AVOID THE MYTH
This breed falls into the TOY GROUP, this group was bred specifically to be companion animals.
They are bred to be small, portable and good-natured.
They make ideal apartment or small-house pets.
Toys Breeds are alert and vigorous, fine-boned and and well balanced.
The term companion animal means that the puppy needs "human company".
They are the happiest when allowed to be an integral part of the household,
they thrive and learn ,when they are included in the household routine at an early age,
training is easier when this unique bond is formed from the beginning.
They are bred to be small, portable and good-natured.
They make ideal apartment or small-house pets.
Toys Breeds are alert and vigorous, fine-boned and and well balanced.
The term companion animal means that the puppy needs "human company".
They are the happiest when allowed to be an integral part of the household,
they thrive and learn ,when they are included in the household routine at an early age,
training is easier when this unique bond is formed from the beginning.
Avoid The Myth!!!
Chihuahuas were named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, they are the tiniest breed in the world. Believed to have been sacred by Pre-Columbian Indians,they may be the oldest breed native to North America. Chihuahuas were first recognized by the AKC in 1904. Although the Chihuahua has a mysterious past, they go back about 2000 years and longed believed to be Mexican, some believe the orientals may have had some connections with this breed, highly know for the art of "shrinking" i.e.: (Bonsai Trees) they had pronto-Chihuahuas called Techichi, these were introduced to Mexico around 10 AD in the Toltec civilization and became a favorite of the royalty for companionship. They were also popular as sacrificial animals, Every time a human was sacrificed to their Gods, his dog would go with him. The Techcih was s short-legged dumpy dog by comparison of today's graceful, happy Chihuahua . The Chihuahua known today is believed to have been perfected around the early 1850's and was no longer revered by royalty, there for they were downgraded to being smuggled by peddlers. There is only one Chihuahua breed. They come in two Coat varieties (Smooth and Longhaired), that is the only difference. There is a hairless version around today known as the Xoloitzcuintle, or Mexican Hairless.
They do not come if different weight varieties. For show standards purposes, they should weigh between 2 and 6 pounds, some are so small that they can stand on all fours in a palm of a hand.
but many Chihuahuas go up to 10 or 12 pounds,
whatever their weight, they are simply called Chihuahuas.
Some breeders use cutesy phases as "Marketing terms" for the different weights,
these are "TEACUP Chihuahuas", "POCKET CHIHUAHUAS",
Standard Chihuahuas", and MINIATURE Chihuahuas"
also they are sometimes called "DEER LEGGED or DEER HEAD.
Unfortunately these adjectives have been misused for so long
that they now seem legitimate,
The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned
that these terms may be used to entice perspective buyers
into thinking that these puppies are of greater monetary value.
They are not, and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading,
as with all living things, there will be size variance
between individual dogs within this breed.
The ideal Chihuahua should mature at 4 pounds
(these will weigh 2-3 pounds at 10 to 12 weeks old)
and should continue to grow until six months old,
by then they should be almost grown.
A long haired Chi will not get its full coat until 2 years of age.
The only thing the a breeder can count on,
is that if you breed two short haired Chi's,
you can get short haired puppies,
unless there is a long hair in the background,then you can get a mixture.
Two long haired Chi's produce
long haired puppies,
if you breed long haired Chi and a short haired Chi,
you can get a mixture,
some can be short haired
and others long haired or a
combination of the two.
Chihuahuas were named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, they are the tiniest breed in the world. Believed to have been sacred by Pre-Columbian Indians,they may be the oldest breed native to North America. Chihuahuas were first recognized by the AKC in 1904. Although the Chihuahua has a mysterious past, they go back about 2000 years and longed believed to be Mexican, some believe the orientals may have had some connections with this breed, highly know for the art of "shrinking" i.e.: (Bonsai Trees) they had pronto-Chihuahuas called Techichi, these were introduced to Mexico around 10 AD in the Toltec civilization and became a favorite of the royalty for companionship. They were also popular as sacrificial animals, Every time a human was sacrificed to their Gods, his dog would go with him. The Techcih was s short-legged dumpy dog by comparison of today's graceful, happy Chihuahua . The Chihuahua known today is believed to have been perfected around the early 1850's and was no longer revered by royalty, there for they were downgraded to being smuggled by peddlers. There is only one Chihuahua breed. They come in two Coat varieties (Smooth and Longhaired), that is the only difference. There is a hairless version around today known as the Xoloitzcuintle, or Mexican Hairless.
They do not come if different weight varieties. For show standards purposes, they should weigh between 2 and 6 pounds, some are so small that they can stand on all fours in a palm of a hand.
but many Chihuahuas go up to 10 or 12 pounds,
whatever their weight, they are simply called Chihuahuas.
Some breeders use cutesy phases as "Marketing terms" for the different weights,
these are "TEACUP Chihuahuas", "POCKET CHIHUAHUAS",
Standard Chihuahuas", and MINIATURE Chihuahuas"
also they are sometimes called "DEER LEGGED or DEER HEAD.
Unfortunately these adjectives have been misused for so long
that they now seem legitimate,
The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned
that these terms may be used to entice perspective buyers
into thinking that these puppies are of greater monetary value.
They are not, and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading,
as with all living things, there will be size variance
between individual dogs within this breed.
The ideal Chihuahua should mature at 4 pounds
(these will weigh 2-3 pounds at 10 to 12 weeks old)
and should continue to grow until six months old,
by then they should be almost grown.
A long haired Chi will not get its full coat until 2 years of age.
The only thing the a breeder can count on,
is that if you breed two short haired Chi's,
you can get short haired puppies,
unless there is a long hair in the background,then you can get a mixture.
Two long haired Chi's produce
long haired puppies,
if you breed long haired Chi and a short haired Chi,
you can get a mixture,
some can be short haired
and others long haired or a
combination of the two.
The Molera
"SOFTSPOT"
The Chihuahua was developed in Mexico and the United States,
it has displayed a "soft spot" on the top of the head.
In the Chihuahua, this spot is know as a MOLERA;
and is the same as found in human babies.
This molera is accepted as a mark of purity in the breed.
It is also know as fontanel
Please note that while many Chihuahua puppies are born without the molera,
there are as many born with one and its presence is nothing to become alarmed about.
The molera will occur on the top of the head
and may have a variety of shapes and size if present.
Many lay people and some veterinarians who are not familiar with the Chihuahua,
try to link the mere presence with a medical conditions known as Hydrocephalus.
This has caused many new comers serious concern and undue worry.
Observations from many devoted breeders and adequate medical evidence
show support to these moleras are nothing to worry about.
HYDROCEPHALUS
This a congenital condition as well as a result of trauma or brain tumor.
This condition is caused when excess fluid is found around the brain, the
body may form too much fluid, it cannot drain from the central nervous system.
Within the brain fluid-filled spaces called ventricles are filled with too much fluid causing the brain
to swell and increase pressure causing brain damage. These dogs typically have a limited life span.
Where the severity differs, few dogs live past two years of age. Treatment is expensive and is often unsuccessful. No dog should be bred with this condition, and should be removed form breeding programs.
In general, most
Chihuahuas are healthy and live to 15 years old or longer. Most are lost when they are puppies due to fractures and accidents because they are so small and fragile.
Vaccines: Discuss vaccines and dosages with your vet to determine the correct dose for his size. Because they are so small, their tolerance to "normal" doses are much lower and can cause reactions in these small babies.
"SOFTSPOT"
The Chihuahua was developed in Mexico and the United States,
it has displayed a "soft spot" on the top of the head.
In the Chihuahua, this spot is know as a MOLERA;
and is the same as found in human babies.
This molera is accepted as a mark of purity in the breed.
It is also know as fontanel
Please note that while many Chihuahua puppies are born without the molera,
there are as many born with one and its presence is nothing to become alarmed about.
The molera will occur on the top of the head
and may have a variety of shapes and size if present.
Many lay people and some veterinarians who are not familiar with the Chihuahua,
try to link the mere presence with a medical conditions known as Hydrocephalus.
This has caused many new comers serious concern and undue worry.
Observations from many devoted breeders and adequate medical evidence
show support to these moleras are nothing to worry about.
HYDROCEPHALUS
This a congenital condition as well as a result of trauma or brain tumor.
This condition is caused when excess fluid is found around the brain, the
body may form too much fluid, it cannot drain from the central nervous system.
Within the brain fluid-filled spaces called ventricles are filled with too much fluid causing the brain
to swell and increase pressure causing brain damage. These dogs typically have a limited life span.
Where the severity differs, few dogs live past two years of age. Treatment is expensive and is often unsuccessful. No dog should be bred with this condition, and should be removed form breeding programs.
In general, most
Chihuahuas are healthy and live to 15 years old or longer. Most are lost when they are puppies due to fractures and accidents because they are so small and fragile.
Vaccines: Discuss vaccines and dosages with your vet to determine the correct dose for his size. Because they are so small, their tolerance to "normal" doses are much lower and can cause reactions in these small babies.
Reverse Sneezing
"Reverse Sneezing" happens when the pharynx (back of throat) goes into spans.
You will see your baby stretch out its neck, stand still and gasp and wheeze. It's not painful, just scary, when you first see this happen. Chihuahuas and other small toy breeds are prone to this condition. Reverse sneezing tends to be evident at an early age, but with good health care habits you can help your dog in many ways, clean teeth, exercise and proper diets help a lot. Collars may aggravating, and you at not time should tug sharply on its leash, as this could lead to breathing problems, or collapsed trachea. This sneezing can be triggered by excitement, cold air,and dust. There are simple remedies that can help when this occurs, pinch the dogs nostrils so it has to open it mouth to breath, gentle reassurance and sometimes the use of a "command" word, such as "treat", "play" will control this sneeze. You can also stroke the dogs throat, cup your hand around it's nose, and sometimes just picking it up and blowing into its face will help. Your main objective is to get the dog to swallow, this will cease the sneezing. Don't panic!!!!
Listen to your instincts, if this seems to be more than a reverse sneeze, then take your baby to the vet, that way they can be treated with steroids, long-term medications or sometimes surgery. this is very rare if it becomes chronic or life threathing.
"Reverse Sneezing" happens when the pharynx (back of throat) goes into spans.
You will see your baby stretch out its neck, stand still and gasp and wheeze. It's not painful, just scary, when you first see this happen. Chihuahuas and other small toy breeds are prone to this condition. Reverse sneezing tends to be evident at an early age, but with good health care habits you can help your dog in many ways, clean teeth, exercise and proper diets help a lot. Collars may aggravating, and you at not time should tug sharply on its leash, as this could lead to breathing problems, or collapsed trachea. This sneezing can be triggered by excitement, cold air,and dust. There are simple remedies that can help when this occurs, pinch the dogs nostrils so it has to open it mouth to breath, gentle reassurance and sometimes the use of a "command" word, such as "treat", "play" will control this sneeze. You can also stroke the dogs throat, cup your hand around it's nose, and sometimes just picking it up and blowing into its face will help. Your main objective is to get the dog to swallow, this will cease the sneezing. Don't panic!!!!
Listen to your instincts, if this seems to be more than a reverse sneeze, then take your baby to the vet, that way they can be treated with steroids, long-term medications or sometimes surgery. this is very rare if it becomes chronic or life threathing.
