The Chihuahua

Origin:
The exact origin of the Chihuahua is somewhat unknown, with a number of theories floating around. Some believe they originated from China, others believe they were brought from the islands of Malta and then brought to Mexico. Another theory, and given their name this is the most popular, is that they originated in the town of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are recorded as the smallest breed in the world as well as the oldest breed on the American continent. The breed was considered sacred to Pre-Columbian Indian nations and were considered a sign of wealth or status for the upper class.

Purpose:
The Chihuahua was bred as a companion dog and a status symbol for the wealthy. Their level of devotion and protection of their owners led for them to have a level of spiritual significance for the Aztec’s, who believed a Chihuahua could guide souls through the afterlife with protection.

Coat care:
The Chihuahua comes in two coat options, short or long hair. The short haired coat offers easy maintenance that can be brushed every so often or as needed and wiped over with a baby wipe or damp cloth as required.
The long coat will require daily brushing, focusing under the arms and around the ears to avoid small knots. They can also be wiped over as needed to remove any mess from the coat. The Chihuahua requires bathing only when extremely dirty. They can be prone to ear infections so water should be avoided around the ears.

Health & Temperament:
Don’t let their tiny frame fool you, the Chihuahua is full of personality and energy.
They are active little dogs who require daily walks and will also enjoy playtimes with their family.
The Chihuahua is a breed that immediately from a young age require boundaries and good socialisation, to avoid neurotic issues, aggression, anxiety issues and small dog syndrome. They are a fantastic companion dog who is fiercely protective and loyal. Although this can be cute, it can lead to a dog that will bite, so needs to be managed from a young age.
A well socialised and confident Chihuahua is happy to play and interact with other dogs. They have a poor reputation with children and can be known for being snappy, however this is only because of the way they are raised. Chihuahuas, along with other toy breeds of dogs, are often treated more as babies instead of dogs and this leads to serious behavioural issues. If raised with boundaries and treated like a dog that is a member of the family, not a human, a Chihuahua can be a very well behaved, loving pet.
Unfortunately, as the Chihuahua is prized for it’s tiny size and over the years has been bred, interbred and cross bred to create a teeny tiny dog, the Chihuahuas of today can sadly have an array of health issues. This includes eye issues, central nervous system issues, gum problems as well as knee, joint and muscle issues.
It’s essential to do your research into breeders and view their breeding dog’s health history prior to purchasing a puppy. All Chihuahua owners should be well educated in the health issues that can occur with breed, so they can be aware of signs and begin treatment as it’s needed, for a happy and healthy dog.