Chihuahua puppy and dog information
The Chihuahua is considered the smallest dog in the world. She is smart, and an excellent choice for an apartment. She may not be good with very young children as she is fragile. She is a great companion and is generally happy to live with other pets. She is a very good watch dog.
*Good With Children? Yes, she is good with older, gentle, behaved children. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Good With Other Pets? Yes, she is good with other pets.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Chihuahua is 6 to 9 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 2 to 6 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Chihuahua is no exception. Be on the look out for corneal dryness, dislocating kneecaps and collapsing trachea. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Chihuahua has two coat varieties, short/smooth and long/soft. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Bathe monthly and keep water out of her ears.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Chihuahua can live between 13 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*Chihuahua History. The Chihuahua has a clouded origin, some saying that they are from the Aztecs, some Egyptian and some say they are from Mexican Toltecs. The modern discovery of this breed was in Mexico about 100 years ago. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1904.
Some Registries: *Chihuahua Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 1 to 4 Chihuahua puppies
Category: Southern
Terms To Describe: Swift, alert, graceful, saucy, bold, playful,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS Very good watch dog. Great companion dog. Needs little exercise
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS She may tend to snore. She does not like cold. Can be very noisy. Can be difficult to housebreak. Not a guard dog.
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
