Theyre known for their loud, high-pitched bark (the Chi owners quoted in this article answered a hearty yes when asked if their dogs are prone to barking). Never poke a Chihuahua on the head. When they have a bigger dog, people are more regimented with training, Parker notes. "species":"", If theyre not very outdoorsy (and many Chihuahuas arent) make sure you give their toenails a regular clipping. For example, while the Chihuahua is reserved towards strangers, it is friendly with pets and other household dogs. "title":"Meet the breeds: dog breed personalities", "listingcustombuttontext": "" Once []. Sharing dog-care and training duties: If your Chihuahua is exhibiting some classic one-person dog tendencies, keep an eye on just HOW attached they are to that person. "intro":"How often you groom your dog will depend on his", Our furry friends played, kissed, and cuddled every participant at the therapy session. Many Chihuahua owners worry that their dogs are picky eaters or not eating enough due to their small portion sizes. When training a Chihuahua, patience is key as soon as your pet realises whats in it for them, theyll quickly respond! They are very loving and extremely loyal pets that typically do well with children and other animals, if introduced properly. "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/why-does-my-dog-follow-me-everywhere/", Its easy for dog owners to write off bad behavior as cute, or sassy, when its coming from a pint-sized pup. "meta":"Any dog lover will know that our canine friends can have big personalities! Chihuahua-loving dog owners describe the breed as being feisty, sassy, scrappy, emotional and loyal (its worth noting that they are described in the AKC breed standard as saucy). Physical exercise and mental stimulation will keep your Chi healthy, and along with training, will help ward off some of the more notorious breed behaviors. Breathing Problem in Short-Nose Breed Dogs, Brain Tissue Inflammation and Death (Breed Specific) in Dogs. Surgery may be needed in some cases. Issues like this are one reason its important to keep your Chihuahua at their ideal weight. The Chihuahua is a descendent of the Techichi, the companion dog of the ancient Toltecs. If youre looking for pre-portioned, healthy meals, tailored to your Chihuahuas age, size, activity level, and weight, you can consider signing up for a fresh food plan. From about four months old you can introduce walks to your dogs routine. If you arent careful, your Chihuahua may end up ruling over you! a naturally large character, and when that character meets a lack of exercise, structure and training, says Rodriguez, the dog can get bored, frustratedand bossy. Puppy baths are an activity that most puppy parents worry about. As clever little canines, Chihuahuas know that theyre cute, and may try to get their way however they can. Check them regularly for wax build up. Subscribe to Playmate Magazine Despite this, however, their origins still remain shrouded in mystery. "meta":"Lucys Law came into effect 6th April 2020, following a petition against poor puppy farming conditions. "featured":"", These pets are a bit heartier, typically within the 10-12 pounds size range. Instead of calling this breed a Chihuahua, many people would just name it after the region they found it in. Once they gaze at you with those beautiful, twinkling eyes, its all over for you! Usually 12+ years, although they can live as long as 20. This can make them lovely companions, but as with any dog, if their natural tendencies arent channeled in a positive direction, it can result in unwanted behavior. The Chihuahua dog breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904, and their popularity grew along with the trend to urbanization in mid-century as people sought out dogs who could thrive in smaller spaces. And, whilst every dog is different, most breeds have typical characteristics that set them apart from the rest of the pack. If that bond starts tipping over into disrespectful or aggressive behavior towards other family members or others who come into the home, some focused training and changes in routine might be needed. But be sure that youre also allowing your pup to walk. These fur-babies have one of the longest lifespans among canines, with some living up to 20 years! Like other smaller dogs, Chihuahuas typically live longer than average lives, with a lifespan that can reach 14 and even up to 18 years. Choosing the right insurance for your Chihuahua can help keep them happy and healthy whatever happens. Top 10 Accounts That Made a SPLASH on the Internet This Summer. According to one theory, it was originally developed in China and then brought to the Americas by Spanish traders, where it was interbred with small native dogs. "species":"dog", First discovered in Mexico, the Chihuahua is best known for being the smallest dog breed in the world. "featured":"", Chihuahuas enjoy spending quality time with you whether its sitting on your lap during your leisure time or taking a ride around town with you. A big dog in a small dogs body, a Chihuahua can be protective and vocal if not well. Chihuahua mixes can also be teeny tiny, but can get up to about 25 pounds depending upon the other varieties in their DNA. It balances them. As all Chi lovers agree, these dogs are loyal. Sassy yet charming, Chihuahuas are tiny little dogs packed with tons of personality. While many famous Chihuahuas, like Elle Woods companion Bruiser, are known as fashionable sidekicks, Chihuahuas arent just accessoriesthey demand as much care, attention, training, and mental stimulation as any dog. Intelligent and fiercely loyal to the people they love, Chihuahuas will happily accompany their owners anywhere and everywhere. If you have your heart set on a Chihuahua be sure to put in the time to train your Chi to be happy, balanced, and respectful of all family members (more about that below). People may bring a Chihuahua home without factoring in future changes in their lifestyle, and the demands of keeping this pint-sized pup happy. ", However, while their meals look tiny to us, the proper daily calorie intake for a Chihuahua is minimal, possibly just 200 calories, depending on their size and activity level. Many dogs have a particularly strong bond with one person, which can be fine. Tracheal collapse: This condition isnt completely understood, but Chihuahuas are at a congenital risk for it, especially as they age. This also means theyre loyal to their habits, says Rodriguez. "listingcustombuttontext": "" "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/questions-for-your-breeder/", Theyre happy to live within small proximities and dont need a big backyard. But dedicated, ongoing training is essential to keep your Chihuahuas big personality from becoming tyrannical. Like us on Facebook But while Chihuahuas are often considered lazy for their small size, theyre actually very energetic and perky. Originally recognized by the AKC in 1904, they typically weigh between three and six pounds and are six to nine inches tall. This loyal breed will be happiest right by your side Chihuahuas crave human interaction and too much time alone could lead to unwanted behaviours such as barking, whining, scratching and chewing. They bond strongly with their owners, are quick-witted and easily trained as long as you start early. Please try one of our local retailers. And it doesnt take much excess weightespecially in small dogsto trigger health issues. "tags":"", And, as with any breed, make sure your Chihuahua is getting plenty of brain-taxing activities and exercise. Many dogs have a particularly strong bond with one person, which can be fine. "image":"images/blog-assets/Winter-blues.jpg", "meta":"Learn how you can play a part in your dogs health by carrying out regular health checks. Experts recommend using a harness when walking Chihuahuas to avoid any damage to their delicate spine and windpipe. The ancestors to the Chihuahua nearly became extinct during the 1500s, when the Aztec Empire was decimated by Hernn Corts and the Spanish colonizers. ", },{ As small as they are Chihuahuas are energetic and need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited. "categories":"young adult senior youYourPet nickJones", This can make them surprisingly effective watch dogs. "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/new-puppy-checklist/", The Chihuahua breed gets their name from Mexicos largest state, Chihuahua, where they were first spotted in the 1800s. The number of dogs declined after Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, but began to experience a revival in the 1800s when Americans started to take an interest in the breed. They had many names for it including the Arizona Dog, Texas Dog, Mexico Dog and of course the Chihuahua which is the name that stuck! Examine whether the full cost of diagnostics like MRI scans or CT scans is included. "categories":"puppy gettingPuppy", These factors lead to many owner surrendersChihuahuas are now, sadly, one of the most common breeds in shelters. "meta":"Find out the key things to keep in mind when choosing a breeder. Very small fluctuations in meal size (differences you may not even notice by eyeballing the bowl) can have a huge impact on your Chihuahuas weight. As with all dogs, any time your Chihuahua spends with children should be supervised to make sure everyone stays safe and happy. While many famous Chihuahuas, like Elle Woods companion Bruiser, are known as fashionable sidekicks, Chihuahuas arent just accessoriesthey demand as much care, attention, training, and mental stimulation as any dog. Top 3 Dangers to Be Aware of When Letting Cat What You Need to Know About Dog Licensing in What You Need to Know About Spaying and Neute Dusky is a 4 month old, female, smokey black, Domestic Longhair, Ollie is 2 year old, male, grey tabby and white, Domestic Shorthair, Beyonce (A50402294) is a 8 month old female, black and white, Siberian Husky blend, Peaches (A50270104) and Kiwi (A50270116) are 2 month old, female, tan, American Pitbull Terrier blends, Henry (A50323053) is a 2-year-old, male, brown/white Basset Hound blend, Star (A50420572) is a 4 month old, female, tricolor, German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog blend, Sky (A50624960) is a 3 month old, female, gray tabby and white, Domestic Shorthair. "meta":"With so much to think about when getting a new puppy our new puppy checklist will help make sure you have the essentials covered. "categories":"behaviour nickJones puppy 3m-6m puppyGames&Exercise", Unlike some other dog breeds, they are tolerable to the occasional outfit or sweater to keep them warm. This breed is known to be a little snappy and they tend to do best in quieter households without children. Financial Services Register No. If youre looking for pre-portioned, healthy meals, tailored to your Chihuahuas age, size, activity level, and weight, you can consider signing up for a, If the Chihuahua breed sounds like the perfect loyal companion for you, consider adopting from a local Chihuahua rescue or animal shelter. Are Chihuahuas are tiny little dogs packed with tons of personality while are. To 20 years but while Chihuahuas are often considered lazy for their small size theyre. 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what are chihuahuas known for