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All about chihuahua breed

1. The Chihuahua is in the toy breed group and its classification is a lapdog, companion.
2. It has now been proven via DNA evidence that the Chihuahua originated from the ancient Techichi dogs of Mexico.
3. This breed got its name from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, thought to be the major border crossing when this dog was brought into the United States.
4. Litter size can range quite a bit and in rare cases a Chi can have 6 pups; however, the average sized litter is 1-3 puppies.
5. This breed has more Cesarean sections than any other due to the Chihuahua newborn's extremely large head in relation to his body and the narrow width of most female dams.
6. According to a 20 year long study by the University of Georgia, the 3 top leading causes of death for the Chihuahua breed are - in order - cardiovascular disease, trauma and infection. Cute little Chihuahua puppy
7. Each major kennel club around the world has its own standards in regard to size, however most state that he Chihuahua should be 6 pounds ( 2.7 kg) and under.
8. The Chihuahua is in fact the smallest of all purebred dogs; though there have been other breeds to set size records. As of 2014, a Chihuahua named Milly - 3.8 inches tall (9.65 cm) - was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. (Dogs qualify due to height, not weight).
Milly is a chocolate Chihuahua with very minor tan and white spotting. At the age of 2 years old, she weighed approximately 1 pound (.45 kg). She took the place of Boo Boo, a long haired Chihuahua that stood at 4 inches (10.16 cm).
9. Since this breed is so tiny, a miniature or teacup Chihuahua is a redundant term. They are all 'teacup' sized; though this terminology is a marketing term and not an official canine classification.
10. There are two official variety of Chihuahuas, the smooth coat (short coat) and the long coat (long haired). Both are types of the one breed.
11. Life expectancy is 14 to 18 years, which is considered a long life span for canines.
12. Though some are shy and others may tend to be nervous, the Chihuahua makes an exceptional family pet in households that can offer enough care and attention. He is one of the most popular toy breeds in the U.S, UK and Canada.
13. This is a very friendly breeds. Chihuahuas and cats generally get along very well. They also do well with other dogs if introduced at a young age and with children. Young toddlers should be taught proper handling techniques and watched closely.
14. A Chihuahua puppy is born with a molera, which is a soft spot on the top of the skull where the bones have not yet fused together (similar to human babies). It remains for about half for all Chihuahuas. The breed standard does not have a preference for this.
15. The Chihuahua is one of the breeds that can be found in a huge range of colors. Chi can be solid, two-toned or hold 3 colors in the coat. They may have markings and/or a mask.
16. While there are both deer head and applehead Chihuahua dogs, only the apple head recognized in the breed standard.
17. The unofficial nickname of this breed is Chi.
18. It is not uncommon for a Chihuahua to suffer from phobias, such as being home alone (separation anxiety) fear of traffic and being afraid of unknown dogs.
19. This breed is very active for its size. A Chihuahua is often hyper and very enthusiastic to play. While he should not be over exercised, a Chihuahua does need one to two walks per day, with a duration of 20 to 30 minutes to maintain good health and release pent up energy.
20. The Chihuahua is considered to be a light to moderate shedder. A long haired Chi will not shed any more than a short coat. Both need routine grooming to pull out dead hairs from the coat. The shedding season is twice per year and will be more noticeable for those that reside in locations that experience all four seasons. Sheds will be notable in the spring and fall. Females may blow the coat after a heat cycle finishes.
21. In a comparison of brain to body size ratio, the Chihuahua is the leader of the pack with the largest sized brain.
22. There are many stories about unscrupulous 'puppy' sellers having sold rats to naive customers, passing them off as Chihuahua puppies. There is at least one documented case from Brazil in which a person paid $487 for a rat after being told it was a Chihuahua.
23. Some say that Christopher Columbus believed this breed was mute when he first came across them. The facts are just a little bit different. Historians agree that he must have been surprised by his discovery of the Chihuahua; a dog never previously seen by the English. He did not, however, make any written record that he dogs were mute. He happened to encounter a Chi that was a bit shy; and he did make a note in his journal that the breed seemed rather quiet.
24. Despite being prone to chills and shivering due to being cold, many healthy adults enjoy romping through the snow. This is okay to allow as long as the Chihuahua stays out no longer than 20 minutes in above freezing temperatures and is kept on a leash or supervised in a safe, enclosed area. Chihuahua wearing red sweater
25. This very tiny breed does amazing well acting as service dogs. They help with all sorts of tasks, including leading the blind and acting as therapy dogs.
26. This very tiny breed does amazing well acting as service dogs. They help with all sorts of tasks, including leading the blind and acting as therapy dogs.

Things You Need to Know About the Adorable Teacup Chihuahuas

Dogs are favorite pets for many people today, and there is a wide variety of dog breeds available for anyone who wants a dog as a pet especially a Teacup Chihuahua dog breed. Small-sized dogs are some of the favorite dog pets for dog lovers since their tiny size makes them cute as well as cuddly, and it is essential to know the various facts about these Teacup Chihuahuas.
1. What is Teacup Chihuahuas and Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest breeds of dogs in the world, and they are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The Teacup Chihuahuas are also their kin though they smaller in size compared to their Chihuahua cousins.
Chihuahua dogs have two distinct varieties: the Smooth short-haired coats and the long-haired Long Coats. Another division among Chihuahuas and Teacup Chihuahuas is about the shape of their heads. There is the “deer head” Chihuahuas and the “apple head” Chihuahuas. The apple head Chihuahuas are more popular than the deer heads due to their superior lineage.
Chihuahuas come in any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, white, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, fawn, white, red, brown, cream and chocolate. No pattern or color is superior and valuable than another pattern of color
The dog’s temperament often depends on the genetic character of its forebears and its owner. Chihuahuas with short tempers are easily provoked making them unsuitable for small children. A Chihuahua with a good personality will be loyal and protective of a person especially if they are adequately managed by older children. The dog has a “clannish” attitude when it comes to other dog breeds and would prefer to mix with its fellow Chihuahuas or even a Teacup Chihuahua. These dogs are fond of pillows, blankets, and clothes hampers. They will often burrow into them making them into dens. They prefer the under of covers, under or beneath a bed bottom. From time to time Chihuahuas enjoy exposure to the sunlight.
2. What Kind of a Dog is a Teacup Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas that are called Teacup Chihuahuas are smaller sized versions of the original dog, and it is also an American term to describe the size of the dog. These Teacups are named after the fact that they can fit inside a teacup. They are also called Toy Chihuahuas by some people.
Teacup Chihuahua puppies, when born, are tiny and can also fit inside a teacup, but in time, they will grow out of their size when they reach adulthood. Bear in mind that Chihuahuas are considered as Teacups are adult dogs in spite of their small size. Teacup Chihuahua puppies that are undernourished (intentionally or not) will not grow to their full size.
To meet the requirements of being called a Teacup, a Chihuahua must be full-grown and have reached their maximum size. The Toy Chihuahua dogs and Teacup Chihuahua puppies must be handled gently and delicately by their owners due to their size. Because of their small sizes, they often will be a target for other animals much larger than them, so it is wise to keep an eye on them when they go out.
3. The Teacup Chihuahua’s History
The Chihuahua’s origins are long lost to time. There many theories about its origins but the truth of the matter are unknown. However, archeological finds and folklore indicate that the Teacup Chihuahua breed (or rather their progenitors) came from Mexico. A common theory on the dog breeds’ origin is that they are descended from the Techichi dog.
The Techichi dog was a favored companion pet of the Toltecs, and evidence of their relationship is found depicted on the various pottery and statues that the Toltec civilization left behind. More proof that gives this theory credence comes from the wheeled dog toys that show the “deer head” and the “apple head” Chihuahuas. Some of them seem to resemble the modern-day Teacup Chihuahua (though their size may not be the same), and these wheeled dog toys were found all across Mesoamerica.
The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez, who came to Mexico in 1520, saw these dogs breed that is now owned by the Aztecs. He mentions in his letter to his king that the Aztecs used the dog as a food source. They are raised by breeders and sold in the market. The dog breed was plentiful in the region that is known today as Chihuahua.
In life, the ancestors of the Teacup Chihuahua dog breed was used as food, but in death, they make excellent companions. When an Aztec dies, it is customary to cremate the body along with a dog. The dog is said to accompany the soul of the deceased and help him/her pass the Underworld to the soul’s final destination.
Today the Chihuahua and the Teacup Chihuahua dog breed are used pet companions rather than food source much like what the relationship between the ancient Toltecs and the Techichi dog breed.
4. Teacup Chihuahuas Lifespan
On average, the Chihuahua lifespan is up to 12 and 20 years. It is possible to extend the Chihuahua lifespan by making sure that its health is good. Most dogs have a short lifespan, but when compared to a Chihuahua lifespan the Chihuahua can have a long life.
5. Teacup Chihuahuas Health Problem
One thing that cannot be avoided in a Chihuahua is the ever-present problems of health that the dog will experience. Here is a listing of those health problems:
Hydrocephalus – A common health problem even among other toy dog breeds. A Chihuahua dog who have this problem are lethargic and possess an abnormally large head while having a slow growth compared to its siblings.
Collapsed trachea – Caused by the weakening or incomplete formation of a Chihuahua’s cartilaginous rings in its trachea. The condition is either acquired or congenital. Other small dog breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Maltese Pug, Toy Poodle, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are affected by this problem.
Pulmonic stenosis – When the dog’s blood outflow from its heart’s right ventricle is being obstructed, then this is the result.
Molera – A molera is a soft spot found in the skull of an apple-head Chihuahua. The Teacup Chihuahua breed is the dog breed born with this condition. A molera is not a defect, but a normal adaptation since it facilitates the pup’s passage through a birth canal as well as helping the growth and development o the puppy’s skull. As the Chihuahua ages, the molera will eventually close, but during the first six months, great care must be done to ensure the animal does not suffer from a head injury. In some cases, the molera will close incompletely.
Hypoglycemia – Also known as low blood sugar. Signs of this problem are neck muscle spasms, fainting, seizures, sleepiness, lethargy, unfocused eyes, uncoordinated walking, and head pulling back and to the side. This particular health problem can be solved by using a simple sugar supplement like honey, Nutri-Cal, and Karo syrup.
Obesity – Often a result of overfeeding from the Teacup Chihuahua’s owner. Discretion must be used as to how much food the dog must be feed.
Chronic bronchitis – Also another side-effect of Chihuahua’s obesity.
Shortened lifespan – This is a side-effect of a Chihuahua’s obesity.
Susceptible to cold – The Teacup Chihuahua dog will shiver or tremble when exposed to cold weather. This factor can affect the short-haired Chihuahua significantly. The dog may need to wear a sweater and boots during cold weather. Other means to keep them warm are the sunshine, on furniture, under blankets and human laps.
Heart-related disorders – Examples are heart murmurs and pulmonic stenosis.
Eye infection or injury – This happens to Chihuahuas with protruding eyes since they will experience watering as a response to air-borne allergens, dry air, and dust.
The health problems of a Teacup Chihuahua are not hard to mitigate or prevent. Some can be dealt with by simple methods a good vet can handle the more dangerous ones.
6. The Weight and Size of a Teacup Chihuahua
There is no standardized measurement for a Teacup Chihuahua dog, but in general terms, the height of the dog is between 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm). Still, some Chihuahuas are 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) tall though it is debatable if they could be considered as Teacup or Toy Chihuahuas. Regarding weight, a Chihuahua is a 2.7 kg (6 lbs), and this is a requirement for confirmation.
7. Can a Teacup Chihuahua be Trained?
Training this dog is breed can either be easy or hard depending on what kind of training you intend to do to the dog. To make things easier, it is best that you start training the dog when you bring him home. Teach the Chihuahua to do rights in the right ways.
The essential things you need to teach your pet is potty training and not to bark sharply at everything. Instill in your Chihuahua that doing potty inside the house is a bad thing and the same time makes it get used to the habit of doing potty outside the home. As the barking, the same thing applies. Let the dog learn that you will not tolerate any excessive barking. Be firm but gentle in your training method.
Teaching the dog respect towards its owner (that’s you) can very helpful in the long run since this make other training methods easier. This aspect makes the Chihuahua obedient to your command especially when it comes to behaving or toning down its unseemly behavior.
Socialization is another excellent training method. At best a Teacup Chihuahua is reserved when meeting strangers or other dogs, at worst it can be outright hostile. By socializing the dog, it will become more friendly and accepting.
You could also teach your dog to overcome its separation anxiety. Separation anxiety happens when the dog is left alone in the house with no one to keep it company. A Chihuahua, who experiences separation anxiety, will bark a lot and chew things around the house. Finally, when training discipline on your Teacup Chihuahua be sure that you are not too harsh or too soft. Be strict with the dog, and its fear instead of respect you, be soft on it, and you get one spoiled pet who will not obey you.
8. How Much Does a Teacup Chihuahua Cost?
A puppy can cost from USD 800 to USD 1500. Yes, it is quite expensive, but then again you’re getting a high-quality pet. A warning, though; make sure that you buy a from a reliable breeder of Teacup Chihuahua puppies since it is guaranteed that they are selling the real thing. You can be assured that the puppy has no other extra health problems (sans the ones listed in the topic: “The various health problems of a Teacup Chihuahua dog”) or any deformities for that matter.
Aside from the usual problems owning as well as caring a Teacup Chihuahua is fun. With their cute small size and funny, comical as well as an entertaining personality the Chihuahua is one of the best kinds of dog to own as a pet. Just make sure that you love and care for the dog without spoiling it.