A chihuahua is a loyal and energetic pet, but owners must be aware of the breed's physical and behavioral characteristics before adoption.
The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog breed, but its big heart has enraptured pet owners for decades. This diminutive breed, like all dogs, has physical and behavioral pros and cons that prospective owners should consider before adoption.
Breed History
The chihuahua is believed to be one of the few dog breeds native to the Americas, but its history is heavily disputed. The most widely accepted theory is that the dog is indigenous to Mexico, and was honored by the Toltec and Aztec civilizations in burial and other religious rites. The breed's miniscule size is most likely the result of breeding a Mexican dog with small Asian dogs. Because of this interbreeding, some authorities argue that the chihuahua originated in China and was introduced to Mexico by wandering civilizations centuries ago. The dog is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where tourists and pioneers discovered the first modern chihuahuas.
Today, chihuahuas are far more than pets. Registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904, chihuahuas are competitive show dogs in the Toy Group. Chihuahuas are also frequently trained as hearing aid dogs, trackers, and therapy animals.
Physical Characteristics
The chihuahua has a distinctive profile, particularly its high domed, apple-shaped head and large, erect ears. The ears are spaced roughly forty-five degrees apart, and are very mobile to depict the dog's emotions. The large, wide set eyes are very expressive but prone to medical problems. The muzzle is short and slightly pointed, with slender jaws.
The dog's body is small and compact, measuring approximately six to nine inches in height at the shoulders. A thick, arched neck slopes to the level back. Not including the arched tail, the body is slightly longer than it is tall. Weighing in between one and six pounds, the chihuahua is often referred to as a teacup breed because it could literally fit into a teacup. At birth, chihuahuas weigh only three to six ounces.
The dog's compact body is supported by strong legs with surprisingly dainty feet. The chihuahua's typical gait is a delicate prance - quite useful for a small animal that must frequently avoid being stepped on. Chihuahuas are often afflicted with dislocated knees and shoulders resulting in a bow-legged appearance or limp, and any problems should immediately be referred to a veterinarian.
Chihuahuas have two general coat classifications. A smooth or short-coated chihuahua has short, soft fur that lies close to the body. Longhaired or long-coated chihuahuas have a regal appearance accentuated by a full tail plume, fringed ears, feathered feet, and fringed legs. Both coats may have a thickened neck ruff, though it is far more pronounced in the longhaired variety. Both coats shed an average amount of fur, with heavier shedding in the spring and fall when the coat adapts to changing seasons.
Chihuahuas come in a rainbow of colors. Silver, white, tan, gold, chocolate, blue, red, and fawn are just some of the shades for both long and short-coated dogs. The color patterns are widely varied as well, with brindle markings, splashes, or patterns such as socks and blazes found in both pets and show dogs.
Because of its petite physique, chihuahuas are prone to more injuries than larger breeds. A chihuahua's bones are strong for their size, but smaller bones break more easily. Puppies are born with a molera, similar to the soft spot on a baby's forehead, to make birthing easier, but in rare cases it does not fully close. In effect, there is a hole in the dog's skull, but with common sense precautions the chihuahua can live a perfectly normal life. The chihuahua's average lifespan is approximately twelve years, but it is not uncommon for a healthy dog to live well into its teens.
Other common health problems plaguing chihuahuas include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), brought on by its excitable temperament and inability to ingest large amounts of food - it is just a small dog, after all! All chihuahuas tremble from time to time, which is not a cause for concern, but nervous problems may become strong seizures. Chihuahuas gain weight easily, but a balanced diet and adequate exercise insures a healthy pet. Because their small frame does not provide insulation, chihuahuas should be protected from the cold with sweaters and booties, which they can easily be trained to accept.
Temperament
Despite its small size, the chihuahua's feisty attitude rivals larger breeds. Intelligent and attentive, chihuahuas form deep bonds with their owners, and may become jealous or aggressive when that bond is threatened by strangers, visitors, or other pets. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal, and will pine and pout when their owners are absent for long periods. That may provoke behavioral problems such as chewing, barking, or other disruptive behaviors if the dog is alone. To combat those tendencies, many owners adopt multiple chihuahuas for companionship.
Because it lacks the size to defend itself, a chihuahua relies on its sharp teeth to repel intruders. This may become a nipping or biting problem, and owners should train the dog from the very beginning to prevent this problem. Chihuahuas are not good pets for young children, because the dog's size encourages the child to treat it as a toy, and the dog will react to a pulled tail or tight squeeze with a nip. Teaching children proper pet care helps prevent such instances.
With proper training and socialization, chihuahuas can be delightful pets. They can be trained to perform tricks, are small enough to travel easily, and do not require large amounts of space or intensive grooming. Chihuahuas are perfect for small homes or apartments, and the breed is favored by senior citizens because of its loyalty and affection.
Energetic and loyal, a chihuahua is the perfect pet for the right family. Before adopting a dog, prospective owners should consider the animal's physical and behavioral characteristics to insure that both the pet and the owner are compatible for a long, happy relationship. If loyalty, excitability, and intelligence in a tiny package are characteristics you desire in a pet, a chihuahua is the ideal companion.
