Chihuahua Dog Care

Do you love small dogs? Then you might consider adopting a Chihuahua. Yet you have to know more about this breed before you finally decide to get one for yourself. Caring for dogs is more than just providing some food and toys, you need to make sure you adopt one that will be a good companion and suit your lifestyle. Here is some info to help you become more familiar with Chihuahua dogs.

A Bit of an Introduction to Chihuahua Dogs

Known to be the smallest breed, the Chihuahua is named in honor of a Mexican region. They are said to be the descendants of the Techichi, a larger breed which was revered by the royalties of the Aztec. It is said that Spanish traders were responsible for bringing the Chihuahua to Spain as they traded with the Chinese people being the latter who got them to Mexico.

The Chihuahua dogs are popular for their exceptional attributes along with their loyalty to their masters. They come in two kinds—the long coat and the smooth coat. The long-coated dogs have a longer and softer coat that can either be slightly curly or flat with an undercoat. The smooth-coated chihuahuas have a short coat. They differ in heights and commonly range between six up to ten inches tall. Their weight can be between 5 pounds and ten pounds. They also have a variety of colors—black, white, gray, spotted, or tri-colors. The dogs’ bone structure is fine yet it is a very muscular dog.

They are fond of focusing their affection on only one person and this can be remedied by developing their socialization skills. They prefer having other Chihuahuas around and can easily get hurt when they play with bigger dogs. They are a fragile animal so havin them around small children is not recommended. They are also sensitive to the cold weather and can live up to approximately 16 years.

Chihuahua Health Problems

Like any other dog breed, the Chihuahua has it’s share of genetic diseases. They can suffer from slipped stifles or knee injury as pressed on by the weakness of the joints, eye problems, fractures, heart disease, gum and tooth problems. They have a soft spot on the head called a molera and a blow in it can cause the dogs’ death.

Chihuahua dogs are perhaps the most beloved of the toy breeds. They are often seen tucked under the arms of their owners. They can be carried during outings. These dogs are also fond of playing with anything in sight. Therefore, you must be careful with your mails, tissue paper, and other documents. All in all, Chihuahuas are a wonderful pet and companion!