Especially if you live in an apartment or a flat and you are thinking of having a four-legged companion with whom to share several years of your life, then there is nothing like choosing a small dog, like the pure or cross chihuahua for example.
This furry, despite the fact that he has a reputation for being very nervous and barking, is a piece of bread that needs patience, affection and respect from his humans. In fact, with a good education and training, it will not be difficult for you to adore him 😉. Learn more.
Origin and history
The Chihuahua or Chihuahueño is a dog that is believed to originate from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, although that is a hypothesis that has not yet been confirmed. If that we found its roots in Mexico, but it is not known exactly where.
What we can say for sure is that the oldest records come from the techichi, a dog with very similar characteristics, dating from the XNUMXth century, but it is possible that he was already living with the Mayans. In the ruins of Chichén Itzá (Yucatán peninsula), and among the pyramids of Cholula, records were also found.
The Chihuahua we know today is much smaller than its predecessor. Researchers have shown that the furry that makes our day today was crossed with European dogs.
How is the Chihuahua dog breed?
The chihuahua is a small animal: the male measures between 15,2 and 22,9cm in height at the withers and the female 15,2-20,3cm, although some can reach 30cm. It weighs between 1,5 and 3kg. You can have long or short hair, which can be of any color (black, chocolate, cream, white, brown…). It has a life expectancy of 12 to 20 years.
What types of chihuahua dogs are there?
There are two varieties:
- Apple head chihuahua: is the most common. Its ears are large and wide apart, almost always straight. The body is small, and its tail turns on the back.
- Deer head chihuahua: it is something bigger than the previous one. The head is longer, and it has a taller and more slender body.
Behavior and / or personality
It's a dog very intelligent and observant, who loves to get away with it. But he is also brave, loving. He enjoys being the center of attention, but precisely because of that and because of how easy it is to fall into their networks, you have to start educating him from the first day he comes home with respect and patience.
Care
Food
Considering that it is a carnivorous animal, the natural thing for him is to give him Barf or homemade food. But, although that is the best option, if it is not done well it can cause health problems, so if you decide to give it natural food, consult a veterinary nutritionist. He will examine your Chihuahua and prepare a special diet for your friend.
Still, if you don't want to get too complicated, you can always give Yum Diet (it would be the same as Barf, but with the ingredients chopped and mixed), or feed without cereals.
Hygiene
The hair of this little boy can be short or long, in any case, you have to comb it once every day of its life. When you notice that it falls out more often, as will happen in the molting season (spring), brush it twice a day. This will help him stay cooler, and you won't have to vacuum as much.
Exercise
Despite its size, it is a dog that has a high energy level. For this reason, it is not an animal that you can always hold in your arms or within four walls. So that, pass it every day, at least once, but it is advisable to be three or more.
If you spend a long time doing nothing, you will get bored. And if he gets bored, he will engage in unwanted behaviors, like barking a lot or chewing on things.
"Salud"
It is a breed that is in very good health. Of course, you have to take it to get all the necessary vaccines, as well as the microchip. And if you don't want it to breed, ask your vet what options you have.
How to teach a Chihuahua puppy?
Always with patience, affection and respect. None of the three things can be missing. It is true that the Chihuahua can be very stubborn (stubborn), and sometimes unruly, but you can set the limits in a good way without yelling or hitting him (by the way, remember that mistreating an animal is a crime in many countries, as in Spain).
He has to have his daily routine, and you must be in it. So teach him basic tricks, like "sit" or "come", try to exercise and have fun, and then at home you will see that he is calm.
Price
A pure chihuahua puppy costs about 300 euros, but if you don't care too much about the purity of the breed, you can visit an animal shelter or shelter, since there are usually Chihuahuas looking for a family that loves them.
Photos
If you want to enjoy more images of Chihuahua, here are some:
