Chihuahua | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

The chihuahua (in Spanish chihuahueño) is a breed of small dog very appreciated for its small size. Besides being an adorable pet, this small dog is an intelligent, restless and curious companion who will offer all his love to those who take care of him.

This is a very small decorative dog. Infinitely devoted to the owner and extremely proud. Included in the top 10 most popular breeds in the world.

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The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog, with a domed, apple-shaped head and a short, smooth, beautiful coat.

The height of an adult dog is 15-23 cm, weight is 1-3 kg.

• Head: Rounded apple-shaped skull. A small, uninvaded fontanel is allowed. The muzzle is short and broad, tapering towards the nose. Well-defined stop, wide enough. Flat, dry cheeks near the skull.
• Jaws: Straight and scissor bite. The dental formula is 4 canines, 12 incisors, 10 molars and 16 premolars.
• Eyes: Large, round, not protruding. Dark iris. Light eyes are not grounds for disqualification.
• Ears: Erect, with a slightly rounded tip. In a calm state, the ears are set apart and hang down at an angle of 45 °.
• Body: Compact size, short back, muscular loins. The topline is level. Strong and broad croup, without visible slope. The chest is moderately deep, quite wide. The abdominal muscles are tightened.
• Legs: The front legs are long and straight. Muscular and lean shoulders. Strong elbows are pressed against the body. The pasterns are flexible, located obliquely. The hind limbs are well muscled, straight and parallel. The legs are small, with well-spaced toes and elastic pads. Arched nails, moderately long.
• Coat: Long-haired individuals have a soft, silky coat. It can be smooth or slightly wavy with an undercoat. The longest hair grows in the area of ​​​​the ears, neck, back of the limbs, paws. Short-haired dogs have a smooth coat that lies close to the body. Longer coverage in the neck, tail, the shorter – on the ears and head.

The chihuahua does not have a defined personality typical of the breed and that is because according to his education we can speak of a tender and loving dog or of a somewhat malicious and cunning breed. It is a very intelligent and observant dog who likes to get away with it. It is a very courageous and devoted dog despite its small size. He is very devoted to the family and is always alert and agitated, vigilant against any intruder.

Sometimes they can show jealous attitudes towards the relationships of those who consider their owners, although this is usually an easy problem to deal with. The chihuahua does not seem to be aware of its small size and can face people or large dogs just to defend those it wants.

A caring owner should know the diseases that are most often found in representatives of the specified breed:

• Hydrocephalus (dropsy of the brain). Chihuahuas are prone to hydrocephalus due to the fact that they are born with a fontanel. The skull is only formed by 3-4 months.
• Allergies. Allergic reactions can occur to anything: detergents, perfume, food … There is a problem with hair loss, skin rashes. The pet suffers from severe itching.
• Problems with teeth (caries, periodontitis, pulpitis, tartar, etc.) Prevention of these diseases is proper care of gums and teeth from puppyhood.
• Difficulties in puppy birth. Small bitches usually have one or two puppies. They are quite large, which leads to complicated childbirth. Many Chihuahua owners go to a specialist right away to have a Cesarean section.
• Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism). Genetic congenital disorder in males.
• Dislocation of the patella. It can be a genetic problem or acquired due to an injury in the knee joint.
• Epilepsy. Disease of the brain, which is accompanied by seizures.

Eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly, and many Chihuahuas are prone to increased earwax production. Bathe your dog once or twice a month, or more often if he sleeps with you. The nails are cut every 10 days. The animal should be brushed once or twice a week.

• The Toltecs, who existed in present-day Mexico as early as the 9th century AD, had a breed of dog called Techichi. Considered native to Central America, this breed is the ancestor of the Chihuahua that exists today.
• The famous Taco Bell dog was a female Chihuahua named Gidget. Sadly, the world lost this TV legend in 2009.
• The Chihuahua has one of the longest lifespans of any dog ​​breed. Some live more than 20 years!
• The Chihuahua is the 30th most popular of the 194 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• The breed has been featured in movies like Legally Blonde and Beverly Hills Babe.
• Chihuahuas (or at least Chihuahua-like ancestors) were depicted in ancient Mexican paintings.
• In 1948, a Texas senator wanted to pass a law that would make the Chihuahua the official state dog because he loved the breed so much.

The Indians adored Chihuahua dogs. They truly believed that these miniature creatures were capable of healing and performing other miracles. Little dogs even took part in magic rituals. By the way, many modern sneeze owners also believe in the magical abilities of their wards.

The Chihuahua is home to the Yucatan peninsula in America. They were first discovered among the Mayan tribes. Then these animals earned the love and veneration of the American tribes of the Toltecs and Aztecs. Interestingly, the dogs were looked after as if they were deities. Every little pet had its own servant. The servant’s duties included caring for the animal, feeding, the doggie should not need anything. If you look, then the current owners of Chihuahuas are also, to some extent, the servants of their miniature pets.

The name of the breed was determined in 1850. It was then that in Mexico, American archaeologists discovered ancient drawings of small dogs on stones. It happened in the state of Chihuahua. The name was changed a little, it turned out Chihuahua. It was decided to call this breed of miniature decorative dogs.