All About Chihuahuas
Welcome To Chihuahua World!
General Information
CHIHUAHUAS
Temperament
The Chihuahua is very spicy. They are active-minded, smart, quick to react, loving, little dogs. They are very tiny, but act as if they're big dogs. Most are very attached to their owners, and can be overly protective. They will need to be taught from an early age that they are not the ones in charge, or they will take over. They tend to have a dominant disposition, but each Chi is different.
Exercise, Training, & Grooming Requirements
As far as exercise goes, Chis are low-maintenance. They do need, and benefit from, a walk every day, as all dogs do. They are happy to play inside with their owners, or go on a short stroll in the park. Nothing too intense for these guys. Many people think of them as fashion accessories. This is not the case. Chihuahuas are real, living things, and need to be treated as such. They do, however, actually benefit from wearing doggie-garments , such as sweaters and t-shirts, because they get cold easily. Doggie transport bags are also fashionable with Chi owners, and are fine to use as long as your Chi has walked and "been a dog" first. Many businesses will look the other way if you bring your Chi along with you, but this should not be counted on. If you do not have time for training, disciplining, loving, and playing with your Chi, DO NOT GET ONE.
Chihuahuas need stern, but gentle, consistent training. They need to always be the lowest in the family pecking order, and know it, or they'll develop annoying, and sometimes dangerous quirks. However, this does not mean that you need to over-assert yourself and scare your dog in to doing what you want. This will only cause more problems, such as fear or anxiety. Obedience classes are always a wonderful idea. If your Chi has serious problems, please seek help from a professional dog trainer or dog psychologist.
There are two coat types in that the Chihuahua may have. One, being short, smooth, and sleek. That is called the smooth, or short coat. The other, being a bit longer, and silkier. This is called the long coat. Both shed, and do not require much grooming, although the longer may need a bit more attention. They are generally very clean dogs. Like any other canine, they should have their teeth brushed, and their nails trimmed. It is very important that you know how to trim your dog's nails, so that you do not unintentionally injure them. Here is a nice guide on how:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2453_trim-dogs-nails.html
Where to find a Chihuahua
Where you get your dog is more important than you might think. Don't purchase from pet stores. Their puppies are ,more often than not, from puppy mills. To learn about why puppy mills are so bad, click here: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymil.html Your best bet is to go to a hobby breeder, who is reputable, is registered with a kennel club, and has placed/finished some Chihuahuas in the ring. They should health test the parents and lineage of your new puppy, to determine its health. You could also consider an adult dog. There are many Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes out there, who just need a loving, understanding home. Visit the Chihuahua Club of America or the AKC website for rescue contacts. Petfinder is also a useful source for finding homeless dogs.
History
The Chihuahua is believed to have originated from a small dog, resembling a Chi, from Mexico called the Techichi. Archaeologists have found the remains of these small dogs in human graves in Mexico.
They were named after the state Chihuahua in Mexico.
The first AKC registered Chihuahua was named "Midget", and was registered in 1904. The Chihuahua Club of America was also founded in 1904.
The long coat Chi was not separated from the smooth coat until 1952.
Temperament
The Chihuahua is very spicy. They are active-minded, smart, quick to react, loving, little dogs. They are very tiny, but act as if they're big dogs. Most are very attached to their owners, and can be overly protective. They will need to be taught from an early age that they are not the ones in charge, or they will take over. They tend to have a dominant disposition, but each Chi is different.
Exercise, Training, & Grooming Requirements
As far as exercise goes, Chis are low-maintenance. They do need, and benefit from, a walk every day, as all dogs do. They are happy to play inside with their owners, or go on a short stroll in the park. Nothing too intense for these guys. Many people think of them as fashion accessories. This is not the case. Chihuahuas are real, living things, and need to be treated as such. They do, however, actually benefit from wearing doggie-garments , such as sweaters and t-shirts, because they get cold easily. Doggie transport bags are also fashionable with Chi owners, and are fine to use as long as your Chi has walked and "been a dog" first. Many businesses will look the other way if you bring your Chi along with you, but this should not be counted on. If you do not have time for training, disciplining, loving, and playing with your Chi, DO NOT GET ONE.
Chihuahuas need stern, but gentle, consistent training. They need to always be the lowest in the family pecking order, and know it, or they'll develop annoying, and sometimes dangerous quirks. However, this does not mean that you need to over-assert yourself and scare your dog in to doing what you want. This will only cause more problems, such as fear or anxiety. Obedience classes are always a wonderful idea. If your Chi has serious problems, please seek help from a professional dog trainer or dog psychologist.
There are two coat types in that the Chihuahua may have. One, being short, smooth, and sleek. That is called the smooth, or short coat. The other, being a bit longer, and silkier. This is called the long coat. Both shed, and do not require much grooming, although the longer may need a bit more attention. They are generally very clean dogs. Like any other canine, they should have their teeth brushed, and their nails trimmed. It is very important that you know how to trim your dog's nails, so that you do not unintentionally injure them. Here is a nice guide on how:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2453_trim-dogs-nails.html
Where to find a Chihuahua
Where you get your dog is more important than you might think. Don't purchase from pet stores. Their puppies are ,more often than not, from puppy mills. To learn about why puppy mills are so bad, click here: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymil.html Your best bet is to go to a hobby breeder, who is reputable, is registered with a kennel club, and has placed/finished some Chihuahuas in the ring. They should health test the parents and lineage of your new puppy, to determine its health. You could also consider an adult dog. There are many Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes out there, who just need a loving, understanding home. Visit the Chihuahua Club of America or the AKC website for rescue contacts. Petfinder is also a useful source for finding homeless dogs.
History
The Chihuahua is believed to have originated from a small dog, resembling a Chi, from Mexico called the Techichi. Archaeologists have found the remains of these small dogs in human graves in Mexico.
They were named after the state Chihuahua in Mexico.
The first AKC registered Chihuahua was named "Midget", and was registered in 1904. The Chihuahua Club of America was also founded in 1904.
The long coat Chi was not separated from the smooth coat until 1952.