The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These miniature dogs became popular because of their appearance, small size and bright character. In this article we will tell about the history of the breed’s origin, its description, peculiarities of care and upbringing.

History of Origin

The Chihuahua is a dog breed that was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. There are several versions of the origin of the breed, but the most probable one is considered to be the one associated with the Aztec civilization. According to this version, Chihuahuas were the pets of the Aztecs and were used by them in religious ceremonies. Later, these dogs became popular with Mexican peasants and found their use as guard dogs.

The breed began to attract the attention of Westerners in the nineteenth century, when Mexican peasants began to sell Chihuahuas as souvenirs to tourists. The dogs were exotic, small and bright, which attracted the attention of animal lovers. However, the breed was officially recognized only in 1904.

Description of the breed

Appearance: Size, color, coat: The Chihuahua is a miniature dog breed. The size of the dog can vary from 15 to 23 cm in height and from 1 to 3 kg in weight. There are two varieties of coat: smooth and long. The coat can be different colors and shades: from white to black, with various shades of brown and gray.

Character and behavior: The Chihuahua is described as an active and energetic dog breed. They love to play, run and jump. However, they can also be very protective and aggressive toward strangers. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas can be good guard dogs because of their alertness and courage.

Health and Health Problems: Like many dog breeds, the Chihuahua has some healthy problems. However, if properly cared for, they can live long and healthy lives. Some of the most common diseases associated with the breed include:

• Pulmonary hypertension.
• Heart disease.
• Dental and gum diseases
• Patellar bulb (dislocation of the knee joints)

Peculiarities of care and education

Nutrition: Frequency, schedule, food: Chihuahuas must receive high-quality food that contains all necessary nutrients. Meals should be regular, with two to three meals a day. It is important to watch the amount of food so that the dog does not suffer from obesity.

Coat and Skin Care: Coat and skin care are very important for the health of the chihuahua. Smooth-haired Chihuahuas require minimal grooming, while long-haired dogs require regular brushing to prevent hair tangles and folding. Your dog’s ears and teeth should also be checked regularly to prevent possible infections and health problems.

Training and Socialization: Chihuahuas are very intelligent dogs who learn quickly and can be taught various commands. It is important to begin training and socialization at an early age so that the dog becomes socially adaptable and does not suffer from aggression or nervousness. Regular walks and exercise are also a good idea to reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems.

Preventive health care: To prevent healthy problems in a chihuahua, regular visits to the veterinarian are essential. This includes annual vaccinations, checkups and preventive treatments such as flea and tick treatments.

Pros and Cons of Keeping Chihuahuas

Like any dog breed, Chihuahuas have their pros and cons. We’ve already mentioned some of them above, but let’s look at them in more detail.

Pros:

• Small size: Chihuahuas are small dogs that don’t require much space to live in. They can live in an apartment and even in a small studio.
• Energetic and alert: Chihuahuas are very energetic and alert dogs, making them excellent watchdogs.
• Good choice for families: Chihuahuas are a great choice for families with children because they love to play and be active.

Cons:

• Nervous and aggressive: Chihuahuas can be very nervous and aggressive toward strangers or other dogs.
• Fragile: Chihuahuas are very fragile dogs and can be injured by even a slight bump or fall.
• Illnesses: As we have mentioned, Chihuahuas have a number of breed-related illnesses that may require extra care and treatment.