Skip to content Chihuahua is one of the smallest of all breeds and it is not without reason that it is considered the oldest dog breed on the American continent. The name of this breed comes from the Chihuahua region in Mexico. These dogs are believed to be the direct descendants of the ancient Mexican dogs, somewhat larger in size and highly prized by the Aztec kings. Despite the fact that the Chihuahua has a very thin bone structure, it is a rather muscular dog.
Characteristic
A distinctive feature of Chihuahuas is their high individuality. Each representative of this breed has its own, inherent exclusively to him character, so it is possible to make only some generalizations. Most often dogs of this breed are called simply “Chi”. They are energetic, graceful, and in some way very much like a person. Chihuahuas are true canine centenarians, their lifespan exceeding that of a dog of any other breed and any other size.
Character
Chihuahua is a deeply loyal and infinitely loyal dog. As a rule, she chooses one or two owners in the family, to whom she gives all her unrestrained disposition. For all their diminutiveness, these are daring, fearless dogs, ready to rush to the protection of their owners at any moment. They constantly require a very large amount of human attention. Chihuahuas are affectionate, loving, and have a gentle disposition. They are suspicious of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Dogs of this breed are not always ready to get along with children or other pets. However, they are sociable with dogs of their own kind. If Chihuahuas are properly raised, they make excellent home companions.
Wool and care
Chihuahuas are of two types: smooth-haired and long-haired. In the smooth-haired Chihuahua, the coat is shiny, soft, and close to the body; it evenly covers the entire body of the dog, but rather scanty on the head and ears. The long-haired Chihuahua has a soft, longer coat that can be slightly curly or perfectly straight. This subspecies also has an undercoat. Regardless of the length of the coat, Chihuahua color can be very diverse: fawn, brown, black and white. The coat can be of a monochromatic color, with markings in a different color, or tricolor. Shedding medium intensity. Chihuahuas require minimal maintenance. A dog belonging to the smooth-haired subspecies should be brushed from time to time with a regular brush. For a long-haired Chihuahua, it is sufficient to brush several times a week using a soft bristle brush.
Both subspecies must be bathed no more than once a month, using a moderate shampoo. Particular attention should be paid to ensure that when bathing, water does not get into the ears of the dog, since they are very susceptible to the development of inflammatory processes in the ears. It is also necessary to maintain good oral hygiene in order to prevent tooth loss. The most common problems are dislocations of the knee joints, cardiac problems, eye diseases, and an overgrown soft fontanel on the crown of the head. The chihuahua has a hard time tolerating the cold climate, so when you take it outside, the dog must be dressed in something warm.
Training
Chihuahua is difficult to train, but with patience, love for the dog and with consistent effort, you can achieve some success. Positive stimulation works best with Chihuahuas. You can train your dog to keep the house clean by using a special diaper or by keeping it in a special box for some time. Early, extensive and intense socialization is also necessary.
Activity
Chihuahua is an excellent occupant for an apartment or condominium. Most of the activities and training with them can be carried out directly indoors, playing with the dog or providing it with the necessary toys. Nevertheless, Chihuahuas are very fond of accompanying their owner on walks. Since this breed has a very thin bone structure, in order not to damage the dog’s neck, it is best to use a special light harness for the leash, not a collar.
