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