Breed All About It !
Spotlight on : The Chihuahua
Description : The Chihuahua is the oldest breed in America , and the smallest breed in the world . They come in 30 different varieties of sizes , colors , and coat lengths ! Their coats can be short , long , wavy , or flat . Chihuahuas were bred with Papillons to produce long-haired chis . They come in the largest color combinations of any breed , including black , white , chestnut , fawn , sand , silver , sable , black & tan , and parti-color . Completely white Chis are the rarest of all the colors .
Temperament : Chihuahuas make a wonderful companion dog . They are courageous ( especially considering their size ), affectionate , proud , and adventurous . They can be strong-willed and demanding without proper human leadership , and must be socialized well . They are good with kids if properly trained , but children must be careful to handle them gently . Chihuahuas are very intelligent and learn quickly . They have the largest brain-to-body size ratio among all dog breeds . Chis are good at agility and make excellent watchdogs , despite their tiny stature . These pint-sized pups are extremely devoted , and love nothing more than being with their people . Chihuahuas are good family dogs , but often bond with one person .
Average Height / Weight : The breed standard is 6 - 9 inches in height and approximately 2 - 6 pounds , though many are larger .
Health Issues : This breed is prone to rheumatism , colds , gum problems , corneal dryness , and secondary glaucoma , due to their protruding eyes . Some may wheeze and snore because of their short muzzles . Tiny ones may be especially susceptible to fractures and injuries . Most prefer warm weather , and dislike the cold . Sweaters are a good idea in cold or wet weather . They tend to shiver when they are chilly , excited , or scared . You must be careful not to overfeed , as they gain weight easily .
Exercise : Although it ' s tempting to carry these pint-sized pups around , they do benefit from and need a daily walk . It ' s important , though , that they are under constant supervision , as their size makes them very vulnerable to predators like coyotes , eagles , and hawks .
Life Expectancy : About 15 - 18 years .
Grooming : This breed is an average shedder . Short-haired Chihuahuas can be brushed occasionally to promote healthy skin and hair , while long-haired types should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush . A monthly bath is sufficient for long and short-haired Chis .
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Pawsitively Pets -- September 7