Facts about Chihuahuas
Chihuahua-Hour has researched the following topics, and provided these facts as accurately as we can - where any inaccuracies are discovered, these will be remedied as quickly as possible. If you have any Chihuahua facts or "secrets" you would like to add, send us an email on our Contact Us page, please.
| Chihuahua Facts |
| Topic | Comment |
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| Origin | From Chihuahua a State of Mexico |
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| Further Detail on above | There is some uncertainty with regard to origin, since some theories indicate that the breed may not be from Mexico but possibly from Malta or even China. The name certainly is derived from the Mexican State of Chihuahua. The most common theory and most likely is that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi dog, a companion dog favoured by the Toltec civilisation in Mexico. |
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| Breed Standards | Maximum weight of 6 pounds, long or short-haired. |
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| Further Detail on above | There is usually only one breed specification for the Chihuahua - Weight (not more than 6 pounds for "conformation") but generally the height ranges from 6 to 10 inches (although can be up to 15 inches). Chihuahua breeders often use the terms miniature, teacup, tiny toy, apple headed, or deer headed, to describe puppies but these terms are not recognised by breed standards and can have a range of meaning. Two variety of coat are recognised: long-coat (or long-haired) and smooth-coat (or short-haired). The long-haired coat usually feels softer than the coat of the short-haired variety, and will often take up to 2 years to grow fully (contrary to belief the long-haired coat sheds less than the short-haired). Coat colour classification has become difficult and many kennel clubs simply state they are prepared to register "any colour or mixture of colours but not merle (dapple)". |
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| Temperament | Graceful, alert, swift-moving dog, compact, with terrier-like qualities. |
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| Further Detail on above | The American Kennel Club give the description above but more fully as, "A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament." The breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular owner, but may be attached to others. These traits generally make them unsuitable for households with children that are not patient and calm. Chihuahuas crave attention, affection, exercise and being petted. They can be hyper, but eager to please. |
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| Living Conditions | Prefers warm weather and dislikes cold, likes space like any dog. |
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| Further Detail on above | They are OK in a flat (apartment) but still need to be walked regularly. The Chihuahua likes warm weather and is sensitive to the cold. They need space just like any other dog. See also Article page |
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| Life expectancy | 15 years |
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| Further Detail on above | 15 years on average but often 16 years and beyond. Please also see separate page on Health of your Chihuahua. |
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| Grooming | Short-haired - gently brush occasionally; long-haired brush daily with a soft bristle brush |
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| Further Detail on above | The smooth, short-haired coat need only be gently brushed occasionally or simply wiped over with a damp cloth. The long coat should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types about once per month (more often tends to dry-out the skin - use a conditioner if possible), taking care not to get water in the ears. Check the ears regularly and keep the nails trimmed if the dog doesn't her self. This breed is an average shedder. See also article page |
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| Genetics | Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world. |
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| Further Detail on above | Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world; considered the only "natural" toy breed; this means they are naturally small and not as a result of generations of breeding "down" larger breeds. |
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| Summary description | The Chihuahua is energetic, alert, observant, and agile. |
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| Further Detail on above | The Chihuahua is a swift, energetic, alert, observant, and agile dog. Despite their size, Chihuahuas can be bold with other larger dog breeds and can also be very protective of their families, making them good watch dogs. |
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| Training | Chihuahuas are very clever dogs but can be a little difficult to train especially when it comes to housebreaking. Many owners simply paper train them or use a litter tray. They are intelligent and so can learn obedience if you take the time to train them with positive reinforcement instead of yelling (which they do not respond to very well). See also article page |
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This page was last modified on Thursday, May 20, 2010 05:37:10 PM
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