· Find Chihuahua Puppies · Watch Related Dog Videos · Chihuahua Forum · Information About Chihuahuas · Rescue a Chihuahua · Chihuahua LinksThe smallest of dogs, the Chihuahua originated in Mexico several hundred years ago and named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. These dogs had a religious significance, their remains have been found in human gravesites. It was said that certain colors were considered sacred while others were used in sacrifices when their master died. Discovered in the mid 1800's, these small dogs have become an oddity and novelty among dog owners because of their small, apple-shaped heads and big-dog attitudes. They come in both long and short haired breeds, and are generally decent shedders.
The Chihuahua, because of its small stature, suffers from a variety of health issues ranging from breathing problems to even seizures from the way their brain's blood flow works. Their eyes, usually bulging out, can be subject to cataracts, glaucoma and even on rare occasions popping from their sockets. Despite seeming tough, chihuahua dogs are delicate and must be treated as such especially as puppies. If care is given to them, they can live for up to 15 years.
The Chihuahua makes a wonderful pet for someone who has a lot of time and love to give. They are extremely devoted and affectionate to their owners. Chihuahua puppies require a good amount of training to avoid breed characteristics such as jealousy and snapping at people they don't know. They must be properly socialized with both people and other dogs or risk becoming an aggressive small dog. They respond poorly to negative reinforcement and when training chihuahua puppies one should use treats as a positive means of reward. They make excellent companions, perfectly content to spend most of their lives sleeping on their owner's lap. With children, the danger is always that a boisterous child will hurt the small chihuahua and, as they are also prone to bone fractures, cause irreprerable damage to the dog.
They are relatively easy to care for needing only weekly brushing and occasional baths. This breed is considered high-strung in that they are very sensitive to changes in their routine. They don't like strangers or being left alone. They can get all the exercise they need indoors, great care should be taken if they are outside in cold or warm weather. You can, if you start from a puppy age, train most chihuahuas to do their business in the house with relative ease.
Basic Dog Breed Information
Weight Range: 2 - 6 lbs. Avg. Height: 5 in. Breed Origin: Mexico Nicknames:Mexican Dog, Taco Bell, Apple Face AKC Group: Toy
Chihuahua Liftstyle Info
Tolerates Cold Weather
Tolerates Hot Weather
Good Watchdog
Needs Exercise
Good w/Other Animals
Easily Trainable
Can Live Outside
Needs Grooming Often
Lives Well In City Life
Good With Kids
Did You Know?
The most well-known Chihuahua today is probably the "Taco Bell" dog, who is actually a female.
The smallest dog on record is a Chihuahua named "Boo Boo" and weighs in at 1.5 lbs.
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