Chihuahua dogs are known for their small size, prominent personalities, and various coat types and colours. They are all capable of competing in dog sports such as agility and obedience and are among the top ten watchdogs recommended by experts.
Even novice pet parents love Chihuahuas because they love being with their owners and require little grooming. They’re excellent apartment dogs who will get along with the whole family. Ensure that children approaching a small dog know how to play gently with it.
Famous Chihuahuas:
Dinky, the Taco Bell mascot
Ren from Ren and Stimpy
Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)
Legally Blonde (2001)
Famous Owners
Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Paris Hilton, Madonna, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Reese Witherspoon, Hilary Duff
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History
As with many breeds, the Chihuahua’s origins are unclear, but there are two possible explanations. According to the first theory, he is descended from a South American dog called the Techichi.
Based on the evidence of the Chihuahua coming from Central and South America, we must look back at the Toltec civilization. In the 9th century C.E., carvings depict a dog similar to the Chihuahua, with large ears and a round head. In Toltec civilization, these dogs were called Techichi, whose purpose is unknown.
Aztecs absorbed the Techichi into their society after conquering the Toltecs. Several of these dogs lived in Aztec temples and were used in rituals. Aztecs believed the Techichi had mystic powers, including the ability to heal the sick, see the future, and safely guide the souls of the dead to the underworld. Red Techichi were traditionally killed and cremated with the deceased’s remains. Also, the Aztecs used the Techichi for food and pelts. The Spanish defeated the Aztecs in the late 1500s, and the Techichi disappeared.
Second, Spanish traders brought small hairless dogs from China to Mexico and crossed them with native dogs.
The shorthaired Chihuahua we know today was identified in the 1850s in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which he takes his name. Visitors from the United States brought the little dogs home from Mexico. They were first shown in 1890 and registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904. The longhaired variety was likely created by crossing Papillons with Pomeranians. Dance king Xavier Cugat, a Latin music bandleader and dance king, made the breed famous in the 1930s and 1940s.
Traits
Chihuahuas are hot tamales because of their association with Mexican fast food. He may be the world’s smallest dog, but his personality may be bigger than his body. His larger-than-life persona makes him appealing to both men and women.
The Chihuahua is a fun-loving and busy dog who loves being around people. People ride along in tote bags when they run errands or go shopping. If Chihuahuas are overindulged, they can become very demanding. It is not uncommon for them to form a close bond with a single person.
In addition to being affectionate housemates, Chihuahuas are intelligent and quick learners. As enthusiastic and successful as larger dogs, they can compete in agility and obedience trials. Nevertheless, they are willful little dogs. You’ll be most successful when you convince them that competing – or simply following your instructions – is fun. When training your Chihuahua, use praise and food rewards as positive reinforcement. Harsh treatment won’t work on him.
Consider the Chihuahua’s small size when considering him. The Chihuahua is a bold and curious explorer. They have escaped from yards through small gaps in fences and can fit into places other puppies and dogs would not. Despite their dominance, rambunctious larger dogs can accidentally injure them.
It is not recommended to keep a Chihuahua in a home with children under the age of eight, simply due to the possibility of a young child injuring them. Regardless of your family situation, it’s essential to socialize your Chihuahua with children, adults, and other animals. They are mistrustful of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs, but they need to learn how to interact with people politely. In addition, Chihuahuas tend to forget they are small and will stand up to a larger aggressive dog; for this reason, they must be closely supervised in new situations, walking, and playing in the yard.
With his unique size and personality, the Chihuahua makes an excellent companion. Chihuahuas become devoted to their owners, and many say that once you have one in your life, you will never own another breed.
The Chihuahua is a long-lived breed; expect to care for him for up to 18 years. Chihuahuas shiver when cold, excited, or scared. Keep your Chihuahua warm in wet or cold weather with a sweater or coat. Dry skin and ear wax buildup can occur in Chihuahua ears.
Health
This breed is typically healthy, but like all breeds, they may experience specific health conditions. Not every dog of this breed will get these diseases, but it’s essential to be aware of them. Some common health problems include:
- Patellar Luxation
- Hypoglycemia
- Heart Murmurs
- Pulmonic Stenosis
- Collapsed trachea
- Hydrocephalus
- Open Fontanel
Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can
help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.