The Chihuahueño is a breed of dog that originated in Mexico, specifically in the state of Chihuahua.
They are known for their small size, typically weighing between 2 and 8 pounds.
Their short or long coat can come in a variety of colors, including fawn, chocolate, blue, and black.
Their large eyes are one of their most distinctive features, with a range of colors including brown, blue, and heterochromatic.
Their ears are erect and triangular, giving them a unique and alert appearance.
Their lifespan is relatively long, with an average of 12 to 18 years.
Historia y Orígenes
The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a history that dates back thousands of years.
The most common and probable theory is that Chihuahuas are descendants of the techichi, a companion dog of the Toltec civilization in Mexico.
The techichi's ancestors were likely present among the Mayans, and archaeological findings have confirmed the existence of dogs similar to Chihuahuas in ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Juguetes (toys) that represent dogs similar to Chihuahuas have been discovered throughout Mesoamerica, from Mexico to El Salvador, and date back to around 100 AD.
One of these toys was found in Tres Zapotes, Veracruz, Mexico, and a vase with a dog's image, similar to a Chihuahua, was discovered in Georgia and Tennessee, dating back to around 1325.
A progenitor of the Chihuahua breed was found in 1850 near Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, and an olla (pot) with a "deer head" image was discovered in the same area, dated between 1100 and 1300, demonstrating the long history of the breed in that region.
The modern Chihuahua is much smaller than its predecessor, and one theory suggests that a Chinese Crested dog ancestor, brought from Asia to America through the Bering Strait, contributed to the breed's miniaturization.
Here are some key dates in the history of the Chihuahua breed:
- 100 AD: Toys representing dogs similar to Chihuahuas are discovered in Mesoamerica.
- 1325: A vase with a dog's image, similar to a Chihuahua, is discovered in Georgia and Tennessee.
- 1850: A progenitor of the Chihuahua breed is found near Casas Grandes, Chihuahua.
- 1100-1300: An olla with a "deer head" image is discovered in Casas Grandes, Chihuahua.
These findings demonstrate the Chihuahua's rich and ancient history, and its origins in Mesoamerica.
Apariencia y Características
The Chihuahua is known for its small size and long, straight ears. Its coat can be either short or long, and some Chihuahuas have very thin hair, while others have a thick and dense coat.
The American Kennel Club recognizes two varieties of Chihuahuas: the Long Coat and the Short Coat. Both types can have a range of colors, from solid black to solid white, and various patterns like spotted, mottled, or tricolor.
A Chihuahua's height can vary greatly, with some growing up to 38 cm (15 inches) tall. However, most Chihuahuas typically range from 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches) in height. Their weight can also vary, with some weighing up to 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs) if they have a sturdy bone structure.
Here are the two main types of Chihuahuas based on their skull shape:
- Chihuahua cabeza de manzana (Apple Head)
- Chihuahua cabeza de ciervo (deer head)
Some Chihuahuas can be quite small, weighing as little as 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) and measuring only 15 cm (6 inches) tall. However, others can be a bit larger, weighing up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs) and standing at 25 cm (10 inches) tall.
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Temperamento y Comportamiento
The Chihuahueño is a loyal breed that thrives on attention and affection from its owners. They can become overly attached and jealous of their owners' relationships with others.
Their small size and fragility might lead you to think they're delicate, but with proper training and socialization, they can be excellent companions. Chihuahuas are adaptable to various environments, including city living and small apartments, and can live up to 18 years or more.
Chihuahuas are naturally wary of strangers and can be quite protective of their owners, making them excellent watchdogs. However, this can sometimes manifest as aggression towards people or other animals.
One of the most distinctive traits of Chihuahuas is their pack mentality, where they prefer the company of other Chihuahuas over other breeds. They also seem to be unaware of their own size and may take on larger animals.
Chihuahuas are sensitive to cold temperatures due to their small size, so it's essential to dress them in warm clothing in chilly climates.
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Salud
The Chihuahueño's delicate features and small size can make them prone to certain health issues. They require regular check-ups with a veterinarian expert in areas like birth and dental care.
Their tiny stature can also make them more susceptible to genetic anomalies, often neurológicas, such as epilepsy and apoplejías. These conditions can be severe and even life-threatening.
Chihuahueños, like other miniature breeds, are also prone to painful conditions like luxación de codo. It's essential to be aware of these potential health issues to provide the best possible care for your furry friend.
Hidrocefalia, or water in the brain, is another genetic anomaly that can affect Chihuahueños. It's a condition that can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, but the prognosis is often grim. However, not all Chihuahueños with a large head are affected by hidrocefalia.
Some Chihuahueños are born with a fontanela, a soft spot on their skull, which is a natural and accepted characteristic of the breed. This fontanela will fill in with age, but it requires careful care during the first six months to ensure proper skull formation.
Additional reading: Boston Terrier Skull
Chihuahueños are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round eyes and proximity to the ground. Regular cleaning and veterinary check-ups can help prevent these issues.
If you're considering bringing a Chihuahueño with a moteada coloration into your family, be aware that this coloration can come with additional health complications, including eye problems, deafness, hemophilia, and sterility. Research these potential issues thoroughly before making a decision.
Nutrición
The chihuahueño's diet is a crucial aspect of their care, as they are omnivores and require a balanced and nutritious diet to stay healthy.
To avoid overfeeding, it's essential to monitor their food intake, as chihuahueños with excess weight are prone to problems like ligament issues, tracheal collapse, bronchitis, and a shorter lifespan.
A well-balanced diet for a chihuahueño should include high-quality food specifically formulated for small breeds, and not overfeeding them with table scraps or high-fat foods.
Some common mistakes to avoid when feeding a chihuahueño include giving them galletas, chicharrones, chocolates, or other high-fat treats that can lead to health problems.
Here's a list of foods to avoid feeding your chihuahueño:
- Galletas
- Chicharrones (papas)
- Chocolates
- Dulces
- Pan
- Carne de cerdo
- Huesos de pollo
By following these guidelines and providing a balanced diet, you can help ensure your chihuahueño lives a long and healthy life, typically up to 15 years or more with proper care.
Cuidados y Adiestramiento
The Chihuahua is naturally a clean dog and requires little maintenance. It's essential to brush its short-haired variety once a week, while the long-haired variety needs more frequent brushing to prevent knots.
This breed is prone to tartar buildup on its teeth, so regular dental care is crucial. You can brush its teeth to maintain its oral health.
A Chihuahua's grooming needs are relatively simple, but it's vital to use a pH-neutral dog shampoo if you need to bathe it. After bathing, make sure to dry it thoroughly, as it's sensitive to both heat and cold.
The Chihuahua is an adaptable dog that thrives in small spaces, making it perfect for city living. However, it still needs daily walks to stay happy and healthy.
A Chihuahua's ideal owner is one who sets clear boundaries from an early age. If not, be prepared for a tiny dictator!
Socialization is key when it comes to this breed. It's essential to teach children and other pets how to interact with the Chihuahua gently and respectfully.
On a similar theme: Chihuahua Boston Terrier
Don't underestimate the Chihuahua's need for exercise and playtime. They love going on long walks, especially on nice days, but they'll happily stay indoors on rainy days.
A well-trained Chihuahua is a happy Chihuahua. Invest in early training, persistent training, and thorough socialization to ensure a harmonious relationship with your Chihuahua.
Perros y Propietarios
The Chihuahua is a perfect pet for city living due to its small size and adaptability to apartment life.
It's essential to remember that Chihuahuas are social animals and need socialization from an early age to avoid gruñidos intempestivos (intemperate growling).
A Chihuahua's love for being carried and cuddled should be balanced with providing independence and calmness.
This breed is highly attached to its owners and requires a lot of attention and love to be happy.
A daily walk is a must for Chihuahuas, and they also enjoy long walks on sunny days.
The ideal owner for a Chihuahua is someone who can teach children to respect the dog's boundaries and not treat it like a toy.
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A good training and socialization from an early age can help control a Chihuahua's testarudez (testiness) and tendency to bark excessively.
Chihuahuas are not as fragile as they seem, but rather vivaz, rápido, and revoltoso (lively, quick, and mischievous) dogs that need to learn to channel their energy.
Their strong character can make them good watchdogs, but also requires proper training to avoid aggression towards strangers.
Tipos y Precio
The Chihuahua breed can be classified according to the shape of its head, size, or length of its fur.
All Chihuahuas have a small head and a very short snout. Their large, round eyes are prominent and often dark in color.
The price of a Chihuahua can be steep, with a puppy costing around 1000 euros.
Tipos
The Chihuahua comes in different types, which can be classified based on their head shape, size, or coat length.
Their small head and short snout are distinctive features.
You can also categorize Chihuahuas by their size, which can be either small or large.
Their large, round eyes are prominent and often dark in color.
Check this out: Bull Terrier Head Shape
Precio Perro
A perro chihuahua puede costar unos 1000 euros.
La inversión en un perro sano de un criador profesional vale la pena, ya que te ahorrarás gastos veterinarios y disfrutarás muchos años con tu pequeñín.
Un criador serio y profesional con mucha experiencia te ayudará en todo momento, incluso después de la compra.
Intriguing read: Perro Maltes Con Shih Tzu
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuántas razas de perros chihuahua existen?
Existen 6 tipos de perros Chihuahua, siendo el más pequeño del mundo. Descubre más sobre las características únicas de cada raza.
Sources
- «Molera Statement» (chihuahuaclubofamerica.org)
- «Breed differences in canine aggression» (sciencedirect.com)
- «Fearless, Mischievous Sidekicks – Defining the Chihuahua» (readysetpuppy.com)
- «Carácter del perro Chihuahua» (tufielchihuahua.com)
- «Chihuahua perro» (dogadvices.com)
- Analysis of the origin and spread of the domestic dog using Y-chromosome DNA and mtDNA sequence data (diva-portal.org)
- Facts on the history of the chihuahua and information on the breed (essortment.com)
- Chihuahua History (akc.org)
- «chihuahua - Diccionario de la lengua española» (rae.es)
- Chihuahua (wikimedia.org)
- Chihuahua (dog) (wikimedia.org)
- perro chihuahua (tufielchihuahua.com)
- El Chihuahua ficha de raza: carácter, cuidados y salud (santevet.es)
- Chihuahueño | Wikia Perros pedia (fandom.com)
- Perro chihuahua | Carácter, Cuidados & Alimentación (zooplus.es)
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