The Chihuahua is the smallest breed in the world. The origins of this breed go back to antiquity. Most likely, the chihuahua is descended from techichi dogs that were bred by the Toltecs in 800-1000 AD. Their existence is evidenced by bas-reliefs and clay vessels with their images. All of this was discovered in central America. According to an Indian legend, these dogs were offered to the gods and, due to their courage, accompanied the soul of the deceased in the afterlife.
When the owner of the dog died, the dog was cremated with its owner to free him from sins. Then it became his guide through the world of the dead. In the 1960's, this breed became the most popular breed in the United States. It was most often chosen by famous people and celebrities. To this day, the Chihuahua is the most popular companion dog.
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years, and some dogs can live healthy for up to 20 years
- Height: up to about 20 cm
- Weight: 1.5 - 3 kg
Dogs weighing between 500 grams and 1.5 kg are accepted. Dogs weighing less than 500 grams and weighing more than 3 kg should be disqualified.
The Chihuahua is a petite dog with expressive eyes and a long, held high, fluffy tail. It is a lapdog, self-confident and friendly. It loves caresses and the company of its owner. It is independent, with a strong personality shown in everyday life. The Long-haired Chihuahua is a very lively and cheerful dog, fond of walks, trips and games. It always likes to be the center of attention. The Long-haired Chihuahua is much gentler and calmer than its short-haired brother that requires more work to be trained. Dogs of this breed, due to their delicacy, should not be left alone with young children, as they can be easily hurt. It should also be remembered that dogs of this breed have an ungrown fontanel, which makes them more susceptible to all kinds of injuries.
Chihuahuas are strongly attached to their owners so choosing this breed is not suitable for people who work for a long time and spend a significant part of the day away from home. Despite the fact that the chihuahua is a small dog, it needs to be socialized from the very beginning to come into contact with people and other animals. Otherwise, it will grow into a fearful dog. Chihuahua learns eagerly and you can go with it, for example, for group training or to dog kindergarten. It is a fairly popular breed so it is worth carefully checking the kennel in which you plan to buy the dog. The kennel should be legal and registered with the Polish Kennel Club or other recognized kennel association.
Regardless of whether we have a long-haired or short-haired chihuahua, its care is not demanding. Brushing twice a week is enough to keep your dog looking good. Don't forget to take care of the hair behind the ears, under the tail and on the neck.
The most common color of coat for the Long-haired Chihuahua:
- ore
- creamy
- golden
- silvery
- grey
- black and tan
The marbled color is not allowed.
In the long-haired variety, the hair should be fine and silky, straight or slightly wavy. The undercoat should not be dense. The coat is longer, it forms feathers on the ears, neck, back parts of the fore and hind legs, on the feet and on the tail. Dogs with an excessively long and profuse coat are not allowed.
The most common problem in this breed is ungrown fontanel, which is why the dog's tiny head is exposed to injuries. Chihuahuas suffer from diseases typical of small breeds, including patellar dislocation, tracheal collapse and heart problems. This dog is not resistant to low temperatures so in winter you should take it out more often, but for short walks and provide your pet with appropriate clothes.
Chihuahua has a very delicate digestive tract so it is important to properly feed your dog. The diet must be adapted to the size and activity of the dog to meet its energy needs. There are many dry foods on the market that are specially developed for small breeds. They are well balanced and most of them no longer contain grains.
