Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog and known for their lifespan and charming personality. According to the Guinness Book Of World Records, the smallest Chihuahua was 4 inches tall and weighed 2.21 pounds.
They are devoted to their families and make a great lap and cuddly dogs. These graceful dogs are perfect for calm and comfortable homes. For more information about Chihuahuas, keep on reading the article.
History Of Chihuahua🐶
Chihuahuas are a Mexican dog breed that is among the smallest of all dog breeds. They are known as toy designer dogs and were accepted by the AKC in 1904. Chihuahuas are aggressive, quick, alert, courageous and devoted dogs. It is believed that Chihuahua traces back to dogs who came to the country with Spanish travelers.
These small dogs are great options as household pets, because they don’t require extra grooming and are easy to handle. Chihuahuas are cuddly dogs that weigh between 2 to 6 pounds.
Everything About Adult Chihuahua🐱
5 to 8 inches
3 to 6 pounds
12 to 20 years
Smooth coat, but there are also long-haired Chihuahuas boasting either a flat or a wavy coat.
Black, chocolate, blue, white, tan and merle
Single & seniors, families with other animals
Devoted, curious, independent, smart playful and loyal
Moderate
$800 to $2,500
Physical Characteristics Of An Adult Chihuahua🐕🦺
Body🐱👤
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with compact bodies. Males Chihuahuas tend to be smaller than females, but both sexes are relatively close in height. The American Kennel Club states that Chihuahuas could be 5 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder.
Both sexes weigh between 3 to 6 pounds. If your Chihuahua’s weight becomes more than 6 pounds, in this case you need to meet with the vet because it could be the sign of some health problem.
Body Shape🐩
Chihuahuas are slightly longer than they are tall. Their ribs are rounded and their arched neck supports an uniquely rounded head. They are also known as apple-head dogs. They have a short muzzle that ends in a slight point. Chihuahuas have large perky ears that make an angle of 45°. They have medium-sized tails that loop up towards their back.
Eyes👁
Chihuahuas have very expressive and noticeable eyes. Their eyes are round and set far apart on the head. Their eyes always seem to shine with the inner light. Breeders prefer dark or ruby-coloured eyes, however they can be blue and sometimes have two different eye colors.
Coat🐻
Chihuahua have a smooth short coat, but there are also long-haired Chihuahuas boasting either a flat or a wavy coat. The only difference between long-haired Chihuahuas and short-haired Chihuahuas is the coat type, otherwise all of their other features are the same. Their coat come in a wide range of colors, some are given below:
Temperament Of An Adult Chihuahua’🐕
Chihuahuas have a reputation as lap dogs. They are energetic and like to play and barking rather than sleeping. They are very loyal and are known for their unique relationship that they make with their owner and other family members.
They don’t show aggression towards children. Their small size makes them an excellent option for apartment living. These tiny dogs are known for their affection with their owner and they also like to spend most of the time around their owner. They are fragile dogs and can suffer from separation anxiety, so don’t leave them alone for a long-period of time.
These dogs can be wary of unknown people and other animals. They are fragile dogs and are not recommended for those families who have small children at home. They are vocal dogs and like to express their feelings especially during playing.
Exercise Of An Adult Chihuahua🐾
Chihuahuas are a small dog breed, beside this they are also renowned for their energy level. They are energetic dogs and require proper exercise to stimulate their energy. You must make a proper timetable to meet their exercise needs.
There are many types of exercise that can help to fulfill their exercise needs such as swimming, running, walking, hiking and jumping. They are playful and enjoy outdoor activities, so you must take your Chihuahua outside every day. Taking your loving pooch on a daily short walk is a good idea.
During playing, they get 50% of their exercise needs and also build a strong bond with their owner. They don’t require long space to meet their exercise needs. With the physical exercise, they also need mental stimulation, so you must buy some interacting toys for your Chihuahua.
Training Of An Adult Chihuahua🐩
Chihuahuas are an intelligent dog breed and also renowned for their quick learning ability. They learn new tricks and commands more rapidly than larger dog breeds. Like other dog breeds, they are also wary of strangers so proper training from an early age is essential to make them socialize.
There are many types of training that can help for making your Chihuahua socialized such as sit and stand training, obedience training, crate training and potty training. Chihuahua puppies are stubborn by nature, so potty training can be challenging for owners. But with consistency and patience, it becomes possible.
With the right training and techniques, they make a good watchdog. They are vocal dogs and if unknown people enter your home without permission they will alert you by barking.
Care Of An Adult Chihuahua🐶🐾
Chihuahuas are small dog breeds and don’t require extra grooming, but to keep them healthy and clean a small amount of grooming is essential.
Diet & Nutrition Of An Adult Chihuahua🧆🍯
Although Chihuahuas are small dog breeds, they require high-quality and well-balanced dog food which contain essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, fibers, carbs, minerals and vitamins. They have small bellies, so feed them 3 to 4 small meals a day. You must choose animal-based proteins such as chicken, beef, turkey, eggs, duck and fish.
Provide your loving pooch fresh water all day long in a clean bowl. Stop your dog from overeating, because overeating can lead to obesity which can cause many internal diseases.
Health Issues Of An Adult Chihuahua🐱🥑
Although Chihuahuas are a healthy dog breed, but they have some health issues that they face in their whole life. Some health issues occur due to their small size. Common health issues of Chihuahua are given below:
| Minor Health Issues | Major Health Issues |
|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Tracheal Collapse |
| Hypoglycemia | Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) |
| Dental Problems | Valvular Disease |
| Seizures | Heart Murmurs |
| Hydrocephalus | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
As a responsible owner, you need to keep a close eye on your loving pooch for the early diagnosis of any health issues. Because early diagnosis can promote a successful treatment.
CONCLUSION🧾
Chihuahuas are an ancient dog breed and are known for their small size and charming personality. They first originated in Mexico. Nowadays, they have gained popularity for their intelligence and loyalty in the United States. Chihuahuas have smooth coats that come in a wide range of colors.
They are devoted to their families and are good options for apartment living. They are easy to train and perfect for calm and comfortable owners. They like to play all day long with their owner and other family members. They enjoy sweet treats at home. But it is also recommended to meet with the vet before starting any new food to your Chihuahua.
They have some health issues that can affect their long life. Proper care is necessary for their long life. If you are looking for a small-sized active dog breed then Chihuahua is the best option for your family.
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