With regular brushing, a Chihuahua shouldn't need a bath more than every month or two. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to their routine can help their joints stay healthy. Just make sure any children who approach know how to play gently with a small dog. They have stairs and safe houses (tiny kennels) everywhere. The appeal? 6 Answers. The following conditions may affect Chihuahuas: Despite the Chihuahua's small size, like all dogs he needs exercise and training. Long coated Chihuahuas shed twice a year, and during that period, they can shed a lot, but if you keep them brushed, it shouldn’t get out of control. 1-You should never attach a leash to your Chihuahua’s collar because their little necks are fragile. Their physical body shape is largely the same, except the Deer Head Chihuahua is known to have longer legs than other Chihuahuas. The introduction of the Chihuahua to the public has come in unusual ways. Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. Unfortunately for the poor Chihuahuas, though, that meant they were sometimes used as sacrifices in religious ceremonies. 46-A A popular urban legend says that chihuahuas can cure asthma. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. His alert nature and suspicion of strangers make him an excellent watchdog. At the same time, check the pads for any foreign objects or injuries. Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Using a crate to confine them when you're unable to supervise them will teach them that they can control their bladder and prevent them from having accidents in the house. Here’s my top list of signs on how to know your Chihuahua loves you. 4 years ago. They generally do not like other dogs, but if there are other Chihuahuas around, they will hang out with them and snub any other breed of dog nearby. But just like any other dog breed, there are some that are a little bit different. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. when it comes to size, I have to say that my Hector gets along much much better with bigger or even big dogs, rather than small ones. This is okay as long as the Chihuahua only stays out about 20 minutes in above freezing temperatures and is kept on a leash or supervised in a safe, enclosed area. The Chihuahua doesn't have any major health problems, but like all breeds he can be born with or acquire certain conditions. 42-The Toltec and Aztec Indian tribes in Mexico considered Chihuahuas to be sacred. The ears are usually erect and very large in relation to its small head and body. that depict a dog resembling the Chihuahua, with the same large ears and round head. So, here are our favorite facts about Chihuahuas. My brother was not sick again with his asthma or allergies until he left home. The rounded “apple” head is a breed hallmark. 9 years ago. Chihuahuas are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. 1 of 3 Go to page. Besides being affectionate housemates, Chihuahuas are intelligent and fast learners. You don’t need to be a kid though to enjoy these facts. American visitors to Mexico brought the little dogs home with them. You can carefully wipe the eyes to remove discharge, and there are products available to remove the stains. Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with children under the age of eight, simply because of the chance of injury by a young child. 16-Along with being called the Arizona dog, Chis were also called the Texas dog in their early days in the USA. Relevance. Its graceful body is compact and small, although slightly long in proportion to its height. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Chihuahua. The merle Chihuahua is banned from some organizations around the world, but the AKC still allows for it in the show ring. It has to do with the fact that all Chihuahuas have dominant and recessive genes, so there is a chance to produce both long and short haired Chis from parents who are both short haired ( or both long haired). Since the 1960s, the Chihuahua has been one of the most popular breeds registered by the AKC. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department. The most popular mix is the Yorkshire terrier and the Chihuahua. 8 Posts . Chihuahuas can break a leg just jumping off a sofa. The only thing I can think of is just continue to be sweet and gentle to her but don't try to force her to come to you. Go with a low-sensitivity dog. Training is easy because they are such quick learners. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 51-Chihuahuas have more Cesarean sections than any other breed due to the newborns’ extremely large head in relation to their body and the narrow width of most Chi females. 2-Chihuahua noses can be different colors, including black, brown, gray, and pink. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. For this reason, the dog owner is urged to socialize their Chihuahua early on with other people and animals. The Chihuahua is a tiny but confident dog that loves to give and receive attention. Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Buying from a responsible breeder will help ensure that you get the healthiest Chihuahua possible. Chihuahuas are notorious for their burrowing habits, and new owners very quickly learn to pat down any soft furnishings before sitting, for fear of squidging a … Now that’s loyalty! Adult dogs are often already housetrained and have some obedience training, and they've already gone through the destructive puppy stage. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. 29-A Chihuahua’s resting heartbeat is between 100-140 heartbeats a minute. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. Chihuahuas get along well with other pets in the family, including cats, if introduced at a young age. Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. If they aren’t up by six months of age, they probably aren’t going to go up.. 12-Chis with floppy ears are not the standard in the breed, but they can still be purebred Chihuahuas and have ears that lay down instead of standing up.13-Chihuahuas come in over 30 different varieties and colors! Ears are an important area to check when you are grooming your Chihuahua. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). 39-Considering their body size in relation to their brain size, Chihuahuas have very large brains. Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age. They can compete in agility and obedience trials with just as much enthusiasm and success as larger dogs. When I rescued my first Chihuahua, I was hooked on the breed. 3-Completely white Chis are the rarest of all the colors. One theory is that this cute dog was originally from China and later brought to the US by Spanish traders brought them to the US. You may also want to consider adopting a senior dog, as they tend to be less demanding of your time and energy. 9-Remember the Taco Bell dog? 18-Chihuahuas were used as hot packs in ancient times. Chihuahuas are absolutely brimming with personality – often a quirky and eccentric personality unmatched by any other breed. The Chihuahua is a wash-and-go dog. 24- In over 100 years of the show’s history, a Chihuahua has never won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. 1. Chihuahuas do best in families with quiet, older children who understand how to interact with them. Adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to your dog's routine can help your pet feel better and improve their overall health! It's not unusual for the smallest dog to be the one in charge. Got an older female lab, and he followed her everywhere and learned to go outside to do his business from her. Puppies need to go out as soon as they wake up in the morning, after every meal, after naps, after playtime, and just before bedtime. How can I tell if my Chihuahua is happy and loves me? Shades can be very pale to very dark for all the colors. ‘Regular’ Chihuahuas are already recognized as the world’s smallest dog breed — weighing in at just 4 to 6 pounds, on average and about 6 to 10 inches in height. The breed's popularity took off in the 1930s and 1940s, when it was associated with dance king and Latin music bandleader Xavier Cugat. Not all Chihuahuas will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them so you can be informed when you interview breeders and can know what to look for throughout your Chihuahua's life. They aren't safe from raptors such as hawks, coyotes, or other larger dogs that could go into your yard. 19-Chihuahuas are considered a ”natural” dog because their coats are not sheared or clipped, and their tails and ears are not docked. On the stomach is longer hair known as a frill. 6-The average size of a Chihuahua litter is four pups. She lived till 2009 and died at the age of 15. Sometimes they can be two tones too. Joined Mar 22, 2005. Chihuahuas enjoy walks, supervised romps around the yard, and retrieving toys. Reply. DogTime participates in the Chewy affiliate program to earn fees for linking to products on Chewy.com. I'm a believer. 38-Just like human babies, Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on their heads called a Molera that usually closes up after a year. Over the years Chihuahuas have found their way into the hearts and homes of many people around the world. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. The hind legs are also covered with long hair that resembles pants — and that's what it's called. Train your Chihuahua using positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, praise, and play, and you will soon find that he can learn anything you can teach. That’s not to say that you can’t mix a small dog with a big one such as with the Chihuahua and Rottweiler mix. 59- We mentioned earlier how they were known in Texas and Arizona, but did you know that a feral pack of Chihuahuas actually took over and terrorized a town in Arizona back in 2014? It can be wiry or silky and can be a single coat or double coat. Take a look and find the right sized dog for you! They burrow under blankets, dance on their hind legs, wave their paws in the air, and lick everything in sight. The long-coated Chihuahua has a soft coat that's flat or slightly curly. The second theory is that small hairless dogs from China were brought to Mexico by Spanish traders and then bred with small native dogs. 45-Some says that Christopher Columbus believed this breed was mute when he first came across them. Facts about Chihuahuas 2: the size. Chihuahuas are fascinating little dogs, aren’t they? @Cathy, He's the best. It was customary to kill a red Techichi and cremate him with the remains of the deceased. They are the kind of pets that keep a man’s best friend, happy and full of health. Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. 35-In the 1800’s it was rumored that Chihuahuas were actually a cross between a rodent and a dog! They are ‘teacup’ sized’ though this terminology is a marketing term and not an official canine classification. Chihuahuas are rumored to be descended from the Aztecs and the Toltecs. Despite its petite and fragile appearance, the breed is quite bold, even brazen. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. Like every dog, Chihuahuas need early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Hello, I am giving serious thoughts to moving to Chihuahua, Chihuahua Mexico and would like anyones opinion who has traveled there, lives there or has lived there. When we look at the evidence of the Chihuahua coming from Central and South America, we find ourselves looking back to the Toltec civilization. The tiny (as small as two pounds) Chihuahua offers feistiness coupled with enduring loyalty to the person he chooses as his own, alo… If they aren’t up by six months of age, they probably aren’t going to go up. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time. Next Last. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you'll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat. I laughed at the teacup doberman. He must have come across a Chi that was a bit shy, and he did make a note in his journal that the breed seemed rather quiet. Responsible breeders use only physically sound, mature (at least 2 years or older) dogs, and test their breeding stock for genetic diseases pertinent to the breed, such as luxating patellas (bum knees) and heart disease. Their tail hair is called the Plume. And even though they tend to rule the roost, they can be accidentally injured by rambunctious larger dogs. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. But other sources claim that dogs similar to Chihuahuas have been featured in paintings from as early as the 15 th century in Europe. He could be attacked by a hawk, other birds of prey, or larger dogs or coyotes. Don’t shop if you want to bring a dog home. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch. High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Hi animal lovers, I see you are looking for 77+ Tell Me About The Chihuahua. They follow them everywhere in the house and ride along in tote bags when their people run errands or go shopping. As far as its appearance, the breed can be found in solid black, solid white, with spots, or in a variety of patterns and colors. They will also shed more than normal after delivering pups. Many of the dogs lived in temples and were used in Aztec rituals.