Chihuahua: Tiny Companion with a Rich History
The Chihuahua (also known as Chihuahueño) are little dogs. As the national dog of Mexico, these watchful and comical “purse dogs” are among the Americas’ oldest breeds, deriving their ancestry from pre-Columbian ancient civilizations.
It is one of the tiniest dog breeds, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Usually, people keep them as companion animals or for exhibition.
Characteristics
Introduction
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge attitude and power. At only 3 to 6 pounds, these little canines are well-known for their fiery demeanour, devotion, and affection for attention. Chihuahuas may be highly energetic and surprisingly active for their small size. They are a great company for individuals of all ages and walks of life. This breed requires little exercise and grooming and enjoys nothing more than spending time with its owners, even first-time pet parents. They are great companions for the whole family and make great apartment dogs. Just make sure the kids know how to play well with a little dog if they come around.
Average age or life span of Chihuahua
A Chihuahua’s lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 18 years. Numerous Chihuahuas survive to become 18 years old, and a few even reach 20 years old. While their remarkable longevity does not guarantee they won’t experience health problems, owners can anticipate many years of devoted companionship.
Chihuahua Types
These dogs are classified as Apple heads, Deer heads, Pear heads, short hair, long hair, teacup dogs, or by their colour, as was previously said. Their physical characteristics vary, yet they are all of the same breed.
Apple Head Chihuahuas
The heads of most Chihuahuas are shaped like apples. Apple heads come in the following colours: cream, silver, blue, fawn, red, tan, gold, and black. The apple-headed Chihuahua is 14–16 years old, 5-8 inches tall, and weighs 4-6 pounds.
Deer Head Chihuahuas
Although the deer-headed Chihuahua is not recognized as a breed, it shares the same feisty nature as the other Chi Chi varieties. Chihuahuas with deer heads are devoted and affectionate but require kind, constructive training to behave well.
Short Hair Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas with short hair are more prevalent than those with long hair in general, and they are referred to as smooth coat Chihuahuas because their fur appears smooth.
Long Hair Chihuahuas
Strangely, the long-haired Chihuahua is less popular despite how adorable they are. Maybe because they are less prevalent, long-coated Chihuahuas require expert grooming in addition to having their lengthy coats combed every other day.
Teacup Chihuahuas
The first dog to receive formal recognition from both the AKC and the Chihuahua Club of America was the Teacup Chihuahua, which was founded in 1904. They shrunk the little Chi Chi to a teacup size of three pounds and six inches tall because, for whatever reason, six pounds was too much for someone. At that point, why not just get a hamster? Fortunately, the miniature Chihuahua doesn’t appear to mind its diminutive size.
Pear-Headed Chihuahuas
Puppies that receive a combination of both head forms end up with the pear-head Chihuahua, which is a cross between an apple-headed and a deer-headed Chihuahua. Breeders could view a pear head as a flaw instead of a beautiful shape.
Colour-Named Chihuahua
The most often recognised colours for Chihuahua puppies in dog shows, as recognised by the American Kennel Club, are chocolate, black, fawn, red, and cream. Ever seen a chocolate chi-chi before? No, I haven’t. Mostly, I see fawn Chihuahuas. What colour are Chihuahuas? 39?
Chihuahua Ideal Height and Weight
Weight ranges for Chihuahuas are 3 to 6 pounds. Smaller Chihuahuas exist, but they are often not very healthy. It’s also possible for Chihuahuas to be overweight; some might weigh up to 12 pounds. These might be wise selections for households with kids.
| Age of Chihuahua Puppy | Weight in Ounces (Oz) | |||||||||
| Birth | 2.5 | 2.75 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.25 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | |
| 1 week | 3.75 | 4 | 5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9.5 | |
| 2 weeks | 5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12.5 | 13.5 | |
| 3 weeks | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17.5 | |
| 4 weeks | 7 | 8 | 9.5 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19.5 | 21 | |
| 5 weeks | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19.5 | 22 | 24 | |
| 6 weeks | 9 | 11 | 12.5 | 15 | 17.5 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 27 | |
| 7 weeks | 10 | 12 | 14.5 | 17 | 19.5 | 22 | 24.5 | 27 | 30 | |
| 8 weeks | 11 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 21.5 | 24 | 27 | 29 | 33 | |
| 9 weeks | 12 | 15 | 17.5 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 32 | 35 | |
| 10 weeks | 13 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 34 | 38 | |
| 11 weeks | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 42 | |
| 12 weeks | 15 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 33 | 37 | 41 | 45 | |
| 13 weeks | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 40 | 44 | 49 | |
| 14 weeks | 17 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 39 | 43 | 47 | 52 | |
| 15 weeks | 19 | 23 | 28 | 32 | 37 | 41 | 46 | 51 | 56 | |
| 16 weeks | 20 | 25 | 30 | 34 | 39 | 44 | 49 | 54 | 59 | |
| 17 weeks | 21 | 26 | 31 | 36 | 41 | 46 | 51 | 57 | 62 | |
| 18 weeks | 22 | 28 | 33 | 37 | 43 | 48 | 54 | 60 | 65 | |
| 19 weeks | 23 | 29 | 34 | 39 | 44 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 67 | |
| 20 weeks | 24 | 30 | 35 | 41 | 46 | 52 | 58 | 64 | 70 | |
| Estimated Adult Weight in Pounds (lbs) | 2lbs | 2.5 lbs | 3lbs | 3.5lbs | 4lbs | 4.5lbs | 5lbs | 5.5lbs | 6lbs | |
Chihuahua Colors
Given that Chihuahua dogs come in a wide variety of colours and that many owners are curious about what each colour signifies, let’s attempt to clarify what some of the colours imply.
Black Sable Fawn
This Chi will have black shading and be fawn in colour. Sable is a term for hairs with black tips. As a result, the hair tips will be black and the base colour will be fawn or light tan. This produces a very lovely textured effect.
Black
Complete, solid blacks are extremely uncommon. Numerous black Chihuahua pets will have body markings of some kind.
Red
Also known as mahogany, this colour can range from a dark orange to a brown/orange hue.
Brindle
In actuality, this is a pattern. It has a specific striping. The majority of brindle Chihuahuas have black over fawn markings, which can be thin or thick and resemble “tiger stripes.”
Chocolate
Although their fur is dark, chocolates are more than just that. Based on skin tone, a true chocolate-coloured Chihuahua will be just that. The skin pigmentation of the nose, lips, paw pads, and eye rims will be brown instead of black.
Tan & Blue
As previously said, tan points on blue, typically with tan tips on the paws. Some people are tanned above the eyes and/or around the ears.
Merle
This pattern is splattered and typically has splashes of black or blue. This colour may also show up in the eyes. The Chihuahua’s coat exhibits random dilutions due to the gene that causes this. It is crucial to avoid breeding two Merles together since this may result in puppies with various health concerns as well as vision and/or hearing impairments.
Fawn
This pale tan may have a hint of red undertones.
Gold
More brilliant than fawn, particularly in the presence of the Chi.
Blue
The colour of the skin determines blue. The coat could seem to be any variation or shade of black. A Chihuahua is considered blue due to the colouring of its skin, which is blue on their nose, paw pads, lips, and eye rims. These patches may seem black to many Chihuahuas, but under strong light—outdoor sunlight is ideal—there will be a discernible bluish hue.
Grey & Silver
A lot of people wonder what makes a dog’s grey or silver colour different. Silver is created when white slivers pierce through the grey coat, giving the appearance of a glossier grey than would otherwise be the case.
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Chihuahua History
According to DNA research, native American dogs originated in Siberia and arrived in North America approximately 10,000 years ago. Before the first European settlers arrived, the dogs lived in isolation for almost 9,000 years, and they had a distinct genetic profile that is practically extinct now. According to a 2020 study based on the sequencing of ancient dog genomes, two Mexican breeds—the Chihuahua (and the Xoloitzcuintli—retain some amount of this pre-colonial lineage, estimated at 4% and 3%, respectively).
Early nineteenth-century colonial records mention little, almost hairless canines; one story says sixteenth-century conquistadors discovered them in large numbers in what would later become known as Chihuahua.
Numerous dogs were employed in Aztec ceremonies and resided in temples. The Techichi was thought by the Aztecs to possess mystical abilities, such as the capacity to heal the sick, see into the future, and securely transport the spirits of the deceased to the underworld. Killing a red Techichi and cremingling him with the dead was the custom.
The Techichi provided food and fur to the Aztecs as well. After the Spanish overthrew the Aztecs in the late 1500s, the Techichi became extinct. The second idea holds that Spanish traders transported small, hairless Chinese dogs to Mexico, where they crossed with indigenous small dogs.
Chihuahua Health
Although the Chihuahua has no serious health issues, like all breeds, he may be born with or develop certain illnesses. While not every Chihuahua will get any or all of these illnesses, it’s still vital to know about them so that you can prepare for breeder interviews and know what to look for as your Chihuahua ages.
Purchasing a Chihuahua from a reputable breeder will help guarantee that your pet is as healthy as possible. Before being brought home, a puppy from a respectable Chihuahua breeder will receive his vaccinations and deworming. Only healthy, mature dogs (at least two years old) are used by ethical breeders, who also check their breeding stock for hereditary disorders specific to the breed, like luxating patellas (bum knees) and
Patellar Luxation
A prevalent issue in little dogs, also referred to as “slipped stifles.” It results from an improper alignment of the patella, which is made up of three parts: the tibia (calf), patella (knee cap), and femur (thigh bone). This results in leg lameness or an unusual gait, akin to a hop or skip. Although the physical misalignment, or luxation, does not necessarily happen until much later, it is a condition that is present from birth. A degenerative joint condition called arthritis can be brought on by the rubbing that results from patellar luxation.
Hypoglycemia
Puppies of all toy breeds may have hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. [Note: I’ve left this listed as a toy breed. There’s a distinction, for example, between Chihuahuas and Yorkies, and beagles and miniature dachshunds, and between toy size and little dogs.] In its early stages, hypoglycemia is easily treated; but, if left untreated, it can be fatal. The signs and symptoms of this ailment should be recognised by breeders and owners of toy breed puppies, as veterinarians may misdiagnose it as viral hepatitis or encephalitis.
Heart murmurs
An irregularity in the blood flow through the heart’s chambers is the source of heart murmurs. They serve as a warning sign for potential heart conditions or diseases that require treatment and ongoing observation. Heart murmurs are ranked from one being extremely quiet to five being highly loud. Should the condition be visible, as determined by x-rays and echocardiography, the dog might need medicine, a particular diet, and less exercise.
Pulmonic Stenosis
This congenital cardiac condition is brought on by a defective pulmonic valve that obstructs blood flow through the heart. This implies that to prevent cardiac failure, the heart must beat harder and may grow. The degree of the illness determines the course of treatment. When a case is minor, there is minimal to no obstruction and no need for therapy.
Collapsed Trachea
The exact cause of this is unknown, although it is believed to be related to the fast intake of breath, which flattens the trachea and prevents air from entering the lungs. The effect is similar to pulling on a soda straw too forcefully. Dogs with this disorder have an anomaly in the chemical composition of their tracheal rings, which causes the rings to lose their rigidity and become unable to maintain their circular shape. It may be inherited. It affects specific breeds.
Hydrocephalus
When there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain due to a blockage, congenital defect, or birth trauma, the brain is compressed. Although the head appears larger or bloated, an ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis if needed. Although steroids can help lower fluid pressure in moderate cases, there is no known treatment for hydrocephalus.
Open Fontanel
The top of the head of Chihuahuas is naturally soft. Similar to a baby’s will, the soft spot usually closes, but occasionally one won’t close all the way. Handle these pets carefully. They can die from an unintentional strike to the head.
Shivering
Chihuahuas frequently experience shivering. It’s unknown exactly why they shiver or tremble, although it usually happens when the dog is nervous, anxious, or cold.
Chihuahua Care
Even though Chihuahuas are little canines, they still require training and activity like other dogs. It can be unexpected how much energy an adult Chihuahua can have. He loves to play in the backyard and will chase squirrels for hours on end as long as you do.
Chihuahuas love walks, playing fetch with toys in the yard and taking short walks. They will run till they drop, so it’s critical to watch out that they don’t overexert themselves, particularly on warm days. Chihuahuas shouldn’t live outside, even if they love playing there.
They are not protected from larger canines or raptors that might enter your garden, like coyotes or hawks. They were bred to be companions, and being with you is the finest place for a partner. Maintaining a Chihuahua can be a fun experience.
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Chihuahua Feeding
Suggested daily serving size: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of premium dry food NOTE: Your adult dog’s size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity all affect how much food he consumes. Similar to people, each dog is unique, thus their food requirements vary.
A dog who is an avid exerciser will require more than a dog that is a couch potato. The type of dog food you purchase also matters; the higher the quality, the more your dog will benefit from it and the less you’ll need to shake into their bowl.
puppies of Chihuahuas typically need to eat more frequently because of their smaller stomachs and rapid energy expenditure. A typical Chihuahua puppy feeding advice would advise feeding your dog three to four times a day, which you should progressively cut down to twice a day as your dog gets closer to adulthood.
Chihuahua Grooming
There are two sorts of coats for Chihuahuas: long and smooth. A ruff of thicker, longer hair resides on the neck of the smooth-coated Chihuahua, which has a lustrous, smooth coat that fits close to the body. The tail is hairy, while the hair on the head and ears is thinner. The velvety coat of the long-coated Chihuahua is flat or slightly curled.
Its body is nearly as smooth as that of a Chihuahua with a smooth coat, but it has hair on the ears and a plumed tail that fanned out over its back like a fan. In addition, he has longer hair on his feet known as feathering, and a rough around his neck. Long hair that resembles trousers covers the hind legs as well, and that’s exactly what it is.
Longer hair on the stomach is referred to as a frill. In addition to having two coat varieties, Chihuahuas can have a variety of colours and patterns on them. They can have a range of markings, such as brindle, spotted, merle, and solid colours including black, white, fawn, chocolate, grey, and silver. They can also have tricolours, such as blue, black, or chocolate with tan and white. Shades of every colour go from extremely light to extremely dark.
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Chihuahua Temperament
Many chihuahuas are likely to challenge larger dogs and can be belligerent with a persistent bark. Although the majority of Chihuahuas are brave, some might be so timid that they become anxious and restless. Chihuahuas are friendly and rather playful dogs. Nonetheless, training them can be challenging due to their small stature.
Despite their reputation as lapdogs, Chihuahuas are very active dogs that would much rather play, run, and bark than sleep. (While dog breed stereotypes are well-established and frequently accepted, individual dogs may behave differently from other members of their breed.) It is generally shy around strangers and likes the companionship of its family members, both human and canine. Many chihuahuas are likely to challenge larger dogs and can be belligerent with a persistent bark. Although the majority of Chihuahuas are brave, some might be so timid that they become anxious and restless. Chihuahuas are friendly and rather playful dogs. Nonetheless, training them can be challenging due to their small stature.
FAQs
A cup of tea Chihuahuas are among the smallest breeds available; they typically only reach a height of 6 inches and a weight of 3 pounds when fully grown. The implication in their name that they could fit in a teacup is not entirely incorrect.
Because of their compact stature and affectionate, active, and vigilant disposition, chihuahuas have remained a popular breed. Although they are sometimes mistaken for lap dogs, they are also energetic, lively, and very charming animals.
Chihuahuas present certain challenges. When it comes to their family and their favourite person, they are the most loving and affectionate dogs in the world, but when faced with strangers or unfamiliar circumstances, they can become hostile and vicious. Recall that it’s critical to consider things from your Chihuahua’s point of view.
Given their reputation for being impatient, chihuahuas might respond negatively to youngsters, particularly when they engage in rough play. Due to its reputation for being a little grumpy, this breed usually does best in homes with no quieter children.
