Chihuahua Information
History
The exact origin of the Chihuahua is uncertain. However, archaeologists discovered remains of dogs of similar structure in Egyptian tombs, which suggests that they may have originated in Egypt more than 3000 years ago.
More recently they were discovered by American tourists in the Mexican state, Chihuahua, after which they were named.
Characteristics
- Lively
- Confident
- Petite
Chihuahua Temperament & Size
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world and weigh on average between 1 and 3 kilos.
They can be found in two varieties or coat types, the long coat and the smooth coat.
Their temperament varies hugely and depends on genetic makeup, training and socialisation. Therefore, pleasant parents, correct training and early socialisation are critical to avoid behavioural problems which are common in this breed.
They do not require a large amount of exercise and enjoy their comforts which makes them ideal pets for apartment living.
However, execute care around children as they have low tolerance and may snap.
Chihuahua Life Span & Health Problems
Average lifespan is 12 – 17 years.
Common Illnesses include;
- Patellar Luxation – Partial or full dislocation of one or both kneecaps.
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) – Degeneration of the heart’s Mitral Valve leading to eventual congestive heart failure.
- Periodontal Disease – Toy breeds are prone to bad breath, tartar accumulation, inflamed gums and tooth loss.
- Transient Juvenile Hypoglycaemia – If puppies are not fed every 3 to 4 hours their blood sugar becomes dangerously low resulting in coma and possibly death.
- Hydrocephalus – Excessive accumulation of spinal fluid around the brain causing seizures, blindness and eventual death.
- Cystinuria – Genetic disorder that affects their ability to filter cystine from the urine. The cysteine accumulates and forms bladder stones.
- Hemophilia – A genetically inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of some of the blood clotting factors.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – Progressive degeneration of the retina eventually causing blindness.
- Cryptorchidism – Failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. The retained testicle(s) is prone to becoming cancerous and requires surgical removal.