Chihuahua Dogs-Ferocious, Smart And Lovable

Chihuahua dogs trace their ancestors to the Aztec civilizations in Central America and Mexico.
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. It is named after the Chihuahua State in Mexico.
Current historical thought says the Chihuahua, like the horse, was brought to Mexico by settlers from Spain. They may have come through trade routes from China. Other theories claim the Chihuahua came from Egypt. So, the origination is kept secret for lack of documentation.

Appearance

One of the first aspect of the Chihuahua dog that you see is its very large eyes and large, erect ears. There are two varieties recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club): the long-coat and the smooth coat. The breed standards include the weight of the dog but not the height which usually runs from six to ten inches. AKC show Chihuahuas cannot weigh more than six pounds (2.7 kg), though ideally the judges will be looking for a dog between 3-6 pounds. The American Kennel Club registered the first Chihuahua 1904.

Pet chihuahua standards vary greatly. I live with my two dear chihuahuas, Tiki and Butch. Tiki weighs about 6 pounds but Butch's fighting weight is about 12 pounds. Pictures of both are above. Both are pure bred. Butch's lineage is very strong evidenced by his strutting walk and markings.
Chihuahuas come in a large variety of colors. Some are solid black or white while others have chocolate, silver, merle and other color tones.

Temperament

The Chihuahua does not recognize its own size. It can be a ferocious opponent and it has been known to scare many burglars, postmen, other large dogs and just about anyone walking down your road. The Chihuahua is known as one of the "yappiest" breeds. It's bark can be both aggravating and life saving.
The Chihuahua's small size makes it an ideal dog for people who live in apartments. They are not particularly well-suited for small children due to their temperament and their tendency to bite when frightened. A Chihuahua will often focus its attention on one person and it will become very jealous of other humans who are friends of its master.

Selecting a Chihuahua to live with you is an important step and should not be taken lightly. Do you want an adult or a puppy? Do you want need top lineage or are your more interested in a friendly pet?
The size of the Chihuahua makes it a perfect apartment companion. Of course you want to be sure you've made the right preparations for a New Chihuahua.

Important Considerations to consider before you bring home your chihuahua puppy:

Training

Feeding

Health

Dental Care

Choosing A Responsible Breeder

Vaccinations

Supplies

Once your Chihuahua settles in at your home you will be very happy to have him or her as your friend and companion for life.

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Information on the Chihuahua

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The world's smallest breed of dog is the Chihuahua. It is a mystery of how this little but forceful breed of dog originated. Many experts have suggested that the Chihuahua came to America with the Spanish armies of Hernando Corte around the year 1519. Other experts believe that the Chihuahua has been around since the ninth century. These experts believe that the Chihuahua was bred by the Toltecs of Mexico. This type of dog received its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.

The Chihuahua only reaches a height of six inches and weighs a maximum of two to six pounds. The most valued Chihuahuas weigh just a little over two pounds. A Chihuahua has many different colors in their coats. These colors include: black, white, tan, spotted, blue, silver and chocolate. A Chihuahua can also be tricolored with three or more markings present in their coat. The Chihuahua has a long and soft coat that has a slight curl to the ends. The American Kennel Club recognizes two different varieties of Chihuahuas. These two varieties are the long-coat and the smooth-coat Chihuahua. Many smooth-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair.

A Chihuahua requires very little grooming. One important thing to know before purchasing a Chihuahua is that this type of dog is not good around children or with other pets. This type of dog makes a great companion to an adult and is best kept indoors. The Chihuahua is considered to be a toy breed. The life expectancy of the Chihuahua is around fourteen years.

Some Chihuahuas are affected by genetic disorders that cause epilepsy and seizures. This does not occur in most Chihuahuas though. A Chihuahua is a great pet for an individual living alone or a couple. A Chihuahua is a very loyal companion.

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Celebrities and Their Chihuahuas

Celebrities and their Chihuahuas has become a huge craze in recent years. It seems the popularity of these tiny dogs began with the Chihuahua that stared in the famous Taco Bell commercials. Then of course came Reese Witherspoon in the big screen movie Legally Blonde with her little pal Bruiser. At the top of the craze was non other than Paris Hilton when she appeared on the cover of Seventeen Magazine with her Chihuahua Tinkerbell.

However, these celebrities were not the first to love this amazingly loyal and easy to care for dog; Marilyn Monroe had one of her own that she called ChooChoo. Many stars now have there own Chihuahuas, and some have many more than just one. The daughter of Rod Stewart was seen playing on the beach in a blue bikini with her Chihuahuas, and Brian Littrell was photographed with his wife and two Chihuahuas. The much-loved judge on American Idol, Paula Abdul, has two Chihuahuas named Tumbellina and Tulip.

Madonna and Hillary Duff both have a Chihuahua named Chiquita. These are just a few of the many celebrities that have Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas make wonderful pets for celebrities because they travel well and are very easy to care for. Chihuahuas are extremely low maintenance and love to be around one person or family. They hardly ever run off because they are so content with being with people rather than other animals. They are also easily carried around in shoulder or handbags made for small dogs, which is another reason they are popular choice among so many celebrities.

Chihuahuas were first discovered in the early 19th century along the border of Mexico and Arizona and were first called Arizona dogs. It wasn't until later when it was discovered that the dogs were actually coming from the Chihuahua region in Mexico where they got the name. That seems to have suck with them even now that we are into the 21st century. At first it was believed that Chihuahuas were a mix between a rodent and a dog that was magically created by what were known as Medicine Men.

For the first time in history, Chihuahuas have made the top ten list of most licensed and registered list of dogs in many places around the U.S. in the past year. We all know that this has a lot to do with the media, but the fact that these dogs are so easily cared for and are very loyal play a huge roll as well. Chihuahuas also live decently long lives for dogs; they can live anywhere between fifteen and nineteen years but most live to be about sixteen years of age.

It is no secret that Chihuahuas are loved for their amazing intelligence, loyalty, and love of humans. The dogs are very easy to train and adjust very well to change, which makes them great pets for families or individuals that are constantly on the move. The dogs are so smart that they are popping up more and more on TV and the Big screen. If you decide you want one of these precious dogs make sure it's the qualities of the dog you are after not the fact that your favorite celebrity owns one.

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The Chihuahua Exodus - The Problems Caused by Celebrity Pet Owners

Commonly known as the Paris Hilton syndrome, there is a problem with the massive surplus of Chihuahuas in California, particularly Los Angeles, over the past year. Experts in the business say this is because of the celebrity status that Chihuahuas have begun to enjoy (or not) after Paris Hilton publicised her undersized pooch and Taco Bell turned it into a brand mascot.

The problem is that people went out in hoardes and bought Chihuahuas and mated them, then found that they couldn't keep the dogs or that there was an over supply in the market. Many of these dogs have landed up in shelters across California in large numbers. It is estimated that at the current growth rate, close to 50 percent of the dogs in some animal shelters in LA will either be Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes.

These awkward looking creatures suddenly find that their popularity has run down a bit. There are rescue missions on though. With celebrities either voluntarily pitching in or being requested to do so by animal welfare groups because it was they who caused the problem in the first place.

Californian Chihuahua exports to other American states is rising. Recently, a consignment of Chihuahuas was transported in a private (all-dog) flight to New York from California. New York, with it's small houses can do with more Chihuahuas. These animals are still in demand there and the dog adoption centres are quickly finding homes for destitute Chihuahuas among the tens of New Yorkers desperate to possess their very own celebrity oddity.

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Long Hair Chihuahuas Vs Other Chihuahuas

Basically, there are only two types of Chihuahuas: longhair Vs short hair. You might have noticed several different terms like "teacup", "apple head", "deer head" and "toy" that are used to label these Chihuahuas. However, these terms are not officially recognized by major canine organizations like AKC or UKC. When you compare long hair Chihuahuas vs. other Chihuahuas, there is actually not much difference. The only thing that differs is the kind of fur that they have.

Long hair Chihuahuas as the name suggests, have long fur. This is the reason why most people find long hair Chihuahuas more appealing. They are nicer to look at compared to the shorthair Chihuahuas. While most longhair breeds require a lot of grooming, the long hair Chihuahuas does not. As the matter of fact, just give it a little brush and it is good to go.

The Long Hair Chihuahua would definitely require slightly more attention in order to maintain its glossy fur. Remember to brush through its coat with a bristle brush and comb it to remove the tangles. After bathing, blow-dry the coat and brush the hair simultaneously. After which, you can choose to make the necessary trimmings to the fur.

Just a quick tip: Make sure that your long hair Chihuahua fur is soft and slightly curly with an undercoat. There should be feathering on legs and feet. A large ruff would give it a nice look. The Chihuahua's tail should be full and long too.

Short hair Chihuahuas are generally easier to take care of. It requires very little grooming. Just brush it several times a week with a rubber slicker or grooming glove. The fur should feel soft and glossy.

As aforementioned, other than the kind of fur that they have, they are more or less similar to one another.

All Chihuahuas in general are very affectionate creatures. They are very loyal and protective of their owners. Because of this, it can be pretty jealous in the presence of other dogs.

As such, it is important that all Chihuahuas, both long hair and short hair have dog training in order to help them socialize better. This would allow them to be more comfortable with the people around them and hence they will be less aggressive and well liked by everyone.

These dogs are very small such that it makes them ideal home pets. If you are not up to the challenge of getting a big and friendly Labrador as a house pet in your mini apartment, then you might want to consider a Chihuahua instead.

However, both Chihuahuas are very fragile and also prone to diseases. If you have kids at home, it is best not to get a Chihuahua as a pet in fear of hurting it. It is very small as such it tends to go "missing" at times. Be sure that you keep an eye at your Chihuahua at all times to ensure that it is safe and sound.

Long hair or short hair Chihuahua? It is your choice.

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Chihuahua Info

Chihuahua, aliases 'Chi', is a rather very small-sized dog. It weighs not more than 6 pounds and is about 6 - 9 inches in length. It has a litter size of 1 - 4 puppies; 2 puppies is the average litter size. Chihuahua has a life span of 14 - 18 years.

Chihuahua's hair can be either short or long. A Chihuahua with short hair has a smooth and glossy coat with a little coarseness. The coat hair is longer on the body and shorter on the head and ears, whereas a Chihuahua with long hair has a soft coat. Its legs, feet and ears are covered with hair.

The head of a Chihuahua is round-shaped, apple-shaped. Its muzzle is quite smaller as compared to its head and is a bit pointed. It has widely-spaced apart, large and erect ears which tend to hang by the sides when the dog is in a relaxed state. Chihuahua has very expressive, large and round eyes which are dark or ruby-colored. It has a short and pointed black nose.

The body of a Chihuahua is robust and compact. Its neck is slightly arched. Its front legs are short and straight having a square shape. The back legs are thin but well-muscled. The Chihuahua has small and dainty feet. It has a sickle-shaped tail.

A Chihuahua is a stay-indoor type dog. When in the outdoors, a Chihuahua should never be left alone and unattended because it makes an easy prey for other animals.

Chihuahua is a perfect dog for a novice dog owner.

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The Dos And Don'ts Of Chihuahua Paper Training

When you are trying to housebreak your toy breed of dog you will always run in to some challenges along the way. The Chihuahua presents some special problems because they hate the elements and many times will refuse to go outside. Many people turn to Chihuahua paper training as an option but if you do not follow through with continuous housebreaking techniques then the newspaper approach could be a very bad idea. So if you are going to use papers use them as a part of the process and not the entire solution.

As was mentioned before the Chihuahua is not fond of wind, rain, and the cold so when you choose its outside spot make sure it is someplace that is protected from these elements or else your dog may refuse to use that spot. No matter what you do never use physical punishment on your Chihuahua when you are housebreaking it, as that will just develop aggressive and negative behavior.

If you really want to use Chihuahua paper training then remember that it is part of the housebreaking process and not the final solution. The final solution is getting your dog to go outside. Lay some papers in a designated paper area away from the dog's food. A Chihuahua will not go to the bathroom anywhere near it's food or water so be sure to make the two very separate. Lay down layers of papers in a small area that the dog can easily get to.

Get your dog on a regular feeding schedule because this will reduce accidents. If you know when your dog eats then you will know when it needs to relieve itself and that can help immensely in the training. When the dog is done eating, or whenever you notice the dog drinking water, take it to the papers. When it uses the papers praise it and make it understand that the papers are where it can go in the house and the only place that it is allowed to go to the bathroom.

As Chihuahua paper training seems to be working you can start slowly moving the paper area closer and closer to the outside door. Always clean the paper area and leave some soiled paper with it so the dog knows that is the spot to go. As you get closer to the door start laying papers under the door and outside reducing the size of the inside paper spot. Soon your dog should want to go outside to use the papers outside because the area inside is too small to use.

Avoid giving your Chihuahua food and water to eat and drink during the night while it is in its crate, because they cannot go all night without relieving themselves if they are allowed to eat. Just be smart about housebreaking your Chihuahua and the paper method should be effective enough to get your Chihuahua to go do its business outside rather than inside your house.

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How To Take Care Of Short Haired Chihuahua

The Short-Haired Chihuahua is one of the two official breeds of Chihuahuas recognized by the American Kennel Club. Compared to its Long-haired cousin, this breed of Chihuahua has a shorter coat of hair and is more popular in countries with warmer climates. Caring for the Short-haired Chihuahua is extremely important for Chihuahua owners as these dogs are relatively fragile and vulnerable to illnesses given their small size as compared to other dogs.

Nutrition is an important consideration when taking care of a Short-haired Chihuahua. Chihuahuas need regular meals of high quality food in order to obtain the necessary nutrients required for a healthy life. Ideally food should consist of proteins, carbohydrates and a vegetable. Generally, dried food is recommended to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. The Short-haired Chihuahua should be fed two meals daily. Care should be taken by owners to regulate the feeding portions for their Short-haired Chihuahua as Chihuahuas are prone to overeat, resulting in obesity. Food should be in small bite-sized proportions in order for ease of chewing and digestion as Chihuahuas have very small teeth. Also, food should be fresh and any unconsumed food after each meal should be discarded to prevent the growth of bacteria and germs. Plenty of drinking water should be provided for hydration purposes. This is especially important in places with warmer temperature.

The Short-haired Chihuahua should be groomed on a regular basis. Tangles are less likely with its smooth short-haired coat. As such, occasional grooming with a soft bristle brush would be necessary. In countries with warmer temperatures, frequent bathing would be preferable to prevent fleas and other skin-related illnesses. Otherwise, a bathe a month would be sufficient. However, Chihuahua owners would have to be careful to prevent water from entering the ears of their Short-haired Chihuahua to prevent infection.

Exercise is necessary to prevent obesity for the Short-haired Chihuahua. While Chihuahuas are often dubbed as pocket dogs, exercise is necessary to prevent Chihuahua obesity. Frequent short walks are necessary to prevent such a situation and to facilitate greater interaction and better relations between the Short-haired Chihuahua and its owner. However, moderation has to be exercised in terms of the distance covered and duration as Chihuahuas generally have a shorter stamina as compared to other breeds of dogs.

Given its thin short coat, it is necessary to provide the Short-haired Chihuahua with sufficient warm clothing especially in cooler countries. Generally, Chihuahuas do not adapt well to cold weather given their small size. In choosing clothing, it is important to understand that the Short-haired Chihuahua may have allergies to outfits made of certain fabrics. As such, it is important for Chihuahua owners to let their Short-haired Chihuahuas try out a particular new outfit for a short period of time. Should there be observations of rash, itch or discomfort, the outfit in question may not be suitable for the Chihuahua's use.

Timely checkups are also a necessity to determine the overall health state of the Chihuahua. Veterinarians would be able to dispense professional advice to Chihuahua owners on issues such as nutrition.

Most importantly, Chihuahua owners must be prepared for a long term commitment as far as Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of about 11 to 18 years. With sufficient care and commitment, Chihuahua owners would be able to look forward to a fulfilling experience with their pets.

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Chihuahua Dogs - 3 Important Tips You Must Know

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The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog and for those not in the know, it is named after a little known state in Mexico. The average height of the Chihuahua is around 15 to 25 cm - yet there are some rare cases where some of these dogs can blow up in size and grow all the way up to 15 inches tall. Interestingly enough, those dog experts in the UK and America all agree that for a dog to be aptly named a Chihuahua, it needs to follow certain requirements, which in the case of its weight, it cannot weigh an ounce over 2.7kg.

Chihuahua are also one of the more popular dogs which are entered into dog shows, and over the past few years, they have been snapping up some rave reviews and doggy awards. Chihuahuas are the celebrity dogs in the paparazzi pound house and owning one means you own a diva of a dog.

Don't be fooled by their diminutive size, these dogs are actually better known for their ferocity and temperament towards other dogs. But they are also one of the more fiercely devoted dogs with extremely colourful personalities.

These dogs have been paired with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan .They are extremely personable on a good day and can be the cutest thing to own. While they have the infamy of being one of the more temperamental dogs out there, with the proper training, they can be one of the best companion dogs out there.

One of the more quirky tips you should know about the Chihuahua is the fact that they have a predisposition to 'burrow' into anywhere they can to either sleep or hide for a while. This also means that there is a danger that the owner might unknowingly sit on his/her beloved pet dog. If you're lucky ,all you will get is a yelp and at the worst - you might sprain its tail.

Chihuahua is very tough dogs, being able to take a lot of physical activity. Also, Chihuahua is really excitable and their first reaction is to bite if they get frightened or shocked. This means that infants and really small children are really not that suitable to be around them. Also, many owners have also mentioned that Chihuahua does get extremely jealous as once they get attached to someone; they might view the other people with the green eyes monster stare.

Chihuahua also come in a variety of colours which means for the fashion savvy you can colour co-ordinate your new pet choice with the shoes you just bought from Jimmy Choo. These are just some of the things you should note about the Chihuahua. They are a great purchase and they will really add some colour and excitement to your household. Also, they are fiercely loyal and quite comical at times - not to mention that they can be the most adorable things in the world.

With these 3 important tips you must know, you will be better prepared when you do decide to buy one.

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A Little Look at the Fascinating Chihuahua - Could This Be the Diminutive Dog For You?

The Chihuahua is a fascinating breed of dog which is often overlooked (no pun intended). Tiny and portable, it displays a degree of loyalty and affection that few humans could reach even if they tried.

With its historic roots in ancient Mexico, the ancestors of today's feisty little canines were first discovered in the region that now carries the breed's name (Chihuahua, Mexico borders the American states of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico).

Our modern-day Chihuahua is descended from the small Mayan Techichi, a dog whose existence dates back to the 5th century AD. Wealthy members of Aztec society as well as their clergy revered the Techichi as a sacred animal.

Likewise, many owners of the adorably miniscule Chihuahua hold their pets in high enough esteem that it seems the animals continue to be regarded as sacred.

The AKC (American Kennel Club) first recognized the breed in 1904. The short haired variety is typically considered the breed standard, though the long haired dogs are growing in popularity. These longer coated relatives look a bit like the tiny French Papillion.

Renowned for their longevity (many Chihuahuas live into their late teens); they're typically healthy dogs that are relatively low-maintenance. Health issues aren't prevalent in the breed, making them surprisingly hearty despite their diminutive stature.

Alert and intelligent, the Chihuahua makes a wonderful alarm system. With their tiny size, they of course make the ideal lap dog, making them a perfect companion for the elderly. As they can sometimes be a bit on the nervous side, they are not always the best choice for homes with noisy, active youngsters.

Their exercise requirements are relatively minimal. They do not appreciate colder weather, so a playful romp indoors can often suffice in lieu of outdoor jaunts. Should you take your little friend out for walkies on chilly days, it's a good idea to dress him in a soft, comfortable coat or sweater. Even if you think they look silly, they have a truly practical application. With short hair and a weight topping out around 7 lbs (even less in some), an extra layer of outdoor protection is just a good idea for any Chihuahua.

For lighter colored Chihuahuas (white, cream and some of the pale shades of fawn) a bit of sunscreen is a good idea if he's accompanying you on adventures during the summer time.

If you are interested in adopting one of these charming little dogs, be certain you have ample time to interact with your new pet. They require plenty of attention and thrive when they can be included as a member of the family. Once your Chihuahua is housebroken and can be left (if necessary) for several hours on end, a comfortable crate is essential.

Chihuahuas absolutely love their crates when they are introduced to them kindly and correctly. The crate is a safe haven, not a place of punishment. Being a denning animal, they are most inclined to feel safe in their own little secluded space if they cannot be with you. Make sure the crate is big enough that she can stretch out and move around. Line the bottom with an absorbent pad (in case an accident does occur), a soft blanket to sleep on and a stuffed animal to cuddle up with. Be sure any toys do not have parts that could be pulled off and swallowed, such as a Teddy Bears with plastic eyes or nose; such things can pose a real choking hazard.

When deciding where to adopt, look for the most reputable breeders. If you have a local resource where you can visit to take a firsthand look at the parents and environment in which they've started their lives, that is a wonderful way to go.

If you have to consider an out of state adoption, do everything possible to be sure you are working with a caring, licensed breeder. Talk to several references. Make sure they have a phone number as well as an email address where they can be reached. Check the BBB to verify that there are no claims against them.

If everything checks out and you feel at ease with the purchase, be sure all your terms regarding the puppy's travel to your home are entirely agreed upon before you send your certified payment. You will likely have to make the arrangements for the dog's flight to your local airport, and be sure you are there waiting for him the moment he arrives.

Take a tiny harness, leash, crate, towel and blanket with you, as well as a little bit of clean, fresh water (he will likely be thirsty after his journey) and/or baby formula as recommended by the breeder. Take him outside wearing his harness and set him down gently in a little spot of grass in case he needs to relieve himself. Try to find an area that is not congested; too much activity will be overwhelming at this juncture.

There are many resources, including online information sites and interesting television programs (be sure to keep an eye on the many shows that air on Animal Planet, such as Dogs 101) that may help educate you about various dog breeds.

If the Chihuahua is the breed that best suits your lifestyle and temperament, you're sure to be thrilled with this new addition to your family!

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