Chihuahua Dog Breed: Amazing Characteristics, Diet, Care

Chihuahua Scientific Classification

Kingdom                   Animalia

Phylum                       Chordata

Class                              Mammalia

Order                            Carnivora

Family                           Canidae

Genus                             Canis

Scientific Name:          Canis lupus

Chihuahua Locations

Central America

North America

Chihuahua Facts

Origin                           Mexico

Skin Type                      Hair

Lifespan                     14 – 18 years

Group                          South

Diet                             Omnivore

Weight                        2.7kg (6lbs)

Energy level                  High

Exercise needs             Low

Shedding                      Medium

Intelligence                    High

Barking                           High

Pros and Cons of Owning a Chihuahua 

Pros

Active Dogs

This dog breed has an active and affectionate personality.

Low Maintenance

They require low maintenance and are happy to chill out with their owner.

Cons

Dental Problems

This dog breed requires more attention to their teeth.

Suspicious of Strangers

This breed may not welcome everyone who meets it.

Chihuahua Dog Breed Origin and History

Although the origin of Chihuahua is considered to be Mexico, some believe they were introduced from China or Malta. The breed is named because it is present in large quantities in Mexico. No one knows the exact origin of this breed, but the fossil evidence of a similar breed was present thousands of years ago.

The most accepted theory is that the Aztecs produced them from the giant ancestral breed, the chichi. Representations of dogs closely related to this breed have been found in many vast relics. Some toy types of animals from about 100 A.D. are present throughout Mexico and beyond.

A consistently famous choice, the Chihuahua breed was identified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904. Nowadays, it is the most famous dog breed among all types of people.

Personality

They are daring and buoyant, frequently termed terrier-like. They are excellent watchdogs because of the active and suspicious nature of strangers. They are susceptible to companionship. They often bond to a single person, although they are ready to make new friends if properly introduced.

They can be shy if they are not well socialized as puppies. Like many other breeds, they need early socialization and exposure to different people, sights, and sounds. Socialization also contributes to your puppy’s development in a healthy atmosphere.

Size and Weight

The tiniest dog breed worldwide is the Chihuahua. Its size is so small that it can fit inside a purse or bag. Several measures are less than 6 inches long and are recognized as teacup Chihuahuas. The name was given to this breed because they can fit in a teacup. There is not much difference between the size of male and female dogs.

Height and Weight of Males

Height (Male)                  up to 8 inches

Weight (Male)               up to 6 pounds

Height and Weight of Females

Height (Female)            up to 8 inches

Weight (Female)          up to 6 pounds

Chihuahua Health Problems

Although this healthy breed lives long, many problems can crop up. Common health issues include:

Heart Problems

The breed is prone to several heart diseases, such as patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease. Therefore, you should examine your pet’s heart regularly.

Eye Disease

The bulky eyes of this breed are prone to contagions and other eye diseases. Therefore, you should check your eyes regularly.

Patellar Luxation

This is a congenital disease where the knee joints of your dogs are loose. This causes pain to your dog. You can examine the knee to the condition of the disease.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus can be seen in puppies with signs of an abnormally large head that is fluid-filled.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar level also affects puppies, and they require sugar-containing food.

Shivering

This is a common disease in this breed. The causes of this disease are unclear, but they typically arise when the dog is excited, stressed, or cold.

Spinal Bifida

Spinal Bifida is a birth disease in dogs in which vertebrae are not fully closed over the spinal cord. This can cause damage to the spinal cord and various nerve problems in the legs, bladder, and bowel control.

Chihuahua Care

Despite their small size, they need exercise and training like other breeds. The amount of energy of an adult dog can be astonishing. They always chase squirrels in the backyard and are ready to play with you as long as you are.

They are unsafe from raptors such as hawks, coyotes, and other larger dogs. They are produced for companions; the best place for a companion is with you. Training these dogs is a fantastic task.

Your dog meets many people and dogs in class who also participate in socialization. It also learns manners from all the other dogs. To them, training as a pet is straightforward. You may also go out with your puppy as you wake up early.

Chihuahua Diet

The suggested amount of food is 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food daily. The amount of food eaten by your dogs mainly depends on the dog’s age, size, metabolism, and activity level. All dogs’ food desires diverge because more active dogs want more food than less active dogs. The quality of the food you buy also plays an extra role in the better nourishment of your dog.

Maintenance and Grooming

The extent of the coat also determines the need for grooming. A smooth coat needs irregular brushes, not every week, but sufficient for tangles or mats. Long hairs need regular brushes about once a week or so. Dental care is the most crucial grooming need. Brush their teeth two to three times a week, but for better results, brush them daily.

Exercise

Chihuahua needs low to medium amounts of exercise daily. Toys or playtime in indoor or outdoor spaces should be sufficient to cover the daily exercise needs. The recommended amount of exercise is 40 minutes of walking daily, necessary to maintain their body weight, but don’t push the dog too hard. This is a small dog breed and doesn’t need too much exercise daily. If the dog starts to pant hard, it is a sign to stop the exercise. It is a good idea to prepare your dog for harsh environmental conditions.

Training

They are smart and active dogs that need nothing more than to delight their owners. Because this dog breed has a profound nature, you should take a stable and kind approach. Proper training also works well to set boundaries. It is possible to teach this breed tricks and sports.

Chihuahua Puppies

The puppies have a reserved nature about strangers, so buying your dog as a puppy is better so you can develop strong relationships earlier. BPurchasinga puppy with plenty of exposure to people and situations at the beginning of life is better. You can take your puppy to the vet earlier to check the marks of health problems and get up to date on vaccinations.

Popular Names

• Charlie
• Max
• Lucy
• Luna
• Peanut
• Coco
• Bella

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do Chihuahuas make good family dogs?

They are good family pets when treated humbly, but due to their small size, they have a reputation for retorting at foreigners or children who may threaten them. They may also be more prone to barking than other larger dogs.

What are some terrible things about Chihuahuas?

This dog breed is not the best pet option for families with small children. Their fragile nature may also hurt the dog while playing. Many breeders don’t sell puppies to homes with children under eight.

What are some good things about Chihuahuas?

When treated courteously, they are active, loyal, friendly, and good family pets. They are also small house dogs requiring minimum exercise and are the tiniest dog breed in the world.

How long do Chihuahuas live

The typical lifespan of Chihuahuas is about 14 to 18 years. With good luck and good health conditions, they may live up to 20 years, which is amazing for a dog breed.

Why is Chihuahua so expensive?

If you buy a puppy from a trustworthy breeder, the price can vary from $800 to $2,500. The cost mainly depends on the quality of the puppy’s parents, pre-adoption tests, the prevention provided by the breeder, and the health and quality of the puppy you want to buy.

At what age are Chihuahuas fully mature?

Dogs are fully mature at nine months. They may continue gaining weight at ten months to one year, but this weight is unimportant. If your dog is nine months old, it is fully mature or near to it.

How often do you feed a Chihuahua?

The suggested amount of food is 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food daily. The amount of food your dog eats mainly depends on its age, size, metabolism, and activity level. All dogs’ food desires diverge because more active dogs want more food than less active dogs.

How to groom a Chihuahua?

The grooming requirement also depends on the coat length. Those with smooth coats need irregular brushes, not every week, but sufficient for tangles or mats. Long hairs need regular brushes about once a week or so. Dental maintenance is the greatest significant grooming need.

Is it hard to train a Chihuahua?

Training these dogs is easy, but regular training and leadership are necessary. They are intelligent and love to be mentally stimulated. The breed can be nervous when it faces new situations.