create your own

Chihuahuas

93
rate or flag this page

By Whitney05


Long Hair Chihuahua


Chihuahua History

Carvings of a dog the resembles the Chihuahua has been found in the Monastery of Heujotzingo, between Mexico City and Puebla, which was constructed by Franciscan Monks around the year 1530. The Monks used stones that they gathered from the Toltec civilization, and although little is known about the Toltecs, it is known that they had a dog breed called the "Techichi."

The carvings on the stones at Huejotzingo give a full head view and a picture of an entire dog that closely resembles the modern-day Chihuahua. So, it is assumed that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi.

The Techichi was a religious icon among the ancient Toltec tribes and later among the Aztecs. Archaeologists have found the remains of this breed in human graves in Mexico and in parts of the United States.


Books About Chihuahuas

The Chihuahua Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks) The Chihuahua Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks)
Price: $3.69
List Price: $12.99
The Essential Chihuahua (Essential (Howell)) The Essential Chihuahua (Essential (Howell))
Price: $0.08
List Price: $7.95
Chihuahuas (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) Chihuahuas (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Price: $0.50
List Price: $8.99

Chihuahua Appearance

Chihuahuas are best known for their large eyes and their large- erect ears. The breed is the smallest of all dog breeds.

Chihuahuas come in two varieties- the long and smooth (short) coat.

For the most part the breed's average hieght rangers between 6 and 10 inches at the shoulder blades, but some chihuahuas may reach to 12 to 15 inches.

The AKC standard says that the Chihuahua should weight no more than 6 pounds, but on average chihuahuas range anywhere from 1.5 to 10 pounds.

The breed comes in a variety of colors to include fawn, red, cream, chocolate, black, and blue. But Chihuahuas, also, come in a variety of color patterns, as well, such as sable, Irish spotting, piebald spotting, extreme white spotting, brindle, masks, merle, and tan points.

Other names for a Chihuahua may include the Teacup Chihuahua, Pocket Chihuahua, Tiny Toy Chihuahua, Miniature Chihuahua, Micro Chihuahua, and the Standard Chihuahua. But, as per the Chihuahua Club of America there is no such thing as these being a separate breed than Chihuahua. Because the breed has a varied average weight, the Tiny Toy Chihuahua is nothing more than a standard, normal chihuahua. So, don't fall for paying more for a smaller sized Chihuahua pup, as that Teacup Chihuahua, is nothing more than a just small Chihuahua, not a breed in its own.


Chihuahuas

Chihuahua Temperament

Chihuahuas are highly devoted, ferocious, and full of personality, as well as curious.

And, because of their small size, they are easily adaptable to new environments, making great apartement dogs as well as house dogs.

With the proper training and socialization, Chihuahuas can be great pets. Otherwise, you well end up with a high-strung dog.

Chihuahuas are not great pet with those who have small children because of their small size. They can, also, have a tendency to bite, which can cause problems with small children, as at times, they may not know any better to touch here or pull there.

Many chihuahuas are one person dogs, and can become overly jealous of their chosen mommy or daddy.

They don't seem to have any concept of their own size and may fearlessly confront larger animals, which can result in injury.


Chihuahua Health

Chihuahuas tend to require expert veterinary attention in regards to breeding and dental care. They are prone to genetic health concerns, mostly neurological, such as epilepsy.

Chihuahuas, as with other small toy breeds, are prone to hydrocephalus. Chihuahua puppies may exhibit patchy skull platelets versus asolid bone. They may, also, be lethargic and slow growing when compared to other chihuahua puppies.

Chihuahuas are also known for having moleras, which is a soft spot in their skull. Chihuahuas are the only breed that is born with an incomplete skull. Like a human baby, you will need to take great care to watching the puppy during the first six months, just to make sure that damage does not occur to the soft spot.

Chihuahuas can, also, be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can lead to coma, if not attended to properly.

They are prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance.

Chihuahuas also have a tendency to shake, but this is not a health issue.

The average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately 8 to 18 years of age.

Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition. At the same time, you must take care to keep the dog exercised and not overfed. Overweight Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.


Chihuahua Puppies

Short Hair Chihuahua
Short Hair Chihuahua
Logn Hair Chihuahua
Logn Hair Chihuahua

Chihuahuas As Pets

When many people and families decide that it's time to get a dog, they begin their search, usually looking for a small dog they can keep in the house. The most common choice is the Chihuahua...

I, personally, think these people should research and think again. People with young children, or people who intend on having children, need to consider the interaction between the dog and the child. As Chihuahuas tend to be nippy and jealous, they will bite. They are, actually, one of the highest ranked breeds as being dog biters.

These dogs truly are the "ankle biters" that the nickname for small dogs holds. Chihuahuas tend to suffer "Little Man Syndrome" in which they think they are much larger than they truly are, which can get them into a lot of trouble with other dogs, people, and children.

You must carefully supervise children and chihuahuas, more than you would supervise young children with other small dog breeds.

I would recommend this breed for single individuals, as they trully are one person dogs.

But, with heavy socialization and training, they can learn to live in a family properly and happily. If you must choose a Chihuahua, make sure that you are prepared!

Pictures can be found at flickr.com.

Comments

RSS for comments on this Hub

MrMarmalade profile image

MrMarmalade  says:
2 years ago

Loved them.

I have an old book called the dog and gives the history of the dogs of all descriptions, I mean the entire history going back to Adam as a boy.

compu-smart profile image

compu-smart  says:
2 years ago

I love the word Chihuahua! it has a certain ring to it Chihuahua Chihuahua:O They are so cute too.

Aman  says:
2 years ago

I really liked the Hub.gr8.keep writing.

helenathegreat profile image

helenathegreat  says:
2 years ago

Very thorough hub. As you said, it's so important for them to be socialized and trained so they don't become high-strung and annoying; just because they're small doesn't mean they're not dogs!!

Well done. :)

Chris Miller  says:
2 years ago

I have a Chihuahua too and it is so cute it has almost long hair, it like half way there. like i love it because it’s so cute and heartwarming.

gwendymom profile image

gwendymom  says:
16 months ago

I love this hub, not only do I get to look at cute chihuahua pics but I get to learn something new about them too. I have a Chi and love her so very much! They are great dogs.

RVilleneuve profile image

RVilleneuve  says:
12 months ago

My daughter wants one so badly! New Hub

riotgrrrl profile image

riotgrrrl  says:
12 months ago

i love them!!! fabulous hub

xxx

nicko guzman profile image

nicko guzman  says:
10 months ago

Did you know that chihuhuas were thought to have originated in Chihuahua,Mexico.I like this breed.

myawn profile image

myawn  says:
6 months ago

I love the Chihuhua breed. I have been wanting ti get one.Thanks for all the great information them and the beauitful pictures. Nice Hub

Krissymac profile image

Krissymac  says:
3 months ago

I personaly love big dogs only because I do a lot of hiking and out door things and they are just became my buddys but after reading this it has changed my mind about the little guys and those photos are just plain cute

elle  says:
3 months ago

I have a 10 year old long-haired chihuahua with a perfect

apple dome. She is the sweetest dog we've had. We socialized

her from the start and she loves people. Has NEVER nipped at

anyone, but would lick them to death if allowed! She loves

children. The only time she barks if is someone is on our

property and at the deer who graze in our yard.

izettl profile image

izettl  says:
3 months ago

I would say there is more negative about owning a chihuahua than positive. I have a classic chihuahua, meaning everything it says about the breed is true with my dog. He doesn't like children, he has bitten someone (we socialized him as a pup), he has knee issues and hypoglycemia and heartburn, he is a very picky eater, barks way too much, and can't be left out of his kennel unattended without getting into trouble- they are so curious they look for trouble. Don't get a chihuahua if you plan on having kids. We got ours before our first child and we should give him away but not many people are willing to take a dog with so many health problems. They also have a problem losing their baby teeth and they must be pulled, costing a lot at the vet.

Submit a Comment
Members and Guests

Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.


optional


  • No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked
  • Comments are not for promoting your hubs or other sites

working