Learn More About Chihuahuas

Summary

The Chihuahua, known as the smallest dog breed in the world, belongs to FCI Group 9, companion and companion dogs. Despite its small size, the Chihuahua is a dog full of personality and charm. It has a compact body shape with a rounded skull, large eyes and erect ears, giving it a lively and alert appearance. There are two types of coats for Chihuahuas: short-haired and long-haired. While the shorthair is smooth and soft, the longhair has a softer texture with an undercoat and forms fringes on the ears, neck, legs and tail. Both variants are available in a variety of colors. In addition, a distinction is made between apple head and deer head when it comes to head shape. Although the applehead is recognized in the breed standard, it is often associated with health problems. The Applehead Chihuahua features a disproportionately large, rounded head compared to its body, characterized by large, prominent eyes and a small muzzle with a short, characteristic stop, an angle of almost 90 degrees when viewed from the side in profile. Although the appearance may be appealing to some, the head shape is potentially more problematic than that of the deer head, which has a more elongated head and a narrower muzzle with large ears. The body and legs are also longer and the dogs are heavier than the apple-headed Chihuahua.

Character

The Chihuahua may be small, but he is by no means a dog that is just for cuddling. He is brave, confident and often feels like he is much bigger than he actually is. This means that he sometimes forgets how small he is and is not afraid to stand up to larger dogs. Chihuahuas are extremely loyal and form a strong bond with their caregiver. They are often very picky and tend to become particularly attached to a single person. This makes them wonderful companions, but it is important to be careful not to over-pamper them as this can lead to behavioral problems. The Chihuahua is a lively dog ​​that loves to play and romp around. You'll be surprised at how agile and energetic this little guy can be! His exercise needs are moderate, meaning that while he enjoys walking and playing, he doesn't have the same exercise requirements as a larger, more active breed. When it comes to temperament, Chihuahuas can vary greatly. Some are calmer while others can be quite temperamental. However, they are generally vigilant and are often referred to as small guard dogs that warn their family of intruders, no matter how small those intruders may be. Chihuahuas can enjoy being with their people and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. It is important to teach them that it is okay to be alone for a short time by gradually getting them used to it and giving them positive experiences. Regarding hunting behavior, the Chihuahua often shows some interest in small animals, but due to its small size this is usually not a big problem. However, it is good to be careful and keep it on a leash when walking, especially in areas with a lot of game.

What to Expect

Chihuahuas are also considered a breed with torment breeding characteristics. For example, due to the small size, the brain may be too large and the skull bone cannot close completely. A normal birth is often not possible.

Care

Chihuahuas make excellent city dogs. They don't need a lot of space and can also get along well in an apartment. However, caution should be exercised with small children, as Chihuahuas are prone to injuries due to their low weight and can easily feel threatened if handled too roughly. In general, they are often compatible with other pets as long as they are also respectful.

Training & Education

Even though they are small, Chihuahuas require consistent training. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but can also be stubborn. It is important to challenge them mentally, but without overwhelming them. Chihuahuas are not ball junkies, but they love mental stimulation through tricks and light agility exercises. Because they sometimes tend to feel bigger than they are, it is important to teach them how to be respectful around other dogs and people. Training impulse control and frustration tolerance can help prevent unwanted behavior.

Nutrition & Grooming

Chihuahuas need a balanced diet tailored to their small size. High-quality food with adequate protein and fat content is important, as is regular dental cleaning and care. When it comes to care, the effort depends on the type of fur. Short-haired Chihuahuas require relatively little grooming, while long-haired Chihuahuas should be brushed regularly to avoid matting. Chihuahuas have an undercoat, especially the long-haired variety. In Germany, you should note that Chihuahuas can easily freeze in winter due to their small size and thin fur, so warming dog coats are recommended.