Chihuahua Dog - Information on Health, Care, Training and Physical Characteristics of Chihuahua

About Chihuahua: Chihuahua dogs are known to be the smallest dogs in the world and were first discovered in Mexico.



A very loyal dog, Chihuahua puppies and dogs have also attained a celebrity status in the United States. Several movies and celebrities sport the little dog. Tinkerbell, Paris Hilton's dog is one such celebrity dog.

Chihuahua Health: The average lifespan of the dog is about fourteen to eighteen years. Chihuahuas can suffer from minor health problems like hydrocephalus, patellar luxation, pulmonic stenosis, hypoglycaemia, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).



Some of the severe health issues include molera, a condition in which there is a hole in the skull because the fontanel bones are not knit firmly together.

Chihuahua Training and Care: This is an indoor dog and prefers warmer places to colder ones. If your dog is of the smooth variety, then you won't have to care too much for its coat. But if you have the long-haired dog, then you need to brush it a few times a week. As for exercise, let it run around in your yard or take for leash-led walks.



Its exercise needs are not all that much.

Chihuahua Information and Physical Characteristics: Long-haired Chihuahua have straight and soft hair. The hair is glossy and they have fringed ears. They are graceful dogs and have small and compact bodies. It has a lively expression and an attitude like that of the terrier. These dogs are either solid white, or black in color. Sometimes their coats are of various other colors.

Chihuahua Temperament: It has varied temperament. These dogs are friendly with its owners as well as other pets. But the dog can be reserved with strangers. Even though it is a protective dog, it can only bark, and is not all that effective as a guard dog because of its small size. It is very devoted towards its owner.

Chihuahua History: It has a controversial history. One school of thought believes that the breed was developed in China and then brought to America by Spanish merchants. Then the dog was interbred with other small dogs. Another school of thought believes that the Chihuahua is of Central and South American origin. And that the dog is a descendent of a tiny, mute dog. This ancestor dog used to be sacrificed occasionally in Toltec religious rites. It was also believed that this dog guided the spirits of the departed to another world. And for that reason the dog was often buried with a person who had just died.