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. Early socialization can prevent them from becoming overly fearful or aggressive. Chis are good with kids if properly trained, but children must be careful to handle them gently. Chihuahuas are famously feisty, very intelligent, and learn quickly. They have the largest brain-to-body size ratio among all dog breeds. Chis are good at agility and their keen senses make them excellent watchdogs, despite their tiny stature. These pint-sized pups are extremely devoted, and love nothing more than being with their people. Their tiny size make them ideal for apartments, and easy to carry and travel with, whether in a carrier or tucked into a tote bag. Although they often bond with one or two people, Chihuahuas can be great family dogs because of their deeply loyal and lovable nature. Extra care must be taken in a home with small children, however, because of the Chi ' s petite stature.
Average Height / Weight: The breed standard is 6- 9 inches in height and approximately 2- 6 pounds, though many are larger.
Health Issues: Chihuahuas can be 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. Chis 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: Chihuahuas are one of the longest living breeds, often living between 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.
Pawsitively Pets-- September 7