Chihuahua Dog Breed Overview
One of the most searched dog breeds on the internet, Chihuahua belongs to the small size dog. Also known as Chihuahueño, this breed was discovered first in Mexico . The average lifespan of this dog breed is 10-18 years and is associated with the Companion Dogs Group.
Dog Breed Name: Chihuahua Other Names: Chihuahueño Size: small size dog Average Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) Average Weight: 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) Energy: average energy level Origin: Mexico Group: Companion Dogs Life Span: 10 to 18 years Dog Breed Overview: As with so many breeds, the Chihuahua's origins are unclear, but there are two theories of how he came to be. The first is that he descended from a Central or South American dog known as the Techichi.When we look at the evidence of the Chihuahua coming from Central and South America, we find ourselves looking back to the Toltec civilization. There are Toltec carvings dating to the 9th century C.E. that depict a dog resembling the Chihuahua, with the same large ears and round head. These dogs were called Techichi, and their purpose in Toltec civilization is obscure.When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they absorbed the Techichi into their society. Many of the dogs lived in temples and were used in Aztec rituals. The Aztecs believed that the Techichi had mystic powers, including the ability to see the future, heal the sick, and safely guide the souls of the dead to the underworld. It was customary to kill a red Techichi and cremate him with the remains of the deceased. The Aztecs also used the Techichi as a source of food and pelts. The Spanish conquered the Aztecs in the late 1500s and the Techichi faded into obscurity. Colours: Chocolate,Fawn,Tan,Cream,Red,Black Temperament: Alert,Devoted,Intelligent,Courageous,Lively,Quick Pros:
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Chihuahua Dog Breed Price
Chihuahua from regular breeders cost you from $600 to $800 per puppy.
Chihuahua Dog Breed Size
The Chihuahua varies in size: males are normally about 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) in height and around 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) in weight, while females are normally around 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) in height and 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) in weight.
Chihuahua Dog Breed Temperament
They like attention and are loyal to their owners. Even though they are considered lap dogs, they are active and like to be kept occupied. Chihuahuas are good family pets when treated respectfully, but they have a reputation for snapping at strangers or small children who may be threatening to their diminutive size.
Chihuahua Dog Breed Lifespan
The average lifespan for a Chihuahua is 10 to 18 years. That’s because these are medium-sized dogs with a good mix of genes in their blood.
Interesting Facts about Chihuahua Dog
- Choose a Chihuahua breeder who provides health clearances for patellas and heart conditions.
- The Chihuahua is a long-lived breed; expect to care for him for up to 18 years.
- Chihuahuas are prone to shivering when they are cold, excited, or scared. Provide your Chihuahua with a sweater or coat when he goes outdoors in cold or wet weather.
- Chihuahuas can be unfriendly toward other dogs if they’re not socialized when young. Chihuahuas don’t back down from other dogs and this can cause a problem if they encounter a large aggressive dog.
- Don’t leave your Chihuahua unattended in the yard. He could be attacked by a hawk, other birds of prey, or larger dogs or coyotes.
- Chihuahuas can be reserved with strangers. Choose a puppy that was whelped and raised in a home with a lot of human interaction.
- Chihuahuas are not the best dog to have when you have young children. Chihuahuas are fragile and a toddler may hurt the dog while playing. Most breeders won’t sell puppies to homes with children younger than eight years.
- The Chihuahua’s ears can be prone to ear wax build up and dry skin.
- Chihuahuas are happy as companions, but they do need 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily and can go for much longer than you might expect. Monitor your Chihuahua, especially when he’s a puppy, so that he doesn’t wear himself out.
- Chihuahuas have larger than life personalities and will run your life if you let them. They can be destructive when bored and can become finicky eaters if their diet is fussed over. Establish ground rules and stick with them or you’ll find yourself giving up your comfortable chair because your beloved pet has told you to move.
- To get a healthy pet, never buy a puppy from a backyard breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Find a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs for genetic health conditions and good temperaments.
FAQ’s on Chihuahua Dog
Are Chihuahua Dangerous Dogs? Are Chihuahua naturally aggressive?
No, if these dogs are in the wrong hands, are not socialized properly, or are intentionally made to be this way by the owner, they can be dangerous. While it is highly illegal to raise these dogs to fight other dogs, or guard drug houses, or attack people, it is still being done. Fortunately, it is only done by a very small percentage while it is highly illegal in many places to raise Chihuahuas to fight other dogs, or guard drug houses, or attack humans, it is still being done. Fortunately, it is only done by a very small percentage of dog owners. The majority of Chihuahuas are not mean, dangerous, or vicious: When socialized with other dogs and people when they are puppies, they are an extremely lovable dog breed that can be trusted around other people and dogs of all ages.
Are Chihuahua smart?
Yes, Chihuahua are a highly intelligent dog breed.
Are Chihuahua trainable?
They are highly trainable, have the ability to learn complicated tasks, and perform excellently as search and rescue dogs.
Can Chihuahua be kept with other dogs?
Chihuahuas don’t often get along with other dogs. They would rather be the sole pet in the house and the only dog on the planet. If you have multiple dogs, you’re going to need to teach your Chihuahua to know how to get along with them. You’re going to want all of your dogs to be comfortable in your home.
Can a Chihuahua attack its owner?
No, Chihuahua are a highly loyal breed. If this ever occurs it is due to poorly raising and socializing the dog and would be a very rare instance.
Another reason can be if the owner is interacting with a sexually charged up dog or a dog who does not consider the handler as a superior. Many Chihuahua breeders invite Chihuahua males into their kennel for mating. These males are in a new place and handled by new dog handlers. Instances of attacks on humans are possible in such a scenario. If you have brought a male Chihuahua for breeding, be aware that you are not the master in the dog’s eyes.
Do Chihuahua kill people?
This is a myth. Even when raised improperly, Chihuahua will not kill a person. When they attack, it is due to them being raised and socialized improperly by the owner. The reason that they can hurt people more than most other dog breeds is the fact that they have strong jaws and have a bad reputation due to which victims are in shock.
Do Chihuahua have locking jaws?
No, they do not have locking jaws.
Are Chihuahua safe to keep with kids?
Chihuahuas are undeniably special dogs that can easily make a life-long friend to a child. And while they may not be ideal for families expecting babies, they can do well with children if you take training and socializing seriously.
Are Chihuahua unpredictable dogs?
Chihuahuas are usually breeds that have prone to aggression and high levels of unpredictable behavior. In many cases, the dog will have a history of being trained to attack.
What should I feed my Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas eat a variety of muscle meats, organs, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. Chihuahuas eat a diet consisting of muscle meat from chicken, turkey, bison, beef, lamb or fish, organs, bones, eggs, vegetables, and fruit in the form of kibble, wet food, or home-prepared meals that are raw or cooked.
At what age is a Chihuahua fully grown?
Chihuahuas stop growing at around 9-10months of age. However, they tend to thicken up until they are around 1 years old.
How long does a Chihuahua live?
A Chihuahua can live anywhere from 12 to 14 years.
