Chihuahua Dogs

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 10^th 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

The Chihuahua is the smallest of the toy breeds. An energetic, small and fragile dog, the Chihuahua typically has a rounded skull (often called an “apple head”) and large, dark eyes. The two types are the smooth-coated Chihuahua and long-coated Chihuahua. Usually 8 inches tall or less, and weighing between 2-3 lbs., the chiwawa comes in both short and long hair varieties.  Coat colors range from white through cream, sable, sand, blue to black or black and tan combined.

Chihuahua Temperament and Traits

Owners describe their dogs as energetic, clever, and protective.  They usually become very attached to their owners and reserved or even aggressive around strangers, and may even snap around children if not used to them.

While owners say Chihuahua dogs can be trained, it might take more time compared with other breeds. Chi’s can be a little stuborn.  Some owners report difficulties in house-training males.  The tend to want to mark their territory and it is a difficult habit to break.

Health & Lifespan

While not as fragile as their tiny size may suggest, Chihuahua dogs can have some health problems, some are hereditary. Chihuahua teeth are prone to a build up of tartar. Regular brushing at home or ultrasonic cleaning by your vet will help. Special chew strips can help clean their teeth and remove tartar.
Collapsing tracheas are common and can cause a characteristic cough that sounds like “honking”. Their prominent, large eyes can also be prone to injury and possible infection. The Chiwawa dog has an average life span of 12-14 years.

Ideal Owners

Chihuahuas dogs do very well with adult owners and in homes with additional small dogs.  It can be very dangerous to bring a Chihuahua puppy into a family with small children as they are very susceptible to being injured if squeezed or dropped. They can be raised indoors, but they also love to get outside for walks and to dig in the dirt.  Chihuahuas adore sleeping in the sun – whether it’s a sunny window or a back patio, sunbathing is one of their favorite pass-times.

Watchdogs

Mosts Chihuahua dogs love to bark, and as a breed can be considered “yappy”.  This is not always the case of course, but it does make them a great little watchdog if uninvited visitors appear.

Breeding

Due to their small size, breeding Chihuahua puppies can be dangerous to try without the assistance of a good breeder.  Caesareans are common. Litters usually consist of one to three pups.

Grooming

Their toenails need to be tended to frequently as they grow very fast.  Clipping a Chihuahua toenails may seem like an easy task, but my experience is that they hate it. The right tool for the job makes all the difference however.

As far as grooming goes, the short hair Chi is really a very low maintenance dog with a weekly brushing being about the only task required.  The long hair variety requires a bit more time to keep their lovely long hair looking great, but it’s worth it.

Chihuahuas are wonderful little companions with BIG personalities.

 Chiwawa Dogs

Over the past few years Chihuahuas, particularly the type with the nickname of the Teacup Chihuahua, have shown an amazing growth in popularity. Many people tend to have a keen interest in these cute little guys. The Chihuahua breed is the smallest of the toy breeds and it looks like a puppy all it’s life. This makes a lot of people fascinated by them. If you are on of them, here are a few facts about the so-called “Teacup” Chihuahua dog including teacup chihuahua characteristics and traits.

Firstly however, you should know that the “Teacup” Chihuahua is not really a specific breed. In reality these mini dogs are actually the ones that never reached the ideal body weight of a normal Chi or were puppies that were specifically bred to be that small. Some unprofessional breeders may try to have you believe otherwise, and pay much more for a “teacup”, but actually, it is only a nickname. So buyer beware. If you have your heart set on buying one (as opposed to obtaining one through a Chihuahua rescue organization) it’s always beneficial to do your research and find a reputable breeder, not just seller you might find in the classifieds who may be underfeeding puppies in an effort to keep them “teacup” sized. While some sellers may be honest and genuinely concerned about the health of your puppy and your purchase, many others are more interested in selling potentially ill dogs to unsuspecting families. One last point on “teacup” Chi’s. Some people think that if both parents of the puppy are both “teacup” sizes, then the puppy will be as well. It’s possible, however, there is no guarantee that those pups will be that small as well. It’s a gamble.

Chihuahua dogs are lively and energetic and generally a sturdy dog, even though they are so small. They do have a few health issues consistent with the breed and it’s a good idea to be educated on any possible health issues that may occur. Do to there small size, Chihuahuas can become dehydrated very easily. Especially young pups. Common sense dictates that you must ensure they always have clean, fresh water available 24 hours a day. I always make it easy on my Chi’s and have water in all the rooms I allow my dogs access to, especially if they are still puppies. They can also fall prey to low blood sugar very easily. This is mainly an issue for the pups again, so having small amounts of food available when they are young is a good idea – especially if you have your dog with you on a trip or outing.

New puppy owners may be surprised on day to hear their little dog making a sound that is reminiscent of a barking seal. This “honking” sound is a symptom of a very common issue for small dogs called a “collapsing trachea”. It is usually not a serious condition, although in some dogs it can become life threatening. In our dogs case, he usually “honked” when he got too excited, and simply calming him down was the key to minimizing any distress. However, since you should always have any puppy evaluated by a good veterinarian, that would be a great time to ask their opinion. They can fully guide a new owner on what to look for and how to treat this condition, should it arise.

While all these warnings may sound dubious, the reality of having a new Chihuahua is a wonderful event for a well prepared household. With a lot of care and bit of wariness, you will make this an easy transition for your new teacup.

Chiwawa Dogs