Breed Spotlight: the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a beloved breed all over North America. Here’s what you need to know about this small but mighty dog.
History
The Chihuahua has a long history. They are thought to descend all the way back to the Toltec civilization of Mexico. Based on their burial traditions, depictions of the Chihuahua’s ancestor is thought to date back to around 300 BC.
Throughout the years, the Chihuahua has made appearances in Spanish and colonial writings. They are mentioned in the 1500s as small and nearly hairless dogs from the region of Chihuahua. These dogs also make it into the writings of 16th-century Conquistadors who say many of these dogs during their time in the Americas.
Chihuahuas were also used as living heating pads for those who were ill. This makes sense since a dog’s body temperature is a few degrees warmer than normal human body temperature. They would be used to snuggle up with those who were ill and provide some comfort to people recovering from illness.
It was in 1904 that the Chihuahua was inducted into the American Kennel Club. While the breed has changed much previously, their lineage is now being preserved due to the efforts of Chihuahua lovers.
Physical Traits
Chihuahuas are actually the smallest breed that is recognized by the American Kennel Club. There are also two very distinct varieties of Chihuahua. One is the smooth-haired while the other is the Long-haired. These two varieties are actually considered two different breeds because they are so different.
The longhaired varieties are actually smoother to the touch. They actually have guard hairs and a more downey soft undercoat. The smooth-haired variety can also have a velvety or whiskery feel.
This breed specifically should have what’s called an apple head. They also have large, erect ears. Even with a large head, the breed should not meet six pounds. Though, dogs who are bred for the home rather than for show are usually a bit larger. Many house dogs can reach well above ten pounds, though these dogs would be dismissed in any kennel club show.
Temperament
The temperament of a Chihuahua usually depends on the variety of Chihuahua it is. Because the breed is so small, it is very prone to injury and can be aggressive if endangered. They should be socialized and trained from an early age to ensure they are able to get along with other dogs and with children. They are also easily frightened, so they do not usually do well with homes that have small children.
The Chihuahua is also usually very loyal to one person of the household. They seem to protect that one person from others and hold them in much higher regard. They also seem to get along better with other Chihuahuas rather than other breeds. Though they can get along well enough with other dog breeds, they simply seem to prefer their own.
They also love to be taken care of. While they are fiercely loyal to their chosen owner, they want to be pampered. They will commonly be found burrowing into pillows, blankets, or even their owner’s laps. This is done out of love, but they are also a very cold breed. They’ll burrow to warm themselves. You are also very likely to find them bathing in the sunlight when they can.
Grooming
Because there are two different varieties of coats for Chihuahuas, they will require different levels of care. Both breeds do not need to be overly groomed, however. For smooth-haired Chihuahuas, an occasional brushing is all they’ll need with an occasional bath. Longhaired varieties will need a bit more though. They should be brushed at least once a week to keep their hair from knotting. If not brushed, the matted fur can become very uncomfortable.
Like other breeds, check their nails and ears when you do brush them and trim or clean as needed.
One thing you’ll have to make a part of your grooming routine is to focus on their teeth. Chihuahuas have notoriously weak teeth. If you do not clean their teeth normally, this problem can become even worse. Plaque and tartar can turn into periodontal disease if left unchecked. Many owners choose to feed them food or treats that are large and dense. This encourages chewing and keeps their teeth cleaner.
Health Traits
Because the Chihuahua is such a small breed, they do require some expert medical attention for birthing. Chihuahuas who have an apple-shaped skull actually can be born with a soft spot in their skull. This happens because it helps the puppy pass through the birth canal. Special care must be taken for the first six months of a puppy’s life. Usually, by then, the soft spot fills and the skull fully forms.
Chihuahuas are also prone to other health issues:
- Their trachea is easy to collapse
- Chihuahuas suffer from poor dental health but this can be managed
- Puppies can develop hypoglycemia
- Chihuahuas can easily become overweight
- Separation anxiety is common
- Chihuahuas are not tolerant of cold
Final Thoughts
While Chihuahuas may not be a good fit for a house with small children, it’s not because they are mean dogs. They are just tiny and require added care. Chihuahua owners say that the breed seems almost larger than life, and they can really fill a room with energy. They will need to get that energy out though. Make sure you’re able to provide them with at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and they’ll reward you by snuggling up on your warm lap.