Chihuahua

Chihuahua: BREED BOX
Country:	Mexico
Size:	2-6 lb (1-3 kg), 6-9 in (15-23 cm)
Temperament:	Spirited
Grooming:	Light-Medium
Recognition:	FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC

History - The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog and is named after the Chihuahua region in Mexico. The true origins of the Chihuahua though still remain a mystery. Some believe that this tiny breed was bred from the small dogs know among the Toltecs of Mexico in the ninth century. Other believes that the Chihuahua was a descendant of an ancient, similar, but slightly larger breed associated with royalty in Aztec civilizations known as the Techichi. This breed was first exported to the United States in the 1850s. The Chihuahua is the oldest canine breed in North America.

Appearance - Their weight may range from under 2 lbs. to over 10 lbs. (although the AKC disqualifies dogs over 6 lbs.), and they have distinctive large ears and tails that stand straight up.

The Chihuahua comes in two versions, the smooth-coated and the long-coated. The long-coated is rarer of the two. Both versions are tiny dogs, boisterous, alert of tremendous spirit. Though small the Chihuahua makes and excellent watchdog, barking at anything that moves within its home territory.

Because of their size, common high- strung temperament and physical fragility, they are not well- suited as children's pets and require expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. They are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as seizure disorders and patella luxation. They are also known for their moleras.

Description - However, the Chihuahua is a loyal and intelligent dog, and their size makes them excellent for city and small apartments. They also make for long lifetime companionship as they have a lifespan of 15 years.

Ideal Owners: Almost anyone/Companionship

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Color: Any color

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Chihuahua Reviews

Grooming (63%)

Exercise (57%)

Feeding (63%)

Temperament (60%)

Watchdog (77%)

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High/Excellent

Number of reviews: 7

Tippy

9/9/2005

Rating: TBA (23vote/s)

My daughter bought me my 1st chihuahua 3 years ago after having golden retrievers all my life. Tippy is my constant companion and love. We now have 3 more. Lucy, Josey and Chuay. WE ARE IN LOVE!! They are obedient and sweet, dedicated and friendly. Tippy is the Alpha male so he can be protective. He has a keen sense for who is friendly and who has personality problems. The other 3 are always good natured.

The girls have produced beautiful puppies and have helped convert many people to the benefits of chihuahua love.

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jbrown

my chi is nipping...

8/14/2005

Rating: TBA (8vote/s)

Hello. I just adopted a 2 year old Male Chihuahua for the Sacramento SPCA. His name is Nugget and he has quite the personallity. Today they microchipped him, and I noticed that he nips at me when I pet his shoulders where they put in the device. He also will nip at you out of no where...is this normal? If so can i train him to stop nipping? I am hand feeding him, and he does not bite, but I am very worried about the biting. I used the NO word, and snatched my hand away...is thier any thing else I can do? Clickers, or water bottle? Some one please give me some info.

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Karen

Chihuahua

7/2/2005

Rating: TBA (12vote/s)

Chihuahua's are excellent around children if they are raised with them. I have had one since I was 2 yrs old and now my grand-babies enjoy them as well. While Chi's do nip they rarely ever bear down. My Chi I currently own was raised around toddlers down to infants and have yet to bite any of them. But a friends older child come over and he went and crawled in her lap then he nipped at her as she went to pet him, but as I said did not bear down. I have not known of a Chi to break the skin of anyone, not saying it wont happen because of the reputation they have. But I feel its the way I raised my Chi with my rough grandson, I let him be rough with my dog but not so rough he hurts him. Now they lay on the couch head to head to take naps. But you better not get near my grandson while he is napping or else the whole neighbor hood will hear. He will even go spend the night next door with my 1 yr old granddaughter. I have to call to check on him if he isnt in my bed at night. They have a bad rep. but are really loving loyal dogs.

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MRS

Chihuahua

5/3/2005

Rating: TBA (5vote/s)

Our Chihuahuas have pretty good temperaments, except when it comes to other dogs & small children (mostly boys). However, I'm training them to be good around dogs. I use positive reinforcement and a squirter bottle to correct them when they act aggressive. If you have that problem, you should try it. And be very patient & made the experiences positive. Bo & Boquet also like to be dressed up & love to cuddle. They also like to hunt mice, woodchucks, etc. Boquet went 12 ft into a woodchuck hole. Bo has killed several mice and one small rat. Website: http://www.geocities.com/mrsvrs99/ChiLovershomepage.html

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