Breed Spotlight -Chihuahuas (What you need to know before you bring one home)
Nowadays, everybody knows the Chihuahua dog breed. We know how to recognize them, and the fact is that these small dogs with round faces and affable character are famous all over the world, either for their tiny size, their high-pitched bark, or their unwavering loyalty, most who crosses paths with these canines on the street cannot help but smile at them. The dog in the photo is my personal dog, Eddie, at 14 years of age. He is the sweetest and most loyal dog I have ever had. Just don’t tell Betty, my Border Collie in the background, that I said that. I love her too, of course. But, she is not as easy as my sweet little calm Eddie, who is happy to be by my side at all times.
It could even be said that the fame of this dog had transcended the animal world by becoming an authentic media icon, especially in the ’90s, when this breed was massified in the United States and became the ideal mascot for celebrities and the advertising image that any large company would want for its campaigns. Some examples of this success are their appearance in blockbuster movies such as “Legally Blonde” and the fact that the Texas minor league baseball team was renamed “The Chihuahuas” in their honor.
Now, do we really know where Chihuahuas come from? Do you know everything you need to know to adopt one of these adorable dogs and make it one of your family? Probably not, because when it comes to animals, whatever the breed or species, nothing is as simple as it seems. Regardless of how good they may look in a photograph or as a fictional character, these dogs have their own particularities: character, care, feeding, diseases, etc.
And it is precisely on the basis of all these more specific characteristics that anyone who is thinking of adopting a Chihuahua should be guided and know if this type of breed can really adapt to their life and vice versa.
For all these reasons and to serve as a guide to all the people who are thinking of adopting a dog of this particular breed, we are going to explain in detail the most important characteristics of the Chihuahua breed: its origin, its main health problems, and its character, among other aspects.
All you need to know about the Chihuahua breed
History
Throughout history, thousands of objects have been found with the image of the Chihuahuas engraved on them, which indicates that the origin of this breed of dog, or at least the one it is suspected to come from, had its origin long before the XIX century when the American settlers began to adopt them and introduce them in their lives. According to historians, the predominant breed of dog in the region of Mexico during the 12th century was the Techichi, a type of dog that physically resembled today’s Chihuahua but was much larger and heavier than the one we know today.
It is explained that the Techichi was a breed of dog domesticated by the Toltecs until the arrival of the Aztecs in the 16th century. The new invaders began to perfect the breed making it smaller and more resistant until the 19th century. Afterward, despite the indigenous lands’ invasion and the fact that most of the Mexican area inhabitants that bred this breed were forced to emigrate to other regions, the Chihuahuas managed to survive and evolve into the small and docile dog that we know today.
Now, how did the Techichi, an ancient breed that nobody knows today, manage to evolve to become known worldwide as the Chihuahua breed we are talking about today? Through trade. In the old days, the only way to get something from one place to another was to buy and sell merchandise between the local inhabitants and foreigners. With the Chihuahuas, the same thing happened.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the inhabitants of the state of Chihuahua began to sell thousands of specimens of this breed of dog to American citizens, which is why they later decided to baptize the breed with the name of that state. Therefore, the name of Chihuahua with which these small animals are now known had its origin in a simple commercial relationship, without this supposing that this breed of dog was really born and evolved in that place.
General traits
The main characteristic by which everyone knows these dogs is their size, as they usually weigh no more than 6 or 7 pounds and have a tiny, rounded head that makes them look really fragile and adorable at the same time. Their dark and rounded eyes are famous for their great expressiveness, being of that kind of dog that can communicate with their owners easily with a simple look.
They are generally loyal and good-natured, although they are also known to be quite grumpy if they want to be and bark at any stranger that seems a threat to them. Their bodies are small, and their legs are short but muscular, making this small dog possess mettle and strength similar to other breeds twice their size, such as Terriers.
They are dominant and love to spend time surrounded by their owners, although they are also great lovers of long walks in the city. Protect them from the cold and give them lots of attention, and their love will always be yours. In short, a breed of dog that, despite being very small, stands out for its intelligence, strength, and good character, since Chihuahuas have one of the longest life expectancies among dogs with an average lifespan of 16 years.
These data are only some of the main features of the breed that everyone could know from photographs or simple magazine articles where they talk about these dogs. Still, they would not help us really know what Chihuahuas are like and how we should take care of them if we decide to adopt them and bring a puppy to our home. Therefore, we will explain in more detail the main features of their character, their health, their nutritional plan, their hygiene, and their most hidden peculiarities that will help us treat this beautiful animal as it deserves.
Personality
Chihuahuas have an affectionate and temperate character, being extremely playful, especially when they are younger and very protective of their owners. However, it is true that Chihuahuas are very tenacious and have enough mischievousness always to get their way.
The truth is that this breed of dog is really docile and affectionate with those who take care of him, the reason why many families choose to adopt them to become the faithful companions of the children of the house or older adults who need company. They are ideal sofa companions. There is no doubt about that.
Some people also say that Chihuahuas are a fearful dog breed, and that is why they always tremble when they go out in the street and prefer to go in their owners’ arms, which is not true. Chihuahuas shiver is because of the cold they have. They barely have hair, and their body is so thin that it hardly offers protection against the cold outside, which is why they shiver and always need to wear coats to be comfortable
Otherwise, they are not more fearful than any other dog. They are very curious and are always willing to go for a walk. However, when something seems dangerous, they will move away, but as any other animal would do. Therefore, don’t let their small stature and adorable rounded face fool you because these tiny animals have the strength and endurance to live in a big city like any other larger breed.
Health
The Chihuahuas are one of the breeds with the best genetic predisposition. As I mentioned before, they have an approximate life expectancy of between 15 and 16 years, so it could be said that most dogs of this breed have a long and healthy life full of vitality. However, despite having an excellent genetic background and being one of the breeds with fewer congenital pathologies, these dogs also present some common health complications.
Here are some of them:
- Heart problems, related to mitral valve complications from persistent arterial problems.
- Dislocations of the patellas being widespread that they present a disorder of “open patellas.” This type of complication is quite common in dogs of such low weight and with such fine bones, so it is important to monitor them closely and avoid overexertion when they get older.
- Ocular problems, the most common being cataracts or tear duct infection. Chihuahua’s eye problems are caused by the large size of its eyeball, since its eyes are so protruding that they are much more exposed to the outside and to small traumas that, although we do not perceive them, end up hurting their eyes.
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Dental problems, with retained baby teeth being one of the most common.
All these health problems can be effectively prevented with annual check-ups. The veterinarian emphasizes checking that there are no signs of any of these pathologies: dental exams, cardiac examinations, ophthalmologic check-ups, and continuous control of the patellas’ movement. Otherwise, Chihuahuas are a really healthy breed that will hardly give you any problems and with which you will be able to enjoy many years of your life sharing moments with them.
Nutrition
As it happens with other small-sized breeds, Chihuahuas will need to have a fairly strict diet low in fat and rich in protein since they are prone to overweight, and the excess load could damage their skeletal system.
That is why experts always recommend owners of this breed to use only feed especially made for Chihuahuas, as it contains the essential nutrients that these dogs need due to their size and genetic predisposition, being proteins and minerals the key to the maintenance of muscle and bone health and vegetables the key to their eye health.
This does not mean that we cannot reward our Chihuahua with treats, especially if he is a good healthy weight and we are training him, but we should measure the daily doses of treats or extra food we will give him and refrain from giving them table scraps. Nothing will teach a dog to be a drooling beggar faster than passing out table scraps. Another consideration is that many things that we eat are not healthy for dogs, so always know if something is safe for a dog before you share it.
Training
As far as training is concerned, the Chihuahua breed responds very well to any training. However, like all dogs, when they are puppies and develop their character, they will need patience. Reward them consistently with treats and praise when they correctly carry out your directions. Do not expect that progress will be instantaneous. These little dogs are smart and can be trained. Training can be frustrating because these little dogs can be independent, and you may need to convince them that what you want them to do is worth it to them. Patience is key with these little dogs.
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Special Care
Actually, the Chihuahua is not a breed of dog that requires any special care that differentiates it from the rest. It will need the same patience and affection as any other puppy that is adapting, and our discipline will be the key for the animal to grow in one way or another. The only thing to always watch out for with this breed is not to spoil them too much. Daily walks are enjoyed. That is to say. They should be given love and care but not spoiled and allowed to do everything because they will acquire bad habits.
In conclusion, these are the main characteristics that you should know and consider before making the important decision to adopt a puppy of the adorable and famous Chihuahua dog breed. It is a breed that stands out for its strength despite its small size, loyalty, and great intelligence. Ideal life partners!
