The Chihuahua

Dog Breeds - Page 1/1 The Chihuahua

Background work. The breed does very well in apartments, is highly ¡Yo quiero un Chihuahua! (I want a Chihuahua!) portable, and does well with older children.

Perhaps best known for his stint as the Taco Bell® front Although generally healthy, Chihuahuas are prone to a man, the Chihuahua has a long history. The Chihuahua variety of genetic health problems, including: is named for the state in Mexico from which he originated, but he likely descended from the Techichi, a Obesity companion prized by the ancient Toltec civilization Epilepsy and seizures (which predated the Aztecs). And while no Techichi Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar remains from prior to the 9th century have yet been Eye problems, such as progressive retinal found, many historians think that the Chihuahua’s atrophy (PRA) single ancestor descended from pariah dogs that Dental problems roamed around during Mayan times dating back to Tracheal collapse (collapsed windpipe) 2000 B.C.! Luxating patella (dislocation of the kneecap) Mitral Valve Disease At one time, the Chihuahua was a bit bigger than the modern version we know and love today. However, Right for you? some think that interbreeding with the Chinese Crested The Chihuahua can be a charge of energy for the right has made it smaller. And small the Chihuahua is: as one person or family, but there are always things to of the most popular breeds in America, the Chihuahua consider when thinking about welcoming a new dog into is the smallest existing dog breed. your home:

Chihuahuas are tireless yappers. If you Sizing up (or down) have a low tolerance for a lot of high-pitched The Chihuahua is tiny! Here are some common physical noise, you might want to look into a mellower characteristics of the Chihuahua: breed of dog. The Chihuahua is prone to snapping, Height: 6-10 inches nipping, and sometimes biting. This mostly Weight: less than 6-8 pounds happens when the dog is frightened or Lifespan: 10-18 years threatened, and this behavior can be addressed Coat: either smooth and short or long-haired through early training. Color: white, tan, black, and other colors Company can mean problems. Chihuahuas aren’t always very friendly with strangers, What are they like? regardless of species. They can be territorial, You may see them peering out of purses, especially so it takes some patience to get them designer purses of the likes of Paris Hilton. But don’t be comfortable around others. fooled: the Chihuahua is hardly a lapdog! Oops! The Chihuahua can be more difficult to housetrain than other breeds. You’ll need to be The Chihuahua is tenacious, like a terrier or a Miniature patient and provide a lot of positive Dachshund, and though his bark is bigger than his bite, reinforcement. he rarely backs down from anything. Alert and full of attitude, Chihuahuas aren’t shy about what they want. If you have any questions or concerns, you should That doesn’t mean he’s not fun to be around, however – always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your the Chihuahua is an extremely devoted little pooch, best resource to ensure the health and well-being of often bonding with one particular person in a family your pets. above all others.

Besides being one of the cutest dog breeds, the Chihuahua is a smart dog that can be trained with some

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