| These shaky little bundles of love have really | | | | the brain. When this condition is present, the |
| increased in popularity in the last few years. | | | | Chihuahua may display a larger head than normal, be |
| Remember the Paris Hilton missing Chihuahua caper? | | | | lethargic, and not grow as fast as its siblings. |
| Plus the movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua? These | | | | Prognosis for this condition is usually grim. However, |
| examples, along with more and more Chihuahuas | | | | this condition is present in most miniature breeds and |
| being seen in arms of celebrities, and people in | | | | not Chihuahuas exclusively. |
| general, leads to this increase in popularity conclusion. | | | | Grooming |
| The Origin Of The Chihuahua | | | | Chis are very particular about grooming. Mostly, they |
| The Chihuahua is thought to originate in Mexico from | | | | just don't like it. One thing in particular they dislike is |
| another breed of dog, which was actually mute, | | | | having their toenails clipped. You may have a dog |
| called the Techichi. The Techichi can only be traced | | | | that doesn't like it, or hates it more than others. |
| as far back as the ninth century. The Techichi was a | | | | They are not too bothersome about bathing and |
| dog that was favored by the Toltec natives of | | | | grooming. The short haired Chis are easier to bathe |
| Mexico. These dogs were larger than the present | | | | and groom than the long haired varieties, but this |
| day Chihuahuas and actually hunted in packs but they | | | | should go without saying. The short haired variety |
| were thought to have bred with the Chines Crested | | | | should be okay with a bath of at least once per |
| Hair bringing a miniaturization to this breed. The | | | | month and maybe occasionally rubbed with a damp |
| Chihuahua was first recognized by the American | | | | towel to smooth their coat. The long haired variety |
| Kennel Club in 1904 and grew in popularity around the | | | | should be bathed at least 2-3 times per month with |
| mid 1940's. With another rise in popularity with the | | | | regular brushings. |
| famous Taco Bell commercials and since then has | | | | One thing to remember is that since these dogs are |
| only grown more popular. The Chihuahua gets its | | | | already shaky, make sure to bathe them with water |
| name from a city located in Mexico. | | | | that is warm. Most of the time when bathed in a |
| Temperament | | | | regular bath tub, they will not try to escape because |
| The AKC describes the breed as, "A graceful, alert, | | | | they are small and usually find out pretty quickly that |
| swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, | | | | escape is practically impossible. Make sure to towel |
| compact, and with terrier-like qualities of | | | | dry as much as possible to prevent a chill to the dog |
| temperament." But through experience, they can be | | | | and to use a a softer bristle brush as the Chihuahua's |
| sometimes aggressive and territorial; attaching | | | | skin is overly sensitive. |
| themselves to one preferred owner and showing | | | | Feeding and Care |
| states of aggressive jealousy towards anyone trying | | | | Correct feeding is very important for your dog; as a |
| to move in on their territory! If you have a | | | | Chihuahua can become overweight if care is not |
| Chihuahua, you can appreciate what I am talking | | | | taken regarding their diet. Overweight dogs can have |
| about. Believe it, or not, long haired breeds are | | | | health troubles, such as diabetes, and damage to |
| actually a little more mellow. | | | | joints. A Chihuahua's digestive tract is geared toward |
| Chihuahuas crave attention, affection, exercise and | | | | high protein diets which should prompt you to buy a |
| being pet. They can be hyper, but eager to | | | | high quality dog food that has a high protein ratio. |
| please.They tend to be yappy dogs, but this can be | | | | Experiment a little with different dog foods to see |
| fixed with proper training. Thus, you should consider | | | | which food your dog enjoys most. Also, I know this |
| owning one of these dogs before bringing them into | | | | sounds silly, but remember to buy dog food geared |
| a house with children under the age of 8 because of | | | | for small dogs because of the size of the nuggets. |
| their size and demeanor plus they have a tendency | | | | My wife is notorious for buying our small dog large |
| to bite when frightened. | | | | dog nuggets and my dog just stares at the food |
| Disorders | | | | wondering what to do with those large bits of kibble! |
| Disorders most commonly found with this breed are | | | | A Chihuahua under 3 months, or under 2 pounds, |
| epilepsy and seizures. Also, since they are the only | | | | should be fed as much food as they want. Between |
| breed of dog born without a complete skull, care | | | | 3-6 months, they should be fed 3-4 evenly spaced |
| must be taken during the first 6 months of growth. | | | | meals. From 6 months to one year, they should be |
| They will have soft spots, or moleras, on their skulls. | | | | fed 2-3 evenly spaced meals per day. Over one year |
| These close as the dog gets older. But there are | | | | they should be fed twice a day, once in the morning |
| sometimes when they do not close and remain soft | | | | and once in the evening. |
| for the lifetime of the dog and care must be given | | | | Overall |
| to these areas. | | | | I hoped this has helped you a little in deciding if this is |
| At birth they may also get a condition known as | | | | the right breed for you and your family. Also, I hoped |
| hydrocephalus. This is a condition of increased fluid in | | | | this gave insight to those who already own a Chi. |