Chihuahuas: Ideal For Small Houses
Miniature breeds are all the rage in cities, as they don’t require very large spaces to live comfortably. As homes are getting smaller, couples and families are looking for smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas. In this article we give you more details about this breed.
History and appearance of Chihuahua dogs
The Chihuahua or Chihuahueño is a breed of dog originating from Mexico (it has the same name as a state in this country, because it was discovered there). Its name means “sandy and arid place” in the aboriginal language, and it is the smallest dog in the world.
It is not known exactly when the first Chihuahuas appeared. However, the most widespread hypothesis indicates that they are descendants of the “techichi”, a companion animal of the Toltec civilization. However, the current chihuahueño is smaller than its predecessor.
As for his appearance, we remember his straight ears and bulging eyes. The height varies between 15 and 25 cm and the weight between 1.5 and 3 kg. It can have different colors in the coat: black, coffee, chocolate, gray, tricolor, striped or spotted. Another of the records that the Chihuahua holds is that of longevity: it can live up to 17 years.
Character and temperament of Chihuahua dogs
It is one of the favorite breeds of Hollywood celebrities (who carry them everywhere in their arms or in special handbags); the Chihuahua is very attached to its owners, to whom it professes total loyalty, affection and respect.
Chihuahuas are very restless and despite their size they are not at all weak or fearful. Exactly the opposite! It appears that they are unaware of their size and do not hesitate to deal with larger animals. The personality of these dogs really draws attention, as does their extreme intelligence and their constant state of alertness.
Socialization and training are very important, especially when they are puppies, to prevent them from getting sick or depressed. Chihuahueños need to live in groups, both with other dogs and surrounded by people.
These animals do not like very little children (up to 6 years old), since, being small in size, they risk getting hurt in too intense games. Sometimes they even come to fear children, for their hyperactivity or their height.
These little 4-legged friends are ideal for small homes, as they don’t need too much space to live at ease and happy. With a good bed (or sofa) and warm shelter, they are the happiest animals in the world.
Chihuahua dog care
Although it may seem like a fashion or a whim of the owners to see a Chihuahua with a coat or a jacket, the truth is that this breed is very sensitive to cold, given its small size and build. Other issues to consider in relation to their health is the fact that they may have genetic and neurological abnormalities such as stroke or epilepsy. Like other miniature dogs, as puppies they tend to suffer from hydrocephalus (water in the brain).
The eyes, large and “protruding”, are a hotbed of frequent infections, if we do not care and clean them properly.
It is important that the owner of a Chihuahua guarantees him a balanced, healthy diet that conforms to his size. Overweight individuals can suffer from, for example, ulna luxation, chronic bronchitis, tracheal collapse or ligament problems.
If we have a Chihuahueño, we must take him for a walk every day, giving him moderate exercise. There is no need for exaggerated movement: one tour of the block every morning and evening is sufficient. It can therefore be a good choice for elderly or sedentary people.
Finally, it is important to point out that it is not good to spoil Chihuahuas as if they were children (even if we hold them in our arms given their size), because they suffer and do not understand their condition as pets.
