I am interested in learning as much as possible about chihuahuas. Please help me by giving me some facts.?

Question

I am going to possibly adopt a chihuahua.

Answer 1

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and was named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. He is a graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with a saucy expression. Two distinct breed types, one with a long coat of soft texture, the other with a short coat. Identical otherwise, both can be whelped in the same litter. Adored for his small size, the Chihuahua is a bright eyed, dainty dog who is perfect for apartment living. Most breeders recommend adopting a Chihuahua puppy between the ages of 4 - 12 months as he will be more mature and agile and not so apt for injury.

There is no arguing that the Chihuahua is the smallest of all dogs, but there is plenty of disagreement about its origins. Some claim that the breed was developed in Egypt over 3000 years ago, while others claim he is native to the Western hemisphere and evolved in Mexico. Some argue that perhaps the dog came to Mexico from the Mediterranean area during the Spanish Conquest, and yet others believe it arrived in Mexico as litttle as only 100 years with Chinese traders. Despite the confusion, the breed was discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico by American tourists in the 19th century who then brought the breed back to the States. It was later crossed with other toy breeds (possibly the Pomeranian or the Pekingese) to create the Long-Coated variety. The breed enjoys the pampered life and is content in an apartment with occasional exercise.
Height: 6 - 9" (15.2 - 22.9cm)
Weight: Average weight is just 2 to 6 pounds (1-3 kg), although some are only 1 lb (0.5 kg).
Coat Type: The original short-coated variety has a short, smooth, glossy coat. The long-coated variety has a longer, soft coat which may be straight, wavy or curly. Grooming needs for the short-haired variety are minimal; the long-haired coat does require occasional brushing to keep the coat clean and free of mats. The short-coat dog needs extra protection from the elements in harsher, colder environments.
Temperament: The Chihuahua was developed primarily as a human companion, and as such he makes a good pet for the stay-at-home type. He is a jaunty, clever little dog and makes a good watch dog as well.
Special Interest: Archaeologists have discovered the remains of dogs very similar in structure to the Chihuahua in ancient Egyptian tombs. One distinctive feature, shared by both today's dog and the mummified remains, was the "molera" or soft-spot on the front of the skull, not unlike that of the newborn baby.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 5 - Toys



THE TEA-CUP MYTH.

The Chihuahua Is A Chihuahua
The official AKC description is the Chihuahua is a small dog that comes in two varieties or coat types. The difference in coat type (the Long Coat or the Smooth Coat) is the only official description used to identify a difference within this breed. Our Standard does not categorize the Chihuahua by size.

For the purpose of showing and record keeping, the American Kennel Club includes the Chihuahua (along with 19 other breeds)in the Toy Group. Therefore, irrespective of their weight or physical stature, ALL Chihuahuas registered with A.K.C. are considered to be a toy breed of dog.

As with all living things, there will be a size variance between individual dogs within this breed. Look within the human family - brothers and sisters will differ in height and in weight, as well as other physical attributes. They are described as humans, male or female, and there is seldom if ever a need to break the description down further. The same holds true in regard to the Chihuahua; they are Chihuahuas-Long Coat/Smooth Coat, Male/Female.

Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size difference and physical appearances are many; and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Tea-cup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice perspective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value. They are not and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading.

Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That puppy is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct. To attach any of these additional labels to a particular pup is to misrepresent that animal as something that is rare or exceptional and causes a great deal of confusion among those fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.

The Chihuahua Club of America does not endorse or condone the use of these terms and would caution the perspective puppy buyer not to be misled by them.

We recognize that many Chihuahua fanciers do want the very small puppy. While they are adorable and can be perfectly healthy, the buyer should be cautioned as to the extra care that may be required with regard to their general health and well-being.

*Sponsored by The Chihuahua Club of America







THE CHIHUAHUA STANDARD

A.K.C. Chihuahua Standard

General Appearance
A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.

Size, Proportion, Substance Weight-A well balanced little dog not to exceed 6 pounds. Proportion-The body is off-square; hence, slightly longer when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, than height at the withers. Somewhat shorter bodies are preferred in males. Disqualifications-Any dog over 6 pounds in weight.

Head
A well rounded "apple dome" skull, with or without molera. Expression-Saucy. Eyes-Full, but not protruding, balanced, set well apart-luminous dark or luminous ruby. (Light eyes in blond or white-colored dogs permissible.) Ears-Large, erect type ears, held more upright when alert, but flaring to the sides at a 45 degree angle when in repose, giving breadth between the ears. Muzzle-Moderately short, slightly pointed. Cheeks and jaws lean. Nose-Self-colored in blond types, or black. In moles, blues and chocolates, they are self-colored. In blond types, pink nose permissible. Bite-Level or scissors. Overshot or undershot bite, or any distortion of the bite or jaw, should be penalized as a serious fault. Disqualifications-Broken down or cropped ears.

Neck, Topline, Body
Neck-Slightly arched, gracefully sloping into lean shoulders. Topline-Level. Body-Ribs rounded and well sprung (but not too much "barrel-shaped"). Tail-Moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back, with tip just touching the back. (Never tucked between legs.) Disqualifications-Cropped tail, bobtail.

Forequarters
Shoulders-Lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support above straight forelegs that set well under, giving a free play at the elbows. Shoulders should be well up, giving balance and soundness, sloping into a level back. (Never down or low.) This gives a chestiness, and strength of forequarters, yet not of the "Bulldog" chest. Feet-A small, dainty foot with toes well split up but not spread, pads cushioned. (Neither the hare nor the cat foot.) Pasterns-Fine.

Hindquarters
Muscular, with hocks well apart, neither out nor in, well let down, firm and sturdy. The feet are as in front.

Coat
In the Smooth Coats, the coat should be of a soft texture, close and glossy. (Heavier coats with undercoats permissible.) Coat placed well over body with the ruff on neck preferred, and more scanty on head and ears. Hair on tail preferred furry. In Long Coats, the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly curly, with undercoat preferred. Ears-Fringed. (Heavy fringed ears may be tipped slightly if due to the fringes and not to weak ear leather, never down.) Tail-Full and long (as a plume). Feathering on feet and legs, pants on hind legs and large ruff on the neck desired and preferred. Disqualifications-In Long Coats, too thin coat that resembles bareness.

Color
Any color-Solid, marked or splashed.

Gait
The Chihuahua should move swiftly with a firm, sturdy action, with good reach in front equal to the drive from the rear. From the rear, the hocks remain parallel to each other, and the foot fall of the rear legs follows directly behind that of the forelegs. The legs, both front and rear, will tend to converge slightly toward a central line of gravity as speed increases. The side view shows good, strong drive in the rear and plenty of reach in the front, with head carried high. The topline should remain firm and the back line level as the dog moves.

Temperament
Alert, with terrier-like qualities.

DISQUALIFICATIONS
Any dog over 6 pounds in weight. Broken down or cropped ears. Cropped tail, bobtail. In Long Coats, too thin coat that resembles bareness.

* Approved September 11, 1990 Effective October 30, 1990






http://www.akc.org/

Answer 2

Chihuahua
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Mexico.

SPECIAL SKILLS: Family pet.

SIZE: The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog, weighing between 500-2,500g (1-5 1/2lb).

COAT: There are long-coat and short-coat Chihuahuas. Their colors include black, white, blue, red, or wheaten, with or without dark or white markings.

CARE REQUIRED: The long-haired type of Chihuahua should be groomed normally with brush and comb while the short-haired ones should be groomed occasionally with a rubber brush. Administer eye- drops regularly to prevent "tear" stains, and check the teeth frequently for tartar and to ensure with young dogs that the new teeth are forming properly. Keep the claws trimmed.

CHARACTER: These are intelligent, brave little dogs, but sometimes they are too brave for their own good. They can be stubborn, and can also be sensitive, and playful. Chihuahuas usually bond with one person.

TRAINING: Because these little dogs can do little damage, they are usually not trained. This is a shame because the Chihuahua is an eager pupil.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Chihuahuas are sociable animals so that living together with dogs and cats does not usually cause any difficulty. Do not forget that they are so small that they can easily be trampled underfoot by larger dogs. They are not suitable for small children who will tend to regard the dog as a toy.

EXERCISE: Because these dogs are so small, they usually get sufficient exercise indoors. If taught to do so, they can use a cat litter tray for their toilet. They feel the cold, damp, and draughts, and they need to wear a coat when they go outside in cold or rainy weather.

SPECIAL REMARKS: The Chihuahua is a perfect choice for people who do not have much space in their home. You can easily take them with you everywhere and they are inexpensive to feed. It is a shame that this little creature is regarded as a toy. Try not to forget that this animal is a read dog, in spite of its size, complete with the needs of all dogs.

Answer 3

chihuahuas are an small breed of dog, fisty by nature i have bread and raised them fo a long time , there not really good with children ,every once in a great while you will find one that wont be to hard on kids , but they are usrually hand raised , 2 or 3 to a litter care should be taken with them , they bond for life and if seperated they can display some bad habits,

Answer 4

somewhat....I truly have 2 band-aids on my finger from a 1yr previous Chi. on the vet place of work I artwork for!! yet, they are helpful pets for some human beings. Chi's don't like strangers, many times, and have a tendency to chew even as anxious(that's why I truly have chew marks on my hand). Chi's look to bond nicely with one or 2 human beings, and per chance children. on condition that chi's are anxious canine, once you've children or grandchildren, it would no longer be a strong concept. Chi also desires a great number of interest!!! even if it really is an older Chi, it would take time adapting to you and your household. merely be careful!!

Answer 5

Check the American Kennel Club website.

Answer 6

Yeah...what those two above said.....But one more thing...They real hate Taco Bell.

Answer 7

Yes, pls. do so