Chihuahua dog

Chihuahua dog, smallest recognized dog breed, named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was first noted in the mid-19th century. The Chihuahua is thought to have derived from the Techichi, a small mute dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as long ago as the 9th century ce, and it is a saucy-looking alert dog that is sturdier than its small build would suggest. It has a rounded head, large erect ears, prominent eyes, and a compact body. The coat is variable in color and may be either smooth and glossy or long and soft. It is valued as a spirited companion especially suited to apartment living. The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Chihuahua in 1904.

Care and upkeep

The Chihuahua’s exercise needs can be met by a small yard or even by the open space in an apartment. Daily walks or other outings can be added for mental stimulation. However, dog parks should be avoided because of the Chihuahua’s small size relative to other dogs. Owners should exercise great care to protect the Chihuahua from larger dogs and, in some locations, birds of prey. The breed should also be protected from falling objects, since many Chihuahuas will retain a large open molera (that is, the soft space on the skull), which makes them vulnerable to head injury, for a large part of their lives. Many Chihuahuas enjoy swimming in safe waters, such as those provided by a child’s backyard pool. Although Chihuahuas enjoy games and small toys, they are not particularly enthusiastic about retrieving.

Because of their large body surface area compared with body volume, Chihuahuas tend to lose a lot of body heat. Neither the long-haired nor the short-haired variety of the breed handles cold weather very well, and their coat provides limited benefit. Coat care consists of occasional brushing and bathing, the smooth-coat Chihuahua needing brushing once per week and the long-coat variety requiring brushing two to three times per week. Chihuahuas have small teeth and jaws, so experts recommend a small-breed dog food. Puppies should be fed several small meals daily to prevent hypoglycemia, which can be deadly. Adults should be fed twice daily. Owners should be aware of the signs of a luxating patella, common in small dogs, in which the kneecap shifts out of alignment, causing hind-leg “skipping.”

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Temperament

The Chihuahua has a reputation as a lapdog, but in fact it is extremely energetic and would rather be running, playing, and barking than sleeping. It prefers the company of its family members, both human and canine, and is not generally outgoing with strangers. Chihuahuas can be feisty, with a persistent bark, and many are likely to challenge larger dogs. While most Chihuahuas are bold, others can be timid to the point of being nervous and jittery.

Chihuahuas are fairly playful and affectionate. Because of their intelligence and eagerness to please, Chihuahuas can be good at certain dog sports, such as agility and obedience. However, their small size can make them difficult to train. This can be a good breed for seniors, as long as its exercise needs are met and does not become a tripping hazard, but it is often too small a breed for very young children, who can inadvertently harm the dog. They are also quick to bark, which can be annoying but which serves them well as a watchdog, but because of their small size they are an ineffective protection dog.

These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.