small Breed Dogs
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Chihuahua Dog
Toy Breed Dogs
Small Breed Dogs




Manufactured Dog Food VS Home Cooked Food
The food that you feed to your dog will have a direct impact on their health. Whether a young puppy who needs great nutrient to properly grow, an adult who needs to maintain weight and energy levels or a senior who can has a sensitive digestive system.

In addition, the choice you make can directly impact behavioral issues, such as eating grass or feces.
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What you MUST Know Before Getting a Puppy
Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really should know before you bring home a pup...Read More
Average Height: 6-9 inches (15.2-22.9 cm)
Average Weight:  2-6- lbs. (.9 kg-2.7 kg)
Pronounced: Chee-Wah-Wah
Group:  AKC Toy
Life Span: 16 Years
Average Litter: 2
Origin: Mexico
Description
This is one amazing small breed dog, nicknamed "Chi".  In the toy group, this is the smallest breed in the world, but don't tell a Chihuahua dog that!  Very graceful, alert and with a saucy expression,  this dog has full, luminous dark or ruby eyes and large erect ears which pop up even more when on alert.  There are 2 types of Chi, short coat and long while; although it is the short coat dogs which are the most popular.

Colors
Let's talk colors!  There are 29 official AKC colors and also 11 official markings. However, there are also coats that do not appear on the AKC list. It is hard to say which is most amazing...silver, chocolate blue, gold...it is almost endless. (See below for how to have photos of every colored Chi in the world).

Personality
It is absolutely true that this breed has no idea how tiny it is!  Chihuahua dogs can be very bold with dogs who are much larger.  Very protective of their human family members, this pup is incredibly loyal.  Always seeming to be on guard for strangers and dangers, there a high pitched bark will let you know that you have a great watchdog in your home!

Many seem to attach themselves to just one owner, while still being friendly with other members in the house, often this dog will choose a favorite.  Without proper socialization, shyness or nervous conditions may appear which can cause hiding, shaking or some behavior issues.  While full of energy most of the time, their favorite thing to do is bask in the sunlight, and are usually very happy in a indoor sun-room.

Origin & History
This dog, commonly misspelled: "Chihuaha",  is named for the Mexican state of “Chihuahua” that borders Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in the USA. The most popular, most probable and most well known theory is that the Chihuahua descended from the Techichi, a small canine that dates back to Ancient Mayan times.  However, some dispute this and the other 2 lesser known theories is that the small breed dogs brought by Spanish conquistadors with them to the New World are the ancestors or that the Chinese developed a dog similar in size,  which Spanish traders came to possess and brought them to Mexico.

Health
Most health issues are due to the size of this small breed dog.  Hypoglycemia is possible, usually from birth to the age of 4 months.  For this reason, an owner should always have Karo syrup on hand. Luxating patella can develop, common with small dogs, in which the kneecap slips in and out of place. Low thyroid and SHLS (Sudden Hair Loss Syndrome) are also more common in this breed than some others.  Great care should be given to ensure a long and healthy life for this tiny, little fireball.

Pregnancy

This breed has more cesareans than any other.  This is due to its small pelvic size and the fact that newborns have such large heads in comparison with their bodies. For this reason, the veterinarian will usually make a decision about 3 weeks before expected delivery.  When breeding, it is best to pair a larger dam with a smaller sire.

A Chihuahua will be pregnant for an average of 63 days from point of conception. Newborns are at risk of hypoglycemia and an owner should always have Karo syrup and/or Nutrical on hand at all times. This comes on very quickly with little pups and there is not a lot of time to react.  Symptoms will be: weakness, wobbly walking, labored breathing...and if let go, the pup will slip into a coma, eventually being fatal.  An owner should stay with the litter, around the clock, for at least the first 2 weeks.

Exercise
Despite its stature, running around inside of the home is not enough for the pent up energy inside of this pet.  Going for about a 30 minute walk each day will help a Chihuahua dog release energy and maintain good health. Do keep in mind that what is a walking speed to you is most likely a running pace for your pup.


Grooming
A bath should be given about every 3 weeks, doing this in the kitchen sink often works best.  Nails must be trimmed very 2 to 3 months to prevent ingrown nails.  Usually dewclaws are removed by the breeder at 2 - 3 weeks of age, if this has not been done an owner must keep those trimmed as well to prevent them from catching on fabric, carpeting. etc.

An owner must not forget that dental care is an important part of needed grooming.

Care & Training

One of the most important elements to being a great owner is to be aware of exactly what to do for health issues, as they can be very quick moving inside of the tiny Chihuahua.  Also, because this breed is so bold and seems to sometimes have the mindset of a Great Dane, proper training is necessary to control behavioral issues.

Lastly, with no room for weight loss, proper feeding is essential.  Chihuahua Owners - Click Here For Detailed Information


                     
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