The Dog Scene

Chihuahua

Looking for a Chihuahua puppy or advice? Contact one of the Chihuahua breeders or breed clubs listed below. All dog breeders advertising with us agree to abide by our Code of Ethics.

Chihuahua Books

Group: Toy - breed standard (Long coat) | breed standard (Smooth coat)

History

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named for the Chihuahua State in Mexico. Chihuahuas were originally thought to be descendants of an ancient, similar, but slightly larger breed associated with royalty in Aztec civilizations known as the Techichi. However, due to the lack of archaeological remains it is now believed that Chihuahuas were brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers. The most current theory holds that Spanish merchants brought Chihuahuas to Spain by way of their trade routes with China and from there to Mexico. The well documented practice in China of dwarfing both plants and animals is the basis for the theory that Chihuahuas originated there. But another theory is that they originated in Egypt and were traded into Spain and later Mexico.

Description

Weight: up to 2.7 kgs (6 lbs), with 1-1.8 kgs (2-4 lbs) preferred.

Chihuahuas are best known for their small size and large erect ears. The KC recognizes two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat. Many smooth-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair, but other smooth coats have a very dense, thick coat. Chihuahuas come in many colors, from solid blacks to solid whites, spotted, or a variety of other colors like fawn (tan), chocolate, blue (gray), silver, tricolored (chocolate, blue, or black with tan and white markings), brindle, and merle; and, each of these colors varies in shades and tones, as fawn can be a term to describe a tan dog from a very pale cream to a deep (almost red) tan, or any shade in between, and the chocolate coloration can range from a milky light shade of brown, to a deep mahogony brown, to a dark brown that is almost black.

Character/Temperament

Chihuahuas are prized for their devotion and personality. Their alertness, intelligence and size make them easily adaptable to a variety of environments, including the city and small apartments. While Chihuahuas are often stereotyped as high-strung, correct training and socialization can result in an outstanding companion animal.

Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size and physical fragility. However, many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person, becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships. This can be mitigated through socialization. Chihuahuas also tend to have a "clannish" nature, often preferring the companionship of other Chihuahuas over other dogs. Also, Chihuahuas seem to have no concept of their own size, and may fearlessly confront larger animals, which can result in injury.Chihuahuas are sensitive to the cold due to their small body size. Chihuahua owners often dress their dogs in sweaters or coats in cold weather. However longer-haired chihuahuas may be fine without additional protection and in the summer may still be known to pant.

Breed Health

Although figures often vary, as with any breed, the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately 8 to 14 years of age. This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders. Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are also prone to the sometimes painful condition known as patella luxation. Another genetic abnormality in Chihuahuas and toy breeds is hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. This condition surfaces in young puppies and often results in the death of a puppy by the time that it reaches six months of age. It is thought that this disease is often diagnosed by the pup having an abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more noticeable (since "a large head" is such a broad description). Chihuahua puppies exhibiting hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically are lethargic and do not grow at the same pace as their siblings. A true case of Hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, though the prognosis is grim. Chihuahuas are also known for their moleras, a soft spot in their skulls. Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs to be taken during the first six months until the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are not familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus. Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance.

Training

See our books on training

For further information, please contact one of the breed clubs of breeders listed below.

Animal Fanatics We offer a huge range of gifts and goodies featuring all sorts of animals. Our range covers stationery, gifts, gift bags, calendars, books, t-shirts, mugs, Birthday cards, Christmas cards, giftwrap, soft toys, note boards, list pads, writing paper, jigsaws, pictures, prints and much more! UK orders benefit from our STANDARD UK P&P of JUST £2.45 no matter the size of your order. Plus our MONEYBACK GUARANTEE also means you have nothing to lose by shopping with us! Submitted 09 Nov, 2006, edited 06 Apr, 2008. 43 hits out. Details Rate Report Send to Friend Comments (0)

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Fine Art Posters Art.co.uk the leading online print and poster retailer provides framing, mounting and laminating services, posters, art prints, paintings, canvas prints, vintage original posters, fine art prints, inspirational posters, giclee prints, art reproductions and original art and photography. Submitted 09 Nov, 2006. 40 hits out. Details Rate Report Send to Friend Comments (0)

Sally Mitchell Fine Arts Home of high quality limited edition dog prints, original paintings and gift cards. Here at Sally Mitchell we offer probably the largest selection of dog prints and pictures in the UK. What ever breed of dog you have, we probably have a print or picture of your best friend. We also offer prints and pictures of other popular subjects too! Submitted 09 Nov, 2006. 33 hits out. Details Rate Report Send to Friend Comments (0)

Amarantos Submitted 28 Sep, 2006 , edited 03 Dec, 2007. 64 hits out, 73 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

British Chihuahua Club Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 , edited 07 Jun, 2007. 49 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Chihuahua Club Of Scotland Contact: Mr G Baxter Telephone: 01383 724368 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 . 95 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Chihuahua Club Of Wales Contact: Dr G Curr Telephone: 020 8743 4073 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 . 51 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Longcoat Chihuahua Club Contact: Mrs Lee Telephone: 01635 278510 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 . 135 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Midland Chihuahua Club Contact: Ms L Stacey Telephone: 01773 713670 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 , edited 07 Jun, 2007. 59 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Northern Counties Chihuahua Club Contact: Mrs C A Barlow Telephone: 01524 752621 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 . 55 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Smoothcoat Chihuahua Club Contact: Mrs Grant Telephone: 0121 782 4273 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 . 54 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

Ulster Chihuahua Club Contact: Mrs E Jenkins Telephone: 01574 275139 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 . 50 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

West Country Chihuahua Club Contact: Mrs M Greening Telephone: 01249 783522 Submitted 16 Jan, 2006 . 43 hits out, 0 hits in. Rate Report Send to Friend Submitter Comments (0)

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Links: 14 Last link added: 12 Mar, 2008