Profile of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, or Chi as it’s sometimes affectionately called, is the world’s smallest dog breed. However this doesn’t extend to their attitude! These bold little dogs are energetic, feisty and confident, with an attitude much bigger than their physical stature.
But they are also charming, affectionate and intelligent dogs who make excellent pets and tend to bond strongly with one individual.
The exact origin of the Chihuahua is a matter for some speculation. A common theory is that they descended from a small Mexican dog named the Techichi and were refined and bred down to their current size by the Aztecs, and the Toltecs. An alternate version of events is that small dogs brought to Malta by the Spanish were crossed with the Techichi to produce the Chihuahua we know today.
Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities. An adult can weigh anything between, 2 and 6 pounds and stand 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder. They have a round head, a short muzzle, large, erect ears, and large, slightly protruding eyes.
There are two coat types – smooth and long. The coat may be any number of colors but is most commonly, sand, fawn, red, black, or black and tan.
As much as its small size, the Chihuahua is defined by its temperament. They are generally cheerful, happy little dogs, who usually reserve their affection for one person. It has been noted that there are two distinct personality types and that these traits are generally inherited. One type is calm and affectionate, the other hyperactive and aggressive.
Although Chihuahuas are fine with older children they are not recommended for young kids as they can be snappy, and don’t put up with rough handling.
The Chihuahua is generally a healthy dog that commonly lives 15 years or longer. But the breed is not without its health problems. Among the common diseases that afflict Chihuahuas are epilepsy, seizures, hydrocephalus, glaucoma, and low blood sugar. The breed also is born with a soft spot, named a molera, at the top of the skull. This usually closes as the dog grows, but puppies require extra careful handling.
Grooming a Chihuahua is quite straight-forward. The long-haired variety needs to be brushed every day, while for the short hair, a weekly brush down will suffice. You can also bathe the dog if required, but try not to do this more than once a month, using a mild dog shampoo. Warm and dry your dog straight after the bath.
If you’re looking for a pet for apartment living, the Chihuahua is just about the perfect choice. Bear in mind though that they are very active dogs and will need to be taken outdoors for a walk every day. They are not suited to cold climates and should always wear a coat or sweater when walked in the cold.
Good names for a Chihuahua can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online puppy names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of cool dog names to pick from.
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