Chiwawa puppys are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, weighing in at just 4-7 pounds on average.
Their tiny size requires careful consideration of their living arrangements, as they need plenty of space to move around and exercise.
Chiwawa puppys are known for their big eyes and round faces, but did you know they can live up to 12-15 years with proper care?
Their lifespan is impressive, especially considering their tiny size.
Chiwawa puppys are a popular breed due to their low-shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
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Breed Information
Chihuahua puppies are a tiny breed dogs but are very confident. They love to give and receive attention.
A healthy Chihuahua has a life expectancy greater than many other dog breeds. This is great news for owners who want a long-term companion.
Their wide eyes and big ears are just two of their distinctive features in addition to their small size. The ears usually remain erect and are often quite large when compared to the rest of their head and body.
History of Breed
The Chihuahua has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. It originated in ancient Mexico, where it's considered one of the oldest breeds in the country.
Many people believe the Chihuahua dates back to Mayan times when Chis descended from the Techichi. This breed has proven itself over time and continues to be a very popular and sought-after breed today.
The Chihuahua's ancient roots are a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability.
Breed Information
Chihuahuas are known to train well and with ease, making them a great breed for first-time dog owners.
Their life expectancy is greater than many other dog breeds, allowing them to be a long-term companion.
Chihuahuas are tiny breed dogs but are very confident, loving to give and receive attention.
Despite their small stature, they grow up to be very bold and protective of their territory.
Their wide eyes and big ears are distinctive features, with erect ears that are often quite large compared to their head and body.
Newborn Chihuahua puppies won't open their eyes for a few days and will live off their mother's milk while sleeping often.
Chihuahua puppies can be adopted as soon as three months after they are born, but a dog breeder may want to keep them with their mother until they are at least six months old.
Chihuahuas are smart dogs, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring consistent training and patience from their owners.
Each Chihuahua pup will have its own unique personality, ranging from laid back to full of energy.
Health and Care
Chihuahua puppies are prone to some genetic health issues, including neurological diseases like atlantoaxial instability and muscular dystrophy. They also have a mild predisposition to congenital heart disease.
A 2018 study found that Chihuahua puppies have an average life expectancy of 11.8 years, but a 2022 UK study showed a lower average life expectancy of 7.91 years. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues early on.
To keep your Chihuahua puppy healthy, it's essential to provide them with proper dental care, cleaning their teeth at least three times a week to prevent health issues.
Health
The health of your Chihuahua is a top priority, and understanding the potential health issues that can arise is crucial. Chihuahuas have some genetic predisposition to neurological diseases, including atlantoaxial instability and congenital deafness.
A 2018 study in Japan found that Chihuahuas have an average life expectancy of 11.8 years, while a 2022 UK study reported an average life expectancy of 7.91 years. These numbers highlight the importance of regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle for your Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas are prone to dental issues, with periodontal disease being the #1 health concern. This can lead to plaque, tartar, and calculus buildup, which can destroy their teeth and bones. Brushing their teeth every day (or at least a few days per week) can help prevent these issues.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your Chihuahua's health and catch any potential issues early. If you suspect that your Chihuahua is underweight or overweight, don't hesitate to schedule a check-up with your vet.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Chihuahuas:
- Atlantoaxial instability
- Ceroid lipofuscinosis
- Congenital deafness
- Congenital hydrocephalus
- Medial patellar luxation
- Neuroaxonal dystrophy
- Necrotizing meningoencephalitis
- Obesity
By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent them, you can help your Chihuahua live a long and healthy life.
Do They Get Cold?
Chihuahuas get cold very easily because they don't have a dense coat of hair and a very small layer of fat.
This means they need extra care to stay warm, especially in cold temperatures. Always be aware of the temperature and weather when you're out with your Chihuahua.
Even if you're warm, your Chihuahua might get cold, so it's a good idea to bring a dog sweater along.
Chihuahuas are prone to getting cold because of their thin coat, and burrowing under the covers is their natural way of staying warm.
This behavior is a sign that your Chihuahua is trying to regulate its body temperature and stay cozy.
Appearance and Grooming
Chihuahua puppies are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
They need their coat brushed a few days a week to stay clean and healthy.
It's recommended to bathe them only once a month to prevent drying out their skin.
This frequency also helps them look and feel their best.
Regular nail trimming is a must to keep their nails in check.
This simple task can make a big difference in their overall appearance.
If you can keep your Chihuahua indoors only, you might be able to go longer than a month without bathing them.
Exercise and Play
Chihuahua puppies need only 30 minutes of exercise daily, so you don't have to overwork their tiny legs.
A great way to provide exercise for your Chihuahua is to hike with them, but start slow by finding a flat dirt path in a nearby park.
Their tiny little legs will get tired before yours do, so always bring a carrier for them to rest in during longer hikes.
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Pet Exercise Needs
A Chihuahua needs only 30 minutes of exercise daily, according to the American Kennel Club.
You can take your Chihuahua on a hike, but start with a flat dirt path in a nearby park and gradually increase the difficulty.
Always bring a Chihuahua carrier for when their tiny legs get tired before yours do.
It's essential to start slow and observe your pup's signs, such as their enjoyment or fatigue, to determine the right level of exercise.
Do They Like Swimming?
Some Chihuahuas will dive right in, while others may hate swimming with a passion - so you really need to pay attention and figure out how your individual Chi feels about hopping in the water.
If you have a Chihuahua that loves swimming, you're in luck! With their small size and high activity level, swimming is a great way to tire them out.
Chihuahuas do well with extra flotation because of their lack of body fat, so buy a properly-fitting life vest for your tiny one before your next water adventure.
Behavior and Temperament
Chihuahua puppies are very fun and feisty little dogs. They love to play and explore, making them fantastic family pets.
They enjoy spending time with their family and have very loving and loyal personalities. This is one of the reasons they make such great lapdogs.
They have a very approachable and warm demeanor, accepting as much love as you can give them.
Characteristics
Chihuahuas are known for their small size, with a height range between 15 and 23 cm (6 and 9 in) and a weight range of 1.0–3.0 kg (2.2–6.6 lb).
Their skull conformation is often described as an "apple-head" or "apple-dome" shape, with large, round eyes and large, erect ears.
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A well-defined stop forms a near-90-degree angle where the muzzle meets the skull, a characteristic of the breed.
Some Chihuahuas may still have a "deer" type head, with a flat-topped skull and more widely set eyes, but this is not considered a separate type in competition.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard calls for dogs to weigh ideally between 1.5 and 2.5 kg (3.3 and 5.5 lb).
Those outside this weight range are disqualified from exhibition, but pet Chihuahuas often range above this weight, even above 4.5 kg (10 lb), if they have large bone structures or are allowed to become overweight.
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Personality and Temperament
The Chihuahua is a very fun and feisty little dog who loves to play and explore. They're natural-born playmates, always up for an adventure. They enjoy spending time with their family and make fantastic lapdogs. Their loving and loyal personalities make them a joy to be around. They have a very approachable and warm demeanor, always ready to accept love and affection.
Do They Like to Be Petted?
Chihuahuas love to be petted, especially at the back of the neck, at the base of their tail, and under their chin. They'll probably enjoy a good scratch behind the ears too.
Some Chihuahuas are very affectionate and will happily accept as much love as you can give them, while others may be a bit more independent. Either way, they appreciate a good petting session.
If you're looking to bond with your Chihuahua, try petting them in these sweet spots and see how they react. They might just become your new best friend.
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How Long Can Be Left Alone?
Leaving your furry friend alone can be a challenge, but some breeds are more adaptable than others. A Chihuahua can be left alone for about 9 to 10 hours if the environment is safe.
It's essential to ensure they have access to water and food to prevent any issues.
Puppy Care
Puppy care is crucial for the health and well-being of your new furry friend. Chihuahua puppies need to eat 50 calories per day per pound of body weight.
Feeding them adult food too early can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so stick to puppy food. Puppies should eat up to four times a day to meet their unique growth needs.
Establish a bedtime routine to help your puppy sleep through the night, which usually happens around four months old. Be prepared for occasional setbacks, like travel or adoption, that may delay this milestone.
Take your puppy out to potty every two hours, and after meals, playtime, and naps. Consistency and patience are key to successful potty training.
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Puppy Care
At birth, a chihuahua puppy will usually weigh between 2 to 6 ounces, which is tiny but not surprising given their large heads.
Newborn Chihuahuas sleep and eat a lot, and they grow a huge amount during this phase of development.
They usually go to their permanent home around 8-12 weeks of age, and from this age until around 5-6 months old, they do most of their growing.
You may notice your Chihuahua going through various growth spurts throughout this period, and if you haven't noticed, look back at old photos and you'll see the change.
Regularly check your Chihuahua's collars and harnesses to make sure they're not too tight, as they'll need to be loosened frequently during this time of rapid growth.
Most Chihuahuas stop growing and are full-grown by the time they are a year old, though they'll fill out some more within the next year.
A few puppies will grow a little more and stop at 18 months old, so keep an eye on your Chihuahua's growth and adjust their collars and harnesses accordingly.
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Puppy Feeding Schedule
Feed your puppy 3-4 times a day until they are a year old, with the first meal around 7 in the morning, followed by noon, and dinner around 5.
It's essential to consider the age of your puppy when determining their feeding schedule. Newborn Chihuahuas sleep and eat a lot, and they go to their permanent home around 8-12 weeks of age.
You can use the Chihuahua weight chart to estimate your puppy's adult weight, but keep in mind that it's only an estimation and factors like nutrition, exercise, and health issues can affect their growth.
To convert ounces (oz) to pounds (lbs), simply divide the ounces by 16.
Here's a rough guide to help you monitor your puppy's growth at home:
Remember, it's crucial to weigh your puppy regularly and monitor their body condition score to ensure they're growing at a healthy rate.
Puppy Sleep Duration
Chihuahua puppies sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. They'll often wake up every few hours for about an hour before drifting off to sleep again.
Establishing a good sleeping schedule is crucial for your puppy's development. To do this, set a routine that includes a final snack, playtime, and a potty break before bedtime.
Typically, a puppy should be able to sleep through the night by the time it's around four months old. However, this can vary depending on factors like travel or changes in routine.
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Chihuahuas sleep a lot, with an average of 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day. This is because their energetic bodies need plenty of rest to recharge.
If your puppy is not sleeping through the night, it's likely due to a disrupted routine or a medical issue. Keep an eye out for any changes in your puppy's behavior or sleep patterns, and consult with your vet if you have concerns.
Puppy Soft Spot on Head
A puppy soft spot on head is a common concern for many new dog owners.
It's called a Molera, and in most cases, it will close up on its own by the time the puppy is a year old.
Some puppies may have a Molera that never closes up, so it's essential to monitor your puppy's development and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns.
In some cases, the Molera may remain open, which can lead to potential health issues.
Do Puppies Stop Teething?
Puppies tend to like to chew for most of their first year. This is because their baby teeth start falling out at around four months old, increasing the urge to chew on everything.
The adult teeth should all be in by eight months of age, when the urge to chew starts to decrease. However, it's worth noting that most dogs of every age do like to chew, so be sure to have some chew toys around for them.
Puppies have 28 baby teeth, which is a lot to lose. Adult dogs, on the other hand, have 42 teeth.
Regular dental cleaning and checks are crucial for maintaining the health of your Chihuahua. Their teeth should be brushed regularly to avoid infection and tooth decay.
Sources
- Chihuahua (long and smooth coat): Hydrocephalus (ufaw.org.uk)
- American Kennel Club Chihuahua page (akc.org)
- The Everything Chihuahua Book: A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, And Caring for Your Chihuahua (google.com)
- "Chihuahua History: From Aztec Treasure to Popular Companion" (akc.org)
- "Official Standard of the Chihuahua" (akc.org)
- American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- the world's smallest Chihuahua (usatoday.com)
- Chihuahua Puppies - Breed Info (petlandindependence.com)
- Chihuahua Weight Chart and Puppy Development Guide (raisedrightpets.com)
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