Introducing the Chihuahau
From taco commercials to everything cute and fun-loving, the Americas adore the playful love of a Chihuahua. Despite their small size, they have prominent personalities. They are charming, intelligent, and quite sassy. Most importantly, they are a loyal toy breed many owners cherish.
The American Kennel Club describes the Chihuahua in this way.
“The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. A national symbol of Mexico, these alert and amusing “purse dogs” stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times.”
Famous for the purse dog that you can take almost anywhere, they are also busy dogs that love to be near their owners. In fact, you can step on them as they play underfoot if not careful. Additionally, they are excellent watchdogs as they are very alert to strangers and will bark to get your attention to the matter. Needless to say, they are not good guard dogs, though.
Keep reading here to fall in love with the Chihuahua. Of course, if you have any questions we do not answer here, contact the office to get them all answered by our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Chihuahua Appearance
The coat of the Chihuahua comes in varying lengths from short to smooth and long. And their markings can be varied as well. They can be solid black, white, fawn, chocolate, gray, or silver, with a range of shades for all colors. Or they can be tricolor in chocolate, black, or blue with tan and white, brindle, spotted, and merle.
Chihuahuas also have two main head shapes; they are the apple and the deer shape. And in those head shapes, there resides a large brain, making them intelligent and easily trainable. However, they have tiny bladders. So, housebreaking your Chihuahua may prove difficult.
Average Height: 6-9 inches
Average Weight: 2-6 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15 years or more
Chihuahua Care
Caring for a Chihuahua takes a few extra steps medium-sized dogs do not accept. Like a large dog, size matters here. Knowing how petite the pup is, you may want them for an apartment dog or a lap dog companion. But if you have toddlers and very young children, you may want to think twice about the Chihuahua as a pet. They are much too fragile for the roughhousing of a toddler.
Other than noting their size, Chihuahuas are relatively easy pets to care for.
Nutrition
As with most dogs, Chihuahuas can get overweight. So, they should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size, age, and activity level. And remember that treats are great for training, but there can be a point where too many treats are not suitable for dogs.
Grooming
Grooming your Chihuahua is easy. They really don’t shed much and only require a minimum of teeth brushing, nail trimming, and bathing once a week. Even the lengthy hair varieties only need to be brushed to keep tangles away. Also, Chihuahuas can get excessive ear wax build-up. So occasionally, check and clean their ears.
Exercise
Chis love to run and play, and they only need a small space to do so. In fact, walking with owners around the home is often enough, added with the occasional chasing of the tail routine. But owners should not allow their dogs to overexert. When they are panting or seem exhausted, you may need to pick them up and carry them the rest of the way.
Health
Chihuahuas are a generally healthy breed but can develop health issues as they age. Some of the problems that can develop include the following:
- Heart disease
- Patellar luxation
- Hypoglycemia
- And epilepsy
Furthermore, the best care you can give your Chihuahua is to have an excellent veterinarian to rely on. That is what Animal Care Centers is all about, providing the best care for pets and their owners.
Trust Your Pet to the Loving Care of ACC
From the moment you enter Animal Care Center, you’ll be among the friendly staff, owners, and pets who prefer Dr. Williams. The total preventative care of your pet is our pleasure. So, you need not worry one bit. What’s more, the team will welcome your pet with open arms putting your loved ones at ease.
The best care for your furry family member is at Animal Care Center. We provide complete care for all your pet’s health needs, including dental care, internal medicine, and emergency care. Caring for the total pet is our specialty. From eyes and ears to testing and surgery, the people of Smyrna, Georgia, and the Greater Atlanta Area can count on the fantastic staff at Animal Care Center and our own Dr. Williams.