Pawpedia: All you need to know about Chihuahuas

Breed description about Chihuahuas

Who doesn’t love these adorable toy-sized creatures that easily win everyone’s heart? That’s right, we are talking about the Chihuahuas. The breed that has currently grown extremely popular due to their adorable size and their ability to adjust to urban spaces that are relatively small. Everyone loves a cute little pet companion for themselves. They can be easily transported and always love playing and socializing with their owners. They might not be the friendliest when it comes to socializing with strangers, but just like all dogs eventually do, they come around to the idea pretty quickly if the people interacting with them do it right. With no further ado, let’s look at some interesting facts about these cute little creatures.

 

• History and Origin of Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are said to have originated somewhere near Siberia and were considered an extremely rare breed until the early 20th century. The Aztecs (a historic mesoamerican culture in central Mexico) are known to have raised these breeds of dogs and exchanged them as food in their times. This is recorded in writing. Chihuahuas, according to DNA testing, have been said to have existed for over 9000 years now. Since they were popularly found in Mexico they are also named after a region in Mexico called the ‘Chihuahua’ (they were mostly found in plenty in this region)

 

• Description:

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds out there. They are also categorized by their round eyes and erect, pointy ears. They are known to have an apple-like shaped head and there is almost a ninety degree angle between their muzzle and the skull. Their eyes are often remarkably big when compared to the overall size of their head which is quite small. 

 

• Average weight:

                  Males: 1.5 to 2.7 kgs

                  Females: 1.5 to 3 kgs

             One unique fact about Chihuahuas is that they are capable of weighing much more than the accepted weight range. In fact, puppies from the same litter can grow up to be markedly different when it comes to sizes.

 

• Average size:

      Females: 5 to 9 inches

      Males: 6 to 12 inches 

However, some might even grow up to 15 inches in height. 

 

• Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years

However, the longest living Chihuahua is known to have lived for over 20 years. Just like humans, the healthier food they eat and the healthier their lifestyle is (unless they already have genetic predispositions for diseases), Chihuahuas can live a long and fulfilling life.

 

• Activity: Chihuahuas, as you might have guessed from the size, do not enjoy intense levels of physical activity. Although like any other breed, walks are necessary for their general well-being, Chihuahuas can do with short walks and moderately-tiring physical exercises. When engaged in playtime especially by their own pet parents, Chihuahuas respond quite well and enjoy a good playtime – be it with their favorite toys or by running around in the lawn.

• Temperament: Chihuahuas are not particularly friendly when it comes to strangers. However, once they get used to them they are extremely adorable as ever. They are very protective of their pet parents and have the strong urge to be on guard for them. They are cuddly, caring and enjoy receiving attention from their loved ones. They are also extremely energetic breeds.

• Vocalness: Chihuahuas have the tendency to bark a lot and quite vocal when compared to other breeds.

• Shedding and grooming: Chihuahuas like most other breeds need to be groomed regularly to ensure hygiene. They are not aggressive shedders but depending on the kind of the breed, you have to ensure that their grooming appointments are regular especially if they are long-coat ones. They also need very regular nail trimming sessions.

• Training: Chihuahuas cannot take hardcore training and do not enjoy too much physical activity. They might also be a little hard to train as they concentrate less and are hard to tame. However, the right trainer can do wonders for your Chihuahua and discipline them the right way.