CHIHUAHUA

Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world.Chihuahuas are clever, tiny dogs with a large-dog personality. They are graceful, alert, swift-moving, compact little dogs with saucy expressions, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.

A high-quality dog food suitable for their age should be provided to chihuahuas. They tend to gain weight, so be careful how much you pamper them or feed them leftovers. Avoid cooked bones and foods that are heavy in fat. Give your Chihuahua three meals every day. An adult Chihuahua should ideally consume 100–300 grams of food each day.

Ideal Meal Breakdown

The Chihuahua enjoys running and playing and can often get enough exercise in a small space. They get enough exercise by simply trotting around after their owners. Short, slow walks will keep your dog in good shape and weight. Do not overwork the Chihuahua. If your dog is panting and struggling to keep up, pick him up and carry him home.

The grooming requirements of the Chihuahua's two coat varieties differ slightly. The smooth-coat Chihuahua will look dapper with only occasional brushing and regular baths, whereas the longhaired variety should have his coat brushed at least once a week to avoid tangles or mats. Both types should have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. Brushing your dog's teeth is essential, and your veterinarian may also recommend treats designed as part of a tooth-care plan. To avoid ear infections, check the Chihuahua's ears on a regular basis and remove any excess wax or debris.

The Chihuahua is a brilliant and alert little dog. He enjoys pleasing his humans and responds well to positive training methods. Chihuahuas appear to be well aware of their cuteness and quickly learn how to get their way. Never let your Chihuahua puppy do anything that an adult would find unacceptable. They can have a 'terrier' temperament, so training must be done with a firm but gentle hand. They are capable of excelling in obedience training and other canine sports.

You should get your Chihuahua from a breeder who routinely screens all breeding stock for genetic health to ensure that the puppies they produce are genetically sound as possible. Potential heart problems (patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disease), eye disease, and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps) may affect the Chihuahua. Idiopathic epilepsy has also been reported in the breed. Don't be too concerned Chihuahuas are healthy little dogs if taken good care of.

Although the breed is thought to have originated in China, it is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it first gained popularity in the 1890s. The precise origins of the Chihuahua are unknown, while two common ideas exist. As the Chihuahua's progenitor, one names the Techichi, a sacred dog of the pre-Columbian Toltecs. Others attribute Chihuahuas' tiny height to crossbreeding with Chinese crested canines. Another prevalent idea about the Chihuahua's progenitors is that they were little hairless dogs from China brought to Mexico by Spanish traders. They later mated with local breeds of dogs to result in the modern day Chihuahua.