First launched in 2013, Chihuahua Wardrobe is a website for Chihuahua owners by Chihuahua owners. Besides coming in two coat types, Chihuahuas are found in a range of colors and markings. Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. In Chihuahuas, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for patellas and heart disease. and "Viva Gorditas!". Here are some great treats that can actually improve your dog's digestion to get you started! Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to your senior's routine can help fight the symptoms of arthritis and keep your old dog active and playful. See Dogs Not Well Suited to Apartment Living, See Dogs Who Are Good For Experienced Owners, Click here to see Dogs Poorly Suited For Cold Weather, See Dogs Who Are Less Friendly To Strangers, Click Here To See Dogs Who Shed Very Little. Chihuahuas get along well with other pets in the family, including cats, if introduced at a young age. Chihuahuas often bond to a single person, although they're usually willing to make friends with new people if properly introduced. Dog Group: Toy Size: 9-10 inches tall, 4-10 lbs Lifespan: 15-20 years Energy Level: Medium Coat: Can be either short or long Shedding: Moderate Hypoallergenic: No. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. If they're not crated, plan to take them out every one to two hours, and don't crate them for more than two to four hours at a time except overnight. These dogs were called Techichi, and their purpose in Toltec civilization is obscure. In the following years, Taco Bell released several other commercials featuring Gidget, including alternative catchphrases like "Drop the chalupa!" In 1904, the first Chihuahua, aptly named Midget, was registered with the AKC. Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. As with so many breeds, the Chihuahua's origins are unclear, but there are two theories of how he came to be. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to their routine can help their joints stay healthy. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age. Just be sure you supervise carefully. Chihuahuas can be timid if they're not properly socialized as puppies. The Chihuahua is a small-framed dog with large erect ears and a terrier-like temperament that originated out of Mexico. that depict a dog resembling the Chihuahua, with the same large ears and round head. If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. Whether you're searching for a shirt, sweater, water-resistant jacket, hoodie, costume, collar, harness, footwear (yes, Chihuahuas can wear shoes) or other apparel, we've got you covered. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. The longhaired Chihuahua's undercoat may come out in little clumps. It's not a jail, and he shouldn't spend more than a few hours at a time in it except when he's sleeping at night. Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). Don't leave your Chihuahua unattended in the yard. If you want to protect your Chihuahua from fleas or skin allergies, choose an article of clothing that covers most of his skin. Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life. That larger-than-life persona makes him appealing to men and women alike. Remember to adopt! © 2021 All rights reserved. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. They are successful in several different dog sports such as agility and obedience, but puppy kindergarten and basic obedience class are important even for a Chihuahua who's strictly a companion. A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. A single-colored shirt is always an option, but one of the great things about Chihuahua clothes is the countless number of styles from which to choose. A leash and collar (or harness), for instance, is a must-have combo for any Chihuahua. An orthopedic dog bed can ease the pain and discomfort associated with arthritic conditions such as these. DogTime participates in the Chewy affiliate program to earn fees for linking to products on Chewy.com. Ask your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Avoid going into the depth of the ear, past where you can see. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue. A fine-toothed flea comb helps remove loose or dead hair. People who live with Chihuahuas become devoted to them, and many say that once you share your life with one, there will be no other dog breed for you. Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. These are just a few of the top Chihuahua accessories. Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply. Chihuahuas are curious and bold explorers. The Chihuahua's personality and unique size make him a wonderful go-everywhere companion. Don't force your Chihuahua to get dressed if he's anxious. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests. With regular brushing, a Chihuahua shouldn't need a bath more than every month or two. It's not unusual for Chihuahuas to form a close bond with a single person, and they can become very demanding if they're overindulged. To compete with other fast food restaurants in the "Burger Wars," the Tex-Mex chain introduced a talking Chihuahua as its mascot. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. However, the Chihuahua's popularity in the U.S. exploded in the 1990s, thanks in part to a series of TV commercials featuring the breed. You can ease your Chihuahua's anxiety of getting dressed by following these tips: In addition to clothes, you should also consider buying accessories for your Chihuahua. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills. We know know how difficult finding clothes for a small Chihuahua can be, which is why we created this site. Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. That said, they're willful little dogs. Regardless of your family situation, it's important to remember to socialize your Chihuahua to children, adults, and other animals. The Chihuahua's ears can be prone to ear wax build up and dry skin. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Some breed experts theorize that a small ancient dog known as the Techichi is the Chihuahua's true ancestor, while the deer head variety is a cross between the Techchi and the Chinese Crested. It is also where one of the smallest These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Since the 1960s, the Chihuahua has been one of the most popular breeds registered by the AKC. Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Many Chihuahuas love children, but the combination of a tiny dog and a young child can be a recipe for disaster. He'll endlessly chase squirrels in the backyard and is willing to play as long as you are. See below for complete list of dog breed traits and facts about Chihuahuas! Developed in partnership with the international advertising agency TBWA Worldwide, the commercial series was an instant hit, both for Taco Bell and the Chihuahua breed. Instead, consider clothes made of a water-resistant material like polyester or nylon. Chihuahuas can also be oversize, with some reaching 12 or more pounds. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Use positive reinforcement in the form of praise and food rewards when training your Chihuahua. While the breed's true origins remain a mystery, there's strong evidence suggesting that it's a descendant of a similar small-framed companion dog of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica called the Techichi. In the commercial, a fawn-colored deer-head Chihuahua spoke -- using voice-over effects -- the catchphrase "Yo quiero Taco Bell," which is Spanish for "I want Taco Bell." Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Chihuahua. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. While you can always create a soft bedding area using old blankets, dog beds are designed with an emphasis on ergonomics and comfort. While the Techichi is most likely the Chihuahua's ancestor, other theories regarding the Chihuahua's past suggest the breed is of Asian or European origin. Training a Chihuahua can be an enjoyable task. Just make sure any children who approach know how to play gently with a small dog. The fearless Chihuahua will often boss around dogs much bigger than he is, and this may or may not cause problems. Have some fun when choosing a style, and don't be afraid to express your Chi's unique personality through apparel. When attempting to dress your Chi for the first time, he may pull away, shake or otherwise show signs of anxiety. The Chihuahua doesn't have any major health problems, but like all breeds he can be born with or acquire certain conditions. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. Chihuahuas can be unfriendly toward other dogs if they're not socialized when young. Chihuahuas enjoy walks, supervised romps around the yard, and retrieving toys. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting. Chihuahua Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – DogTime. Some believe the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Maltese pocket dog, which also shares the breed's characteristic molera. However, there are other reasons why you should dress your Chihuahua... Now that you know a little bit about why your Chihuahua needs clothes, you might be wondering which clothes to choose. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily. If your Chi isn't microchipped or "ID tattooed," he'll need an ID tag displaying his name, your name, your address and phone. They can be solid colors such as black, white, fawn, chocolate, gray, and silver as well as tricolor (chocolate, black, or blue with tan and white, for instance), brindle, spotted, merle and a variety of other markings. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Clothes made of 100% cotton is an all-around great choice; it's soft, comfortable, inexpensive, and easy to clean. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won't chase, but you'll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by. For more on feeding your Chihuahua, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog. The second theory is that small hairless dogs from China were brought to Mexico by Spanish traders and then bred with small native dogs. The following conditions may affect Chihuahuas: Despite the Chihuahua's small size, like all dogs he needs exercise and training. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. What is a Molera or ‘Soft Spot’ in Chihuahuas? If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you'll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period. Chihuahuas are mistrustful of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs, but they need to learn to meet people in a friendly manner. Many larger dogs are prone to joint issues. They'll go until they drop, so it's important to make sure they don't tire themselves out, especially on hot days. Because of its water-absorbent properties, however, cotton isn't the best option for your Chihuahua to wear in the rain or snow. Weigh as little as 2½ to 5½ ounces when borne, The AKC only recognizes the apple head variety, While not an official term, small Chihuahuas are often called "teacup", Clannish nature, preferring the company of other Chihuahuas, Dozens of coat colors and color combinations recognized by the AKC, Love to burrow in blankets, bedding and clothes, The AKC revised the Chihuahua's breed standards in 1934, 1954, 1972 and 1990, Light shedders compared to others breeds, making them ideal for people who suffer from pet allergies, Enjoy basking in warm spots, such as in front of a window, fireplace or heater. Reward your Chihuahua with a treat and affection both before and after getting him dressed. Go with a low-sensitivity dog. Click the "Shop" button at the top-right to start shopping. You may also want to consider adopting a senior dog, as they tend to be less demanding of your time and energy. The dog has a smaller snout than a deer head Chihuahua, ... shocked me bc I then looked up Chihuahuas and the majority of pictures were the standard long hair show dog Lookers. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". On the other hand, a lightweight shirt is recommended for the late spring and summer months. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they'll take off after anything that catches their interest. One idea is to choose clothes that reflect your Chihuahua's personality. American tourists visiting the border states encountered merchants selling Chihuahuas during this period, some of whom brought the pint-sized pups back to the U.S. With many Americans seeing the Chihuahua for the first time, the breed's recognition steadily increased in the years to follow. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. Want to dress your Chihuahua like a rock star? As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. While the breed's rankings declined in the years to follow, it remained in the top 20 for over a decade. Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. Some dogs shed year-round, some "blow" seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. They can compete in agility and obedience trials with just as much enthusiasm and success as larger dogs. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department. Whether it's a shirt, sweater or any other article of clothing, it should list the size range for which it was designed. Many breeders won't sell puppies to families with toddlers for fear that the dog will be injured. A puppy from a reputable Chihuahua breeder will be vaccinated and dewormed before you take him home. American visitors to Mexico brought the little dogs home with them. Do you have neighbors nearby? National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy and National Humane Society, roughly 1 in 3 pets will run away in their lifetime, but only 10% are ever reunited with their owner.

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