The oldest dog breed, which was known to the Aztec and Mayan tribes, is today very popular among animal lovers around the world. And this is due not only to the miniature size and unpretentiousness of the Chihuahua. The characteristics of the breed indicate the devotion and affectionate nature of these babies.
Decorative breeds of dogs through selection selection began to be bred back in the Middle Ages. Unlike most of them, a chihuahua has formed in vivo. This fact is confirmed by drawings depicting these animals from the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, where this dog was considered a sacred animal. In this article we will introduce you to the characterization of the Chihuahua breed. Photos of these funny kids will help determine the choice of color if you plan to have such a charming pet.
A bit of history
The first mention of a tiny dog ​​with large ears dates back to the 9th century. This is confirmed by the results of excavations conducted in Mexico. It is believed that the Chihuahua is a native of North America, and the breed got its name in honor of the state of Chihuahua (Mexico). In the XIX century, the first description and characterization of the Chihuahua breed appeared, in which the animal is presented as a small and almost hairless dog with large ears.
Representatives of the breed received worldwide fame after getting their relatives in the Guinness Book of Records. Chihuahua Boo Boo became the smallest in the history of observations - its weight was 675 grams with a growth of 10 cm.
External features
An elegant dog with a bold character and excellent reaction has a very modest size: height - 15-23 centimeters, and weight ranges from 0.5 to 2.7 kilograms. The harmoniously folded body of the animal is distinguished by a slender posture. Males have a square build, and bitches are slightly elongated, which is explained by the characteristics of the reproductive system.
Chihuahua is represented by two body types:
The official breed standard adopted by the International Cynological Federation describes the ideal weight of the dog: it ranges from 1.5 to 3 kg, and the permissible - from 500 grams to 1.5 kilograms. The concept of supermini or mini in characterizing the Chihuahua breed does not exist. It was invented by breeders to attract customers. In fact, a mini chihuahua is a dwarf dog whose weight does not exceed a kilogram, and a supermini is an animal weighing from 500 grams to a kilogram.
Five hundred gram individuals are extremely rare (like dwarfs among humans). In our country, puppies are mainly sold, promising buyers about a kilogram weight.
Head
In this tiny dog, its head is quite large in relation to the body, has the shape of an apple, which is the hallmark of the breed. The skull of the miniature dog has a rather unusual structure - a small gap, the so-called fontanel, is preserved between its bones throughout the life of the animal.
The standard and characteristics of the Chihuahua breed allow any color of the nose, in accordance with the color of the coat, but black is preferred. The round dark button eyes are quite large, with a smart and penetrating look. Eye color should also match the color of the coat.
Large ears are set high, but in a calm state they hang at an angle of 45 °. When a dog is agitated, they become upright. Like body shape, the neck of different-sex dogs is different. It is more powerful in males.
Limbs
In Chihuahua, the limbs are straight, set parallel to each other. Paws are long, hind legs have well developed muscles.
Tail
Flat tail chihuahua medium length. At the base it is wider, tapering to the tip. A small dog always coquettishly holds him high. He looks very elegant, beautifully twisting in a half ring. A ponytail hanging in the legs or twisting below the even line of the back is a disqualifying factor.
Hair coat
Studying the characteristics of the Chihuahua breed, you should pay attention to the description of the dog's coat. It is devoid of a specific smell, does not need complex care. The length of the Chihuahua's hair is divided into two types:
- In short-haired babies, the coat is silky and soft to the touch, tight to the body of the dog. In the area of ​​the tail and neck, the hairs are slightly longer. And on the back and throat, the coat is quite rare.
- In the second type, the coat is straight and thick. The standard allows small waves, but not curly. It is desirable that the longer coat was on the hind limbs, on the tail and ears. Due to the fact that these miniature animals practically do not fade and have no smell, it is extremely rare for them to have an allergy - only in cases when the human immune system is greatly weakened. Or with asthma.
Color
Characterization of a dog of the Chihuahua breed suggests that these babies have a variety of colors. The standard does not provide any restrictions. It can be of the following types:
- tricolor;
- two-tone;
- monophonic.
Chihuahua character
Despite the calm disposition, these babies do not always find a common language with representatives of other dog breeds, preferring to communicate with relatives. Sometimes it seems that the Chihuahuas are not aware of their size and weight. If desired, they chase larger dogs. Puppies of this breed can, like children, play tirelessly. Adult animals prefer peace and silence.
Dogs of this nature are hardy and patient. They have an instant reaction and excellent hearing. They hear the owner’s footsteps in the entrance and recognize the sound of his car’s alarm. Chihuahuas distinguish intonations and voices and adapt to the mood of the owner.
According to statistics, bitches of other breeds are more loyal, and males are shrews. With representatives of the breed under discussion, the situation is somewhat different - boys are much more flexible. The only owner in the family to whom they implicitly obey is chosen by the Chihuahua girl. Characteristics of the breed, its pros and cons should be considered when choosing the sex of the future pet. So, if you plan to get a family dog, then you should choose a boy.
Chihuahua dogs are proud, territorial, prone to domination. Do not think that these small animals are completely harmless. If you are not attracted to fighting for a place on the couch or for the right to own your shoes, you must first determine the hierarchy in the pack. The dog must understand that the owner is its leader.
Care and maintenance
We have already said that today these charming creatures in our country are very popular. That is why many canine publications often publish on their pages the characteristics of the Chihuahua breed. Caring for a dog is simple, although it has its own characteristics.
Chihuahua babies quickly get used to the toilet tray. But this does not mean that your little friend must constantly be in the apartment. Owners of such an animal should plan their day in such a way that at least half an hour is found in it for a walk with the pet. This chihuahua is enough. To "go out" your pet will need a leash so that this fragile and delicate creature is always under the control of the owner.
Barriers and stairs, too heavy lifts can harm the baby's spine. Therefore, through all obstacles, you should carry the dog in your arms. The characteristics of the Chihuahua breed indicate that they are very neat animals: a Chihuahua will not go in a puddle. And in this case, the owner’s hands will come to the rescue.
Hygiene procedures
Long-haired chihuahuas molt twice a year. At this time, you need to comb out the hair of your pet four times a week. Babies are bathed three times a year, not counting the washing of dirty paws after walking.
Three times a month, claws are trimmed to the dogs. It is important to take care of the eyes and ears, which are cleaned with cotton swabs, and the eyes are treated with a napkin dipped in a special eye care liquid that can be bought at any veterinary pharmacy.
Hair care
Shorthair dogs practically do not molt, unlike their long-haired relatives, which molt twice a year. As we already said, during molting they are combed out four times a week. It becomes quite obvious if you carefully study the characteristics of the Chihuahua breed: caring for this tiny pet is completely easy. They can be kept in a very small apartment.
Temperament
Interestingly, dog handlers, veterinarians and owners often give different characteristics to breed representatives. The pros and cons in the descriptions are so closely intertwined that sometimes the same quality of a chihuahua is a disadvantage for some and a virtue for others.
These dogs are psychologically stable in comparison with other representatives of decorative breeds. Manifestation of cowardice, hysteria, panic states are uncharacteristic of these animals. Kids are endowed with a strong spirit, they keep themselves brave and majestic. They are predisposed to arrogance, some things are dealt down.
Chihuahuas are extremely curious, while possessing angelic patience. Tiny dogs from the first days of appearing in a new house enthusiastically study the territory, with undisguised interest observe their beloved owner: they watch for hours on end how he performs even the most monotonous work, reads or works at a computer. By carefully studying the owner, they can very soon determine what mood he is in.
Owners of animals note that long-haired chihuahuas are softer and more flexible, and shorthair ones are noticeably more mobile and can often be angry. But they will not harm the owner under any circumstances, because they are infinitely loyal to him, but at times they can be jealous of him.
Training and education
Having become acquainted with the characteristics of the Chihuahua breed, we can conclude: this cute and miniature creature does not need training. It is enough for your little friend to learn the basic commands: “not allowed”, “place”, “to me”. And the representatives of this breed should be brought up from the first minutes of the appearance of the puppy in the house.
By five months, he should be accustomed to walk on a leash. Despite the calm disposition, these dogs can be stubborn. Disobedience cannot be ignored - in this case, the baby should be strictly scolded. These dogs understand very well when the owner is unhappy and speaks seriously.
Characteristics of the Chihuahua breed: pros and cons
There are quite a few advantages and disadvantages of this breed. We will try to understand this issue, relying on the feedback of experts and owners, so that future owners are ready for pleasant (and not so) surprises.
pros
- Regardless of the length of the coat and color, these babies are very cute. They win more and more hearts of animal lovers with their intelligence, insight and, of course, appearance. After all, not every dog ​​can fit in your palm or pocket.
- Chihuahua feels comfortable even in the apartment itself. Often a person dreams of a dog, but cannot afford to get it. In a one-room apartment, large and active animals suffer, and the chihuahua is comfortably housed.
- The magnificent hearing, the developed observation of these dogs make them indispensable assistants for people with hearing loss. They can report phone calls and bring small items to the owner, thus showing attention and care.
- Chihuahuas quickly understand what a tray has been set for, and this, you see, is a huge plus for working owners. From the characteristics of the Chihuahua breed, you can understand that in order to achieve this, you need to take time to train the puppy, keep the tray clean, because these animals are very clean.
- A healthy dog ​​does not require complicated care, only the usual hygiene procedures for dogs are needed - combing the hair, cutting nails, cleansing the ears and eyes. There is only one strict rule: a chihuahua must be visited by a veterinarian at least once every six months.
- The intelligence of these animals allows them to understand people well. They subconsciously bypass conflicted or annoyed people and never come in contact with them.
Cons of the breed
It may seem that these babies have no shortcomings, judging by the characteristics of the Chihuahua breed. Nevertheless, there are minuses, and experts believe that there are more than pluses. But do not back down if you are planning to buy such a pet.
So, judging by the reviews, the main drawback is the fragility of the breed. Most injuries sustained by these animals are fractures. Dogs break their paws by simply jumping off the couch. Children living in the house may accidentally, not wanting to, harm the pet during the games.
Chihuahuas have an active metabolism - they eat quite a lot for their size and spend a lot of energy on heating their body. Due to its small growth, the dog spends the bulk of its life in cold air masses, and therefore animals need winter and demi-season clothing.
Bathing is rare, but care must be taken to ensure that your pet is not in a draft after water procedures - representatives of the breed suffer from congenital breathing problems, and any cold can give an impetus to the development of complications.
The negative qualities of these animals owners include uncontrolled urination under stress: they can make a puddle in difficult situations for them.
Chihuahua is characterized by resentment: they do not tolerate insults, tactless treatment, increase voice and can even get sick after such stress.
And another important point is the health of the chihuahua. These babies have a large set of hereditary diseases. When purchasing a puppy, you should only rely on the documents and conclusions of the veterinarian. Before buying, show the selected pet to an uninterested specialist, since you should not rely solely on the integrity of the breeder.
Chihuahua breed characterization: owner reviews
Today you learned more about these fascinating creatures. People who became the owners of such cute babies claim that they never regretted that this curious, attentive and neat pet appeared in their house. Most owners believe that their pets have no flaws. They are cute and funny, loyal, do not cause trouble in leaving, it is interesting for both adults and children. However, it should be remembered that the acquisition of such a miniature pet is a big responsibility. You have to make sure that you do not inadvertently cripple the baby or that he himself does not harm himself in the process of active games. Particular care should be taken when going to bed: these creatures adore the master’s bed, so if you allow pets to sleep next to each other, be extremely careful: turning awkwardly, you can crush crumbs. It’s better to immediately accustom the animal to the fact that he has his own place in this house, and the bed is a forbidden territory.