Chihuahua

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a lively little dog suitable for small flats or apartments. It is not recommended for children, as it does not have the size or strength to cope with rough handling, but makes an ideal pet for the elderly.

History:

The Chihuahua is thought to have originated in Mexico, or could have migrated with the Spanish conquests of the Aztecs. Some feel that the breed may be depicted in Aztec monuments, but others feel the engravings could have been of rodents. There are now two types of Chihuahua: the long-coated and the smooth-coated. The smooth-coated is the newer of the breeds and was developed early this century by crossing the long-coated breed with small American Terriers such as the Black and Tan Toy to produce the smoother coat.

Physical characteristics:

The Chihuahua is the world's most easily recognized breed of dog, and the smaller the dog, the more valuable. They are alert and lively. Height: around 8 in (20.5 cm). Weight: 2.24 - 7.5 lb (1 - 3.5 kg). The head is an apple shape with large, round, and dark but not protruding eyes. Black noses are more valued than the pink or light. The ears are large and carried erect when in motion, but set at a 45-degree angle when resting. The body is deep but short and the tail is long, set high, and curled over the back, tapering to a point.

The coat in the smooth-coated breed is short, dense and lustrous. In the long-coated breed the hair is long, silky, and may have a wave. There is feathering on the trunk, tail and legs, and a ruffled neck is desirable.

Behavior:

Because of its diminutive size, people are sometimes fooled into thinking this dog is very passive. However, this tiny dog has a huge spirit. Certainly, the Chihuahua would not be much use as a guard dog, but its abilities as a watch-dog should not be overlooked. It is quite capable of alerting its owner to the presence of an intruder.

If the Chihuahua is given the opportunity to socialize with other dogs when it is a puppy, it rarely has problems in later life. The Chihuahua is often given favored status when a family has several dogs in a household. Care should be taken when outside the house that larger dogs do not act aggressively to your bossy Chihuahua.

This dog has been selectively bred to be a companion animal for people. This does not mean, however, that it automatically likes all people, in all circumstances. Wise owners should not allow too much rough play or teasing of their dog as it may either become injured or bite. All dogs have a limit to their tolerance. However, the Chihuahua does make an excellent pet, especially for single or elderly people, or families with older children.

The Chihuahua truly thrives on the attention it receives from its owner, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This dog is generally kept inside and often sleeps on its owner's bed or nearby. If you do keep your Chihuahua outside even temporarily, it must be provided with a proper kennel with plenty of protection against drafts and the cold