Chihuahua Info
- General: This dog has a compact body shape. Of great importance
is the fact that his skull is apple-shaped and that he carries
his moderately long tail very high, either curved or forming the
shape of a semi-circle with the tip pointing towards the loin
region. Chihuahua puppies are prone to hypoglycemia (diagnosed by
listless behavior and shakiness) and often have soft spots at the
centers of their skulls. Chihuahuas under three pounds are especially
susceptible to diarrhea, vomiting, tracheal collapse, anesthesia
sensitivity, and injury.
- Charactistics: The Chihuahua is a small, active dog with a
rounded skull; a short, pointed muzzle; erect ears that flare
out somewhat to the side; and a sickle tail. The breed comes in
all colors and color patterns and in both a short-coated and
long-coated variety.
- Temperament: Despite its small size, the Chihuahua is an alert,
active dog with plenty of self-confidence. The Chihuahua's small
size and devotion to its owner have made this breed a popular
companion dog. Chihuahuas are courageous little watchdogs who
are more than willing to defend their territory against strange
people and dogs.
- History: The Chihuahua is regarded as the smallest pedigree dog
in the world and carries the name of the largest province of the
Mexican Republic. One assumes that these dogs used to live in the
wild and, at the time of the civilization of the Tolteks, were
caught and domesticated by the inhabitants. Illustrations of a Toy
dog called "Techichi" which lived in Tula, were used as decorations
on town architecture. These small statues are very similar to the
present day Chihuahua. The history of the Chihuahua is lost in
antiquity. It is known that both the Toltecs and the Aztecs kept
dogs, some of which were used for food, some for religious purposes,
and some for companionship. Whether these dogs were Chihuahuas or
not is uncertain. The breed came to the attention of the modern
world in the mid-19th century when American visitors to Mexico
brought the tiny dogs home. Chihuahuas first appeared in
American dog shows in 1890. Today the Chihuahua is a popular
companion dog.
- Origin: Mexico
- Utilization: Pet or companion
- Good with Children: Possibly (but with older children and must
always be supervised around younger children)
- Good with Other Pets: Possibly (but not with hamsters or
guinea pigs and keep away from large, aggressive animals)
- Classification: Toy group
- Size: Tiny to small
- Height: Minimum height - 5 inches; Maximum height - 9 inches
- Weght: Minimum weight - 2 pounds; Maximum weight - 8 pounds
- Grooming Needed: 1 to 2 times per week
- Exercise Needed: 30 minutes per day
- Activity Level: High
- Trainability: Fairly stubborn
- Protectiveness: Moderately Protective
- Average Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Average Food Cost: About $20 per month
- Minimum Living Space: Apartment or house with little or no yard
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