Wednesday, March 31, 2010
“a graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression…”
Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and not to be underestimated for their diminutive size. These sassy little dogs have an independent streak. Owners must keep in mind that the breed is overall healthy; however, their small size makes them fragile. They should be kept indoors or don a sporty sweater during the chilly seasons because their tiny bodies cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
Children & Large Dogs
According to the AKC Breed Standard, Chihuahuas are six pounds or smaller. As tiny dogs they are defenseless with young children and large dogs. They must be constantly supervised and kept separated when direct supervision is not possible. It is advisable to keep your Chihuahua on a leash whenever you are in public. This will enable you to quickly pull your Chihuahua out of harm’s way, and will prevent the dog from running away when frightened.
Feeding
Chihuahuas have higher metabolisms than most breeds and should be fed premium dog foods. When a quality dog food is fed, no additional supplementation is recommended. Young puppies should have dry food available at all times to prevent hypoglycemia. Older adult dogs may be fed twice daily. Be careful not to overfeed your Chihuahua, as obesity can create health issues and shorten your pet’s lifespan.
Fresh water should always be readily available to your Chihuahua.
Grooming Your Chihuahua
Puppies should be bathed as needed with a mild, puppy-safe shampoo and kept warm and out of drafts until completely dry. Chihuahuas should be brushed regularly, especially the long coat variety. Brush your Chihuahua’s teeth regularly and provide appropriate chew toys. Have your veterinarian check his teeth yearly. Poorly maintained teeth may lead to other health problems. Clean ears with a cotton ball and mild ear cleaner made for dogs. If the inside of the ear is red, irritated, has a foul odor or a dark brown residue, have your dog checked by a veterinarian. Trim your Chihuahua’s nails regularly. If you do not feel comfortable with this procedure, have your veterinarian or a groomer do it. Untrimmed nails can create splayed feet and make walking uncomfortable for your pet.
Health Care
Ask your Chihuahua’s breeder and/or other toy breed owners to recommend a good vet. Your puppy’s breeder should provide you with a medical history for you to bring to your vet. Your veterinarian can advise you on how to continue to keep your puppy healthy and free of fleas, heartworms and other parasites. Immunizations are strongly recommended to prevent serious disease. Rabies is required by law.
Molera
Historically, the Chihuahua developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a “soft spot” on the top of the head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or fontanel, is known as a Molera; and is the same as that found in human babies. In the past, this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed, and it is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over. A domed head with a molera present does not predispose the Chihuahua to hydrocephalus.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It can occur if a puppy has gone too long between meals, has gotten chilled or is stressed. A puppy that has become hypoglycemic will lack energy and become listless. Corn syrup and honey (diluted 50-50 with water) are readily available items you can give your puppy to restore its sugar balance. If it does not respond immediately seek
veterinary assistance.
Teacup Myth
Our breed standard recognizes two varieties of Chihuahuas, the long coat and the smooth coat. All Chihuahuas must weigh six pounds or under as our standard specifi es in order to be shown. Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That puppy is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct.
Activities
Regardless of what type of activities you choose, your Chihuahua will be happy to simply be with you.
Responsible Dog Ownership
Along with proper feeding and care of your companion, if you are not going to show your dog in Conformation it should be spayed or neutered. This will eliminate the risk of cancer in the reproductive organs, as well as reduce the birth complications in the females. Accidental
breeding to breeds larger than Chihuahuas can produce fatal results to the dam. The males will be much less prone to wandering, aggressive behaviors, and marking their territory. AKC allows the exhibiting of spayed/neutered dogs in any of its Companion Events sports. If you fi nd that you can no longer keep your Chihuahua for any reason, do not take your Chihuahua to a shelter. A dog the size of a Chihuahua does not fare well in shelter conditions. First contact the breeder you obtained your dog from to ask for their assistance.
Children & Large Dogs
According to the AKC Breed Standard, Chihuahuas are six pounds or smaller. As tiny dogs they are defenseless with young children and large dogs. They must be constantly supervised and kept separated when direct supervision is not possible. It is advisable to keep your Chihuahua on a leash whenever you are in public. This will enable you to quickly pull your Chihuahua out of harm’s way, and will prevent the dog from running away when frightened.
Feeding
Chihuahuas have higher metabolisms than most breeds and should be fed premium dog foods. When a quality dog food is fed, no additional supplementation is recommended. Young puppies should have dry food available at all times to prevent hypoglycemia. Older adult dogs may be fed twice daily. Be careful not to overfeed your Chihuahua, as obesity can create health issues and shorten your pet’s lifespan.
Fresh water should always be readily available to your Chihuahua.
Grooming Your Chihuahua
Puppies should be bathed as needed with a mild, puppy-safe shampoo and kept warm and out of drafts until completely dry. Chihuahuas should be brushed regularly, especially the long coat variety. Brush your Chihuahua’s teeth regularly and provide appropriate chew toys. Have your veterinarian check his teeth yearly. Poorly maintained teeth may lead to other health problems. Clean ears with a cotton ball and mild ear cleaner made for dogs. If the inside of the ear is red, irritated, has a foul odor or a dark brown residue, have your dog checked by a veterinarian. Trim your Chihuahua’s nails regularly. If you do not feel comfortable with this procedure, have your veterinarian or a groomer do it. Untrimmed nails can create splayed feet and make walking uncomfortable for your pet.
Health Care
Ask your Chihuahua’s breeder and/or other toy breed owners to recommend a good vet. Your puppy’s breeder should provide you with a medical history for you to bring to your vet. Your veterinarian can advise you on how to continue to keep your puppy healthy and free of fleas, heartworms and other parasites. Immunizations are strongly recommended to prevent serious disease. Rabies is required by law.
Molera
Historically, the Chihuahua developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a “soft spot” on the top of the head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or fontanel, is known as a Molera; and is the same as that found in human babies. In the past, this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed, and it is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over. A domed head with a molera present does not predispose the Chihuahua to hydrocephalus.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It can occur if a puppy has gone too long between meals, has gotten chilled or is stressed. A puppy that has become hypoglycemic will lack energy and become listless. Corn syrup and honey (diluted 50-50 with water) are readily available items you can give your puppy to restore its sugar balance. If it does not respond immediately seek
veterinary assistance.
Teacup Myth
Our breed standard recognizes two varieties of Chihuahuas, the long coat and the smooth coat. All Chihuahuas must weigh six pounds or under as our standard specifi es in order to be shown. Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That puppy is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct.
Activities
Regardless of what type of activities you choose, your Chihuahua will be happy to simply be with you.
Responsible Dog Ownership
Along with proper feeding and care of your companion, if you are not going to show your dog in Conformation it should be spayed or neutered. This will eliminate the risk of cancer in the reproductive organs, as well as reduce the birth complications in the females. Accidental
breeding to breeds larger than Chihuahuas can produce fatal results to the dam. The males will be much less prone to wandering, aggressive behaviors, and marking their territory. AKC allows the exhibiting of spayed/neutered dogs in any of its Companion Events sports. If you fi nd that you can no longer keep your Chihuahua for any reason, do not take your Chihuahua to a shelter. A dog the size of a Chihuahua does not fare well in shelter conditions. First contact the breeder you obtained your dog from to ask for their assistance.
For more information on the
Chihuahua please visit:
The Chihuahua Club of America, Inc.
http://www.ChihuahuaClubOf America.com
and
The American Kennel Club
http://www.akc.org
We have complete articles on our website and are most
eager to help you in any way we can!
Chihuahua please visit:
The Chihuahua Club of America, Inc.
http://www.ChihuahuaClubOf America.com
and
The American Kennel Club
http://www.akc.org
We have complete articles on our website and are most
eager to help you in any way we can!
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com
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