Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Chihuahua


Appearance:
The Chihuahua is a very small-sized dog with a proportionately robust build and distinctive facial features. Their body is stout and just longer than it is tall, and they have straight limbs. They have a sickle-shaped tail that curls over the dog’s back or off to one side. They have an apple-shaped head with a short, tapered, pointy muzzle. Their large eyes are round, dark, and can sometimes be ruby or luminously-colored. They have large, triangular-shaped, erect ears that are a distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on the top of their skull that closes as they become adults. There is a long-haired variety of Chihuahua, but the most common variety is the short-haired Chihuahua. Their coat comes in a variety of colors including fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, and steel blue. They may also be black & tan or tri-color.

Size:Height:
6 – 9 inches

Weight:
2-6 pounds
Temperament:
The Chihuahua is lively, alert, proud, and makes a good companion. They seek and demand affection, and they are very spunky by nature. They are determined, courageous, and they become very attached to their owner(s). They have a jealous streak, and they will follow their owner’s every move if strangers are present. Some Chihuahuas are difficult to train, but they are intelligent and generally learn quickly. They are most receptive to gentle training and positive reinforcement. The Chihuahua doesn’t like to be poked, pestered, or teased, and he may snap if a child provokes him. Because of their small size, they will resort to using their teeth if they feel threatened. This breed can be noisy and difficult to housebreak. All Chihuahuas should be properly socialized to avoid the onset of aggressive behavior. This breed is usually aggressive towards other dogs.


Temperament:

Health :
The Chihuahua may wheeze or snore because of his very short nose. The breed has prominent eyes that are prone to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Other health concerns include slipped stifle, colds, stress, and rheumatism. This breed shouldn’t be overfed. Frequently, Chihuahuas are born by cesarean section because of their proportionately large-sized heads. This breed typically lives for more than 15 years.



Health:

Origin :
The Chihuahua is the oldest dog breed on the continent of North America, and it is the smallest dog breed in the world. The breed is native to Mexico, and many believe it was introduced to the region by the Chinese. They were named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the place where they first arrived. The breed is thought to have been sacred to the Pre-Colombian Indian nations. The Chihuahua wasn’t brought to Europe until the end of the 19th century.



Origin:

Maintenance:
The smooth, short-haired coat of the Chihuahua is easy to groom and take care of. An occasional brushing and wipe-down with a soft cloth are sufficient methods of upkeep. The long-haired variety of Chihuahua should be brushed on a daily basis with a soft bristle brush. All varieties of the Chihuahua should receive a bath on a monthly basis. Owners of this breed should make sure to avoid getting water into the dog’s ear canal. Chihuahuas are average shedders.



Maintenance:

Ideal Environment :
The Chihuahua is happy in a small household or apartment. They are very sensitive to the cold, and they should wear a sweater on cold days. While it’s tempting to carry the Chihuahua instead of let him walk, it’s important that these dogs get plenty of exercise. They love to go for walks, and they shouldn’t be confined to a small space.

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