| Pawfect Chihuahuas Kennel & Dog Breeding |
Description
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short
pointed muzzle. It has round, large, very dark eyes, sometimes dark ruby
Puppies have a soft spot or "molera" on the top of the skull. The bone
usually closes the gap by adulthood. The body is cobby (stout), longer
than it is tall, and the tail is sickle-shaped - curled over the back or to the
type. Colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, but any
color is accepted, including black & tan and particolored. The dog is more
robust than he looks, with a level back, and legs coming down straight and
square.
Temperament
The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively,
proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, it
moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's are strong-willed,
intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the
point of jealousy. They like to lick their owner's faces. It is undeniably
suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, it
follows its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. For some,
they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly,
and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training. This
breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away. The
Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self defense. It is not
recommended for children. He can be noisy and may require patience to
housebreak. Many owners simply paper train this breed. Be sure to
socialize your Chihuahua as a pup to avoid excessive aggressiveness with
other dogs as well as reserve with strangers. They tend to be fairly
dog-aggressive. Chihuahuas generally recognize their own breed, but
sometimes disapprove of other breeds. However, a "very" well-socialized
Chihuahua can be friendly with strangers and other dogs. My three
Chihuahuas also live, play and socialize with my 7 year old Rhodesian
Ridgeback/Labrador.
Height, Weight
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm.)
Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg.)
Health Problems
Because of his short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore.
Their prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary
glaucoma. Prone to slipped stifle, gum problems, colds, stress, and
rheumatism. Don't let him lick or eat toxic products, fertilizer or chocolate.
Feed lightly as they tend to gain weight. Chihuahua puppies are born with
large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled
veterinarian. They are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppy
hood. Some of the breed have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull
which can remain open throughout life. This makes the dog prone to injury.
Living Conditions
The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver a lot. It will tolerate and
even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are good little dogs
for apartment life.
Exercise
Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about, they will
keep fitter if taken for walks. A body harness is safer than a collar. Don't
think that just because they are small they should be confined to a small
space.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat should be gently brushed occasionally or
simply wiped over with a damp cloth. The long coat should be brushed
daily with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types about once per month,
taking care not to get water in the ears. Check the ears regularly and keep
the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
This is the oldest breed on the American continent and one of the smallest
breeds in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have been
introduced by the Chinese. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the
nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of
Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers.
This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian
nations. The most valued dogs weigh under 2-1/4 pounds (1.3 kg.). Some
can even stand on all fours in a person's palm! There is a long-haired
variety that is judged separately, but is essentially the same except for the
coat. The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog.
Group
Southern, AKC Toy
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short
pointed muzzle. It has round, large, very dark eyes, sometimes dark ruby
Puppies have a soft spot or "molera" on the top of the skull. The bone
usually closes the gap by adulthood. The body is cobby (stout), longer
than it is tall, and the tail is sickle-shaped - curled over the back or to the
type. Colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, but any
color is accepted, including black & tan and particolored. The dog is more
robust than he looks, with a level back, and legs coming down straight and
square.
Temperament
The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively,
proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, it
moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's are strong-willed,
intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the
point of jealousy. They like to lick their owner's faces. It is undeniably
suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, it
follows its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. For some,
they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly,
and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training. This
breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away. The
Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self defense. It is not
recommended for children. He can be noisy and may require patience to
housebreak. Many owners simply paper train this breed. Be sure to
socialize your Chihuahua as a pup to avoid excessive aggressiveness with
other dogs as well as reserve with strangers. They tend to be fairly
dog-aggressive. Chihuahuas generally recognize their own breed, but
sometimes disapprove of other breeds. However, a "very" well-socialized
Chihuahua can be friendly with strangers and other dogs. My three
Chihuahuas also live, play and socialize with my 7 year old Rhodesian
Ridgeback/Labrador.
Height, Weight
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm.)
Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg.)
Health Problems
Because of his short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore.
Their prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary
glaucoma. Prone to slipped stifle, gum problems, colds, stress, and
rheumatism. Don't let him lick or eat toxic products, fertilizer or chocolate.
Feed lightly as they tend to gain weight. Chihuahua puppies are born with
large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled
veterinarian. They are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppy
hood. Some of the breed have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull
which can remain open throughout life. This makes the dog prone to injury.
Living Conditions
The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver a lot. It will tolerate and
even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are good little dogs
for apartment life.
Exercise
Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about, they will
keep fitter if taken for walks. A body harness is safer than a collar. Don't
think that just because they are small they should be confined to a small
space.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat should be gently brushed occasionally or
simply wiped over with a damp cloth. The long coat should be brushed
daily with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types about once per month,
taking care not to get water in the ears. Check the ears regularly and keep
the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
This is the oldest breed on the American continent and one of the smallest
breeds in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have been
introduced by the Chinese. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the
nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of
Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers.
This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian
nations. The most valued dogs weigh under 2-1/4 pounds (1.3 kg.). Some
can even stand on all fours in a person's palm! There is a long-haired
variety that is judged separately, but is essentially the same except for the
coat. The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog.
Group
Southern, AKC Toy
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
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