.
  • In Mexico and United States, humans have been found to be buried with the remains of Chihuahuas.
  • The eyes of a Chihuahua are susceptible to dryness and glaucoma.
  • The first Chihuahua was registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.
  • The largest litter a female Chihuahua has ever given birth to comprised of 10 puppies.
  • Chihuahua puppy litters are usually  no more than 3 to 4 puppies.
  • Though Chihuahua is technically the world’s smallest breed of dog, a Yorkshire Terrier  holds the record for being the smallest living dog.

Chiwawa Dogs

Posted in InformationComments Off on Chihuahua Guide

Black and White Chiwawa

Is It Spelled Chihuahua or Chiwawa?

Which is correct, Chihuahua or Chiwawa?  And why is “Chihuahua” so hard to spell?

Many people throughout the world spell Chihuahua, CHIWAWA- the phonetic pronunciation. Our favorite dog, the Chihuahua, originated in state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The ancestor of the breed was the Techichi, a sacred little dog of the ancient Toltecs, which it has been stated, they used in ceremonies and, sorry to say, ate. So, partially because this word is a Spanish word and H’s aren’t pronounced in Spanish. That’s why some people have a hard time remembering how its properly spelled without having the “W” stand in for the “Wa” sound.  I’ve even seen it spelled “Chuwawa”, “Chiihuaua”,” Cheewaua” and “Cheewawa”.  And if you have seen the movie, you know it’s spelled “Chi WOWwa!

I know there are other dog breeds that are tricky to spell as well… “Dachshund” “Rottweiler” and, of course, “Shih Tzu”, but I don’t really care about those breeds.  I’m a loyal Chi fan.  So cheer for my favorite doggie, and that’s how I remembered how to spell it as well.                            C- H- I- HOOOO WHAAA-HOOOO WHAAA!…as the Marines would say!

So, we know that the correct spelling of the breed of dog that we love here on “Chihuahua Dogs” is of course, C H I H U A H U A.  However, we will use them both interchangeably just to be friendly.  There are many people who seek out Chi info using both spellings.  And so, we will use both.


Chiwawa Dogs

Posted in InformationComments Off on Is It Spelled Chihuahua or Chiwawa?

Blue Chihuahua standing

Deer Type Chihuahua

“Teacup”, “Apple Head” and “Deer Type” – They sound completely different, but really, they are describing one breed of dog.  The Mighty Chiwawa!  In this article we will discuss Deer Type Chihuahua dogs. Different types of  Chiwawa dogs have different physical features. The “deer type” type of Chiwawa is arguably considered the closest ancestor of the origin of the Chiwawa breed.  Chiwawa dogs have their lineage in Mexico.

The “Techichi” was a sturdy little ancestor of today’s Chiwawa dog that had it’s head and legs shaped like a tiny deer. This dog would not look like the standard AKC (American Kennel Club) “apple head” Chiwawa. Although, the deer type chiwawa can technically be AKC, we don’t see many of them in shows for this this reason. As a rule of thumb, a deer type chiwawa is usually taller in size than all other Chiwawas. It’s height makes it the biggest of other Chiwawa dogs.

A male chiwawa of this type might measure 12” in average whereas a standard Chiwawa might average about 5”. The female deer head may measure up to 10”. If well fed (perhaps overfed would be a better term), they can weigh up to twenty pounds. They are generally a healthy dog, and many can live well up to 20 years. They may look fragile, but they can make wonderful companions.

As with most chiwawa dogs, they have an active and friendly personality.  However, they always seem to be cold and have a constant desire to find heat. Your Chiwawa is a social animal as well, and it is often ready to snuggle up with you or the other pets they share their home with. Most of them are very lovable and loyal to their owners. Having a Chiwawa in your home, whether a deer type or not, is always a wonderful thing to me.

Chiwawa Dogs

Posted in Dogs, Information, The Chihuahua DogComments Off on Deer Type Chihuahua

tan chiwawa puppy

Apple Head Chihuahua

The term “Apple Head” is a fairly descriptive nick name given to some Chiwawa dogs. This is due to their heads being somewhat rounded, and shaped like apples. “Apple Head” Chiwawa dogs are small in size and it may long or short hair. This particular dog is seen in various colors.

As far as Apple Head traits are concerned, you should expect an energetic little friend who will likely display a lot of attitude. These little guys are generally smart, look adorable and usually become very loyal to you, their master.

Once you’ve decided to adopt a Chiwawa dog, there are some things you’ll want to buy before you bring your little guy home. First on my list would be a soft, covered bed as Chiwawa dogs love to bury themselves under the warm covers to sleep. This is especially true at night. We live in a warm climate, and our Chi’s can often be found lying in the sun even on the hottest days.

Additionally, I would purchase a harness designed for small dogs together with its leash. Your chiwawa might damage his trachea using a regular collar. This causes the dog to making a choking sound, or “honk”. So a harness which protects them from this type of damage will provide you with good piece of mind.

Potty training or crate training should begin from the very first day that your baby arrives home. During winter, it may helpful to provide an indoor potty tray with specially scented potty pads to use in the house. A chiwawa is particularly sensitive to changes of weather. Even when you feel warm, your little puppy may feel cold.

Make sure that your little Apple Head is fed three times a day (or leave some dry food out all day) as Chiwawa puppies can easily become hypoglycemic, but keep the portions small as your little guy has a very small tummy.

Apple Head Chihuahua or not, bringing a new Chiwawa puppy into your life can be a fun and exciting time. Make sure to take pictures. It’s so nice to look back once they have grown up!

Chiwawa Dogs

Posted in InformationComments Off on Apple Head Chihuahua

Three Chihuahua Dogs

Chihuahua Rescue

If you are planning to adopt a puppy from a Chihuahua Rescue,  you should know you’ll be saving a life – and getting a great lifetime companion.  The Chihuahua is a super friendly little pup and he wants very much to empress you.  He’s famous for being the smallest of the toy breeds, but he has a ton of personality in his tiny little body.  His diminutive features makes him look like a puppy forever, but it’s his great big attitude that makes devoted fans of everyone.

He is clever and and a fast learner.  He’ll do well at shows, displaying enthusiasm and pride in a job well done.  Depending on your particular dog, he can also be stubborn – and may require you to persuade him with treats or “clicks” to do as you ask.   If you are using a positive reward system, your friend is likely to do as you ask.  While he will shy away from any type of harsh training, he will LOVE to please his owners and receive the praise he earned.

He is fun loving and zippy.  While it may seem at times that all he wants to do is sleep all day in any sunny window he can find,  he is generally social and loves to get out and meet and greet.  He will likely have a tendency to want to go everywhere you go.  Due to his small size, he will love to be carried around in a soft lined dog carrier, bag or car seat made just for him!  He may form a connection with either a male or a female in your home, but they usually will pick one person as their “go-to” human.   He will love nothing more than to snuggle under a warm blanket with his human of choice anytime, anywhere.

He’s a little escape artist. Sometimes even the most “dog proof” fence proves too easy for our little explorer.  Many a Chi has met a cruel fate with a car, motorcycle or larger dog on what was meant to be a joyful escape outing.  Great focus must be placed on providing your puppy with a SAFE place to romp around and explore without the possibility of injury or escape.

Chihuahuas and toddlers don’t mix.  Small children aren’t able to understand just how fragile their little bones are. Far too many Chi’s have been injured or killed by children who mistakenly shook, dropped or choked a puppy by accident.

His pocket size and perky personality will make him the perfect “take everywhere dog”.  People who own them adore them, even if they have never had a small dog previously.  It’s very common for owners to bring more Chi babies into their homes soon after their first.

He’s likely a yapper.  Yes, it’s true, but that makes him a vigilant watch dog to protect the one he loves, YOU!

Chihuahua or Chiwawa? – Which is the correct spelling?  Well, since the history of the breed stems from Chihuahua, Mexico, this spelling is correct. However, much of the world spells it Chiwawa.  You will see both spellings referenced in our articles just to be friendly.  Enjoy!



 Chiwawa Dogs

Posted in Characteristics, Information, The Chihuahua DogComments Off on Chihuahua Rescue

ezgif.com-crop-2

ezgif.com-crop-2

Posted in titleComments Off on