Chihuahua

Temperament:

Attentive, Graceful, Spirited
Size: Small
Height: 15-23 cm
Weight: 2-3 kg
Lifespan: 12-20 years
Coat: Medium Hair
Colors: Black, White, Deer Color, Chocolate Brown, Cream, Gold
FCI Group: Companion and Toy Dogs

The Chihuahua is a small dog with a strong character. It is the national symbol of Mexico. These very attentive, curious and funny pocket dogs are one of the oldest breeds in America. They are spirited and affectionate and have won the hearts of many people.

Chihuahua
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Characteristics

The Chihuahua is a dog breed of Mexican origin. It is recognized by the FCI and assigned to group 9. Its coat comes in many colors and patterns and can be long or short. The short coat is shiny and soft, with or without undercoat. The long-haired breed is smooth or wavy, silky and has an undercoat.

The Chihuahua is a balanced and graceful dog. Its behavior is similar to that of the terrier. An adult male weighs no more than 3 kg. Despite its small size, it has a very strong character. The rounded apple head is the breed's trademark. The upright ears and full, bright eyes are very expressive.

The little Chihuahuas are loyal, charming and very affectionate. However, they need to be trained as puppies. Without training at a young age, the clever little fellow will otherwise rule the household. Due to their compact size, Chihuahuas are ideal city pets. They are also very adaptable - as long as they stay close to their caregivers.

The Chihuahua loves to run and play. As a rule, it is enough for him to move around in a confined space. Just trotting around and following their owner is usually enough exercise for this happy breed. Short, slow walks will keep your dog healthy. Avoid overtaxing your Chihuahua. If your pet starts panting and has trouble following your steps, it's time to pick him up and take him home.

Another special feature of this breed is that Chihuahuas are very intelligent and sensitive. With a little patience, you can teach these dogs a lot. Due to their social bond, they often want to be kept busy. If this is not the case, they often become unhappy.

In nursing homes, for example, this breed is often used as a therapy dog. Due to their small size, residents are often not afraid of them. Chihuahuas trained as therapy dogs are happy to sit on your lap and be stroked. This means that even older people who cannot lean down to the animals can make contact and stroke them. It's good for their soul.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

The Chihuahua has almost the same food requirements as other breeds.

The food should consist of high-quality ingredients, be balanced and contain all the nutrients your Chihuahua needs.

Some Chihuahuas tend to be overweight. You should therefore keep an eye on his weight and not give him too many treats. Treats should be deducted from the basic meal.

Table scraps should be taboo.

Health & Care

The two coat variants of the Chihuahua have slightly different grooming needs.

A smooth-haired Chihuahua only needs to be brushed and bathed occasionally. Long-haired breeds, on the other hand, should be brushed intensively at least once a week. This prevents tangles.

However, the claws of both breeds should be trimmed regularly. There are claw trimmers for small dogs available in specialist shops. Good dental care is also important.

Also check your Chihuahua's ears regularly. Try to remove excess wax or foreign bodies regularly. This prevents ear infections.

Suitable accessories

Accessories for your little darling include items for small dogs. The choice here is limitless. Bags, clothing, leads, collars, harnesses, combs, brushes and sleeping baskets are available in all sizes and variations.

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Origin & History

How the Chihuahua type descended from the Mexican peoples is a mystery of prehistory. The Techichi, a great ancestor of today's Chihuahua, was the preferred breed of the Toltecs. The Toltecs ruled Mexico about a thousand years ago.

In the 12th century, the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs. Historians confirm that the Aztecs further bred the breed into a smaller dog. Around 1500, Spanish conquerors destroyed the Aztec civilization. The Techichi was an important part of the Aztec culture, which the Spanish took back to their countries.

The robust little dogs lived on in remote villages. In the middle of the 19th century, the Americans became interested in this breed. They found many specimens in the state of Chihuahua. Thus, this survivor of two lost civilizations became known worldwide as the Chihuahua. The first Chihuahua registered by the AKC, a small male named Beppie, was registered in 1908.