What Types of Chihuahuas are Officially Recognised?

What Types of Chihuahuas are Officially Recognised?

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If you are interested in buying a Chihuahua puppy, and are new to the breed, you will probably have noticed advertisements for a wide variety of Chihuahua breed types. All sorts of exotic, fancy-sounding names are used to describe these “special” types of Chihuahua: Teacup, Miniature Chi, Tiny Toy, Deer Chi, just to name a few.

The reality is that the American and UK Kennel Clubs only recognise two official types of Chihuahua: the Long-Coat and the Smooth Coat, or Short-Haired Chihuahua. This differentiation obviously refers solely to the type of coat the Chi has. Other physical variations are not considered to be significant. The two basic variations in body shape, are referred to as “Apple” or “Deer” shape. Some Chihuahuas have rounder, apple-shaped heads, while others have more elongated head shapes, resembling a deer’s head.

These physical variations do not divide the dogs into sub-breeds. The reality is that many Chi breeders and pet shops use these unofficial names to attract customers, and to cater to fashion-conscious dog owners. They will often charge much more than they should, because of the supposed “rarity”, or increased value of really small Chi’s, or Chi’s with elongated features.

The Role of Fashion in Chi Breed Types 

Chihuahuas that have a certain look that is “fashionable”, are often bred by unscrupulous breeders, in order to make more money than usual. Take Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, for example. Ever since that tiny Chi was seen being carried around in designer handbags, there have been many fashion-conscious women and girls wanting to copy that look. The same goes for the latest wave of Chihuahua fans, inspired by the Disney movieBeverly Hills Chihuahua.

When a litter of Chihuahua puppies is born, there are natural size variations. Some puppies will grow up to be naturally tinier than their siblings. What some breeders do, is make use of cruel methods to keep puppies small, or discard the larger puppies and concentrate on raising the tiny ones only.

To stop this kind of cruelty, the public should be made aware of the facts behind Chihuahua “breeds”. If they know that the really tiny ones are not a separate breed, but are a natural variation, the breeders won’t be able to inflate their prices so much. When people buy Chihuahua puppies, they should make sure that the breeder is an official member of a recognised breeding scheme. In the case of UK kennels, only 3,000 out of about 20,000 dog breeders have proper accreditation. Many of these breeders are running “puppy farms” and the UK Kennel Club is trying hard to crack down on those kinds of unlicensed businesses. 

The problem with people buying a Chihuahua that looks “trendy”, is that they aren’t fully aware of the breed’s inherent health issues. In many cases, these health issues are made worse when certain physical characteristics are artificially encouraged or sought after by breeders. This leads to owners giving up their Chihuahuas to kennels, or to anyone who wants them.

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Introduction to the Chihuahua

Introduction to the Chihuahua

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The Chihuahua may be a diminutive breed of dog, but there is a lot more to them than meets the eye. They are by no means timid, nor have they been a breed of passive lapdogs during their long history – despite their size.

History

The Disney movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua has a wonderful scene in it, where the main character – a spoiled and pampered Chihuahua – encounters an ancient group chihuahuas in an Aztec temple, in Mexico. They explain their long history and important status they had in Aztec culture, all of which is true.

The Chihuahua is most likely descended from a similar small breed of dog – the Techichi, which the  Toltecs first domesticated. This was around 500 AD. The dogs used to live in people’s homes and they became part of religious ceremonies. When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, the high status of the Chihuahua’s remained in Aztec culture.

The Techichi was a mute dog, with long hair. Explorers and conquerors took this small breed of dog back to Europe and the modern Chihuahua breed came into being. The American Kennel Cub first registered Chihuahuas in 1904. Their name comes from the Mexican province of Chiuahua, where the dogs were first discovered near the Casa Grande ruins.  

Traits and personality

Chihuahuas are by no means timid. They will often defend their personal space quite aggressively, and think nothing of initiating a fight with a dog that is ten times bigger. They are lively, active dogs and they do develop fierce loyalty to their owners.

Health

Chihuahua owners need to be aware that there are some inherent health issues with the breed. The kneecaps on the back legs tend to be loose and can slip out of place. Some individual dogs will suffer from hypoglycaemia, one of the signs of this low blood sugar condition, is the Chihuahua having glassy eyes.

A collapsing trachea affects many dogs, such as Pugs and Chihuahuas. This leads to your dog having difficulty breathing and very often passing out, should they be running around a lot, especially during hot weather.

Moleara is considered to be a characteristic of Chihuahuas, rather than a defect of health issue. It is a soft spot on the top of their head, where the skull has not knitted together. Human babies have this and outgrow it, but the vast majority of Chihuahuas do not outgrow Molera.

Grooming

Smooth coated Chihuahuas require regular brushing at least once a week. Long-aired Chihuahuas need regular grooming and hair trimming, so that their coats do not become tangled and knotted. If you use a professional groomer, make sure that you start the regime when your Chihuahua is young, to minimise anxiety and trauma.

Feeding

Because of the low blood sugar problem that is common to these dogs, and the fact that their digestive systems are small and delicate, it is a good idea to feed you Chihuahua several small meals during the course of the day. Mixing dry dog and tinned food together, in small servings is a good method of ensuring your Chihuahua gets the right nutrients, without struggling to eat the food.

Travelling with a Chihuahua

Because of their size, Chihuahuas are relatively easy to travel with. Many Chi owners worry about leaving their dogs in the care of strangers, or kennels, due to the special care they give their pets. Check out Chihuahua clothing and accessories, like travel bags and toys, that can make the journey comfortable and enjoyable for your Chi.

Working Like a… Well, You Know — Cute Overload

Working Like a… Well, You Know

APRIL 4, 2011

 by NOT THAT MIKE THE OTHER MIKE

Who says a dog’s life is easy? Watch Jesse the Jack Russell terrier tug, slam, push, polish, unzip, unlace, and massage his way through a hectic workday before catching some rule 26 action for himself. Bonus: Perhaps the peppiest song about soul-crushing, nine-to-five lifestyles you’ll ever hear.

I got tired just watching that, Katie L.

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Tagged as: Pups, The Rules of Cuteness

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What Seems to Be the Problem, Officer?

APRIL 5, 2011 by NOT THAT MIKE THE OTHER MIKE

“License”? “Registration”? What are these strange words you keep using?

We’ll just let Milo off with a warning this time, Molly.

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Tagged as: Pups

http://cuteoverload.com/2011/04/05/what-seems-to-be-the-problem-officer/

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Chihuahua Health Problems You Should Know About

Chihuahua Health Problems You Should Know About

If you are the owner of a Chihuahua, then you are probably wondering if there are any specific health problems you need to be aware of. 

In this article, we look at common Chihuahua health problems, and what you can do about them.

So, whether you have a longhaired Chi or a smooth coat, and whether you have several or are just getting your first puppy, read on to find out more.

Luxation of the Patella

Dislocation of the kneecap, or luxation of the patella, is a common affliction for many small breeds, like the Chihuahua. This problem is due to the ligaments that hold the kneecap in place stretching over time, and immediate, surgical intervention is usually the only solution to the problem.

Left untreated, your dog will be compensating for the kneecap being out of position, and, over time, that can lead to further deformity or movement disorders.

Reverse Sneezes

Reverse sneezing is another common problem in small breed dogs, including the longhaired Chihuahua and the smooth coated variety.  This is usually a temporary, harmless condition, caused by a misalignment of the soft palate, and it sounds like something between a sneeze and a snort!  This particular disorder usually sorts itself out on its own, with no intervention necessary, and it can recur whenever your dog becomes excited, stressed, or agitated.

If your Chi is a reverse sneezer, try not to be too concerned about it – the noise may be worrisome, but it is almost always harmless.

Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia may be something that is more commonly associated with humans, but dogs are not immune, and Chihuahuas, probably because of their size, are prone to this condition.  It is actually a sharp drop in glucose levels in the blood, caused by stress, lack of eating or illness, and ‘sugar shock’ while treatable, can be fatal!  If you notice that your Chi is lethargic or seems weak or tired, it could be a sign of hypoglycaemia (or another serious illness or disorder) and you should seek immediate attention from your vet!

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism may sound like a scary disease, but it is actually a term that describes testicles that do not descend from inside the body, into the scrotum.  It is not usually an immediately dangerous condition, but it can lead to an increased risk of cancer or injury, so it is worth having your male Chi pup checked out by the vet if his testes have not descended by around six months of age.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus, on the other hand, is a serious condition, that involves the build-up of fluid on the brain.  This fluid can lead to behavioural changes, depression, vision problems, and seizures.  It is sometimes a birth defect, and sometimes a result of an infection or injury.

Mitral Valve Disease

Chihuahuas are one of the breeds of dog that are particularly prone to mitral valve disease, which is a specific type of heart disease, which is degenerative. It usually only appears in older dogs, but it can also affect younger ones, and it usually results in premature death. The severity of the disease will determine your dog’s life expectancy, so if you suspect that your dog may be at risk, visit your vet soon, and have your dog’s heart examined properly.

There are other conditions that affect both longhaired Chihuahuas, and their smooth coated siblings.  If you have a Chihuahua, or are planning to get one, it is usually a good idea to check with your vet what conditions you should be on the look out for, and to remember that Chi’s can also get other illnesses and diseases.  Make sure that you have a reliable, knowledgeable veterinarian, and that you take your dog for regular checkups.  Never leave any obvious signs of illness either – some canine diseases can be fatal in hours or days!

Should You Have Insurance for Your Chihuahua?

Should You Have Insurance for Your Chihuahua?

When you buy a Chihuahua, you are really buying a companion who is going to be with you for as long as twenty years in some cases.

That means that while you may be all caught up in Chihuahua gifts, and Chihuahua clothing (that are admittedly cute!), you also need to consider practical things, like insurance.

What Is Canine Insurance?

Canine insurance, or health insurance for your dog, is not a new idea. 

It works pretty much along the same lines as health insurance for humans. 

Every month, you pay a membership fee, and in return for that fee, you are covered for medical expenses, including operations and hospital stays, as well as certain medications, up to a predetermined level.

What Does Dog Insurance Cover?

There are various policies out there, that offer different benefits, but most good dog insurance policies will have a combination of all or some of the following:

• Vet bills
• Death benefits
• Boarding fees
• Holiday cancellation
• Theft or loss, as well as covering advertising and rewards in some cases
• Accidental injury
• Third party liability (if your dog happens to injure someone else!)

When you look at that list, it’s easy to see how those costs can quickly add up, and it’s that long term cost that is prompting more and more owners of dogs (whether it’s a long haired Chihuahua, or a great Dane) to seriously consider dog insurance!

How to Choose Insurance Company

If you have decided that your Chi is precious, enough to you to make sure that you are always covered when something goes wrong, then you are going to be looking for a good insurance company.

The first thing you are going to need to assess is price.  These can vary wildly, but it is usually not the best to base your decision on price alone.  Rather compare the services covered by the policy you are considering, and compare it to the premium.

Next, you will probably what to look at reviews from clients of a particular insurance company.  There is no better way to tell whether an insurance company is great, or not, than to read reviews from their existing clients.

Finally, consider any other factors, like exclusion clauses, your dog’s age and special needs, and anything else that may be important.  Remember that even once you have made a choice, there is nothing stopping you from switching to a different service provider later on!

Is Insurance Important for Your Chihuahua?

Yes. Insurance is a grudge purchase, and it is nowhere near as fun to shop for as Chihuahua gifts, but, like any dogs, Chi’s can have accidents or illnesses, and the costs can quickly mount up.  Also, remember that like any pedigreed breed, there are congenital conditions that Chihuahua’s are predisposed to.

Make sure that your Chi is covered for any eventuality, and then have fun shopping for Chihuahua clothing!  You will both have a lot more fun if you are not worrying about having to spend a fortune if your dog gets sick or hurt!

Introducing Your Chihuahua to Your New Baby

Introducing Your Chihuahua to Your New Baby

If you are the owner of a Chihuahua, then you already have one baby.  Many Chihuahua owners feel that their Chi is their child, and it is easy to feel that way about these lovable, cute little creatures. 

However, there comes a time in many Chi owners’ lives when they are faced with the question of introducing dogs to babies or children comes up.  If your Chihuahua is a pampered little soul (as many are) this can be a tricky situation. Here are a few ideas:

Take It Slow

When it comes to the problem of introducing dogs to babies or children, the most important thing to remember is to take it slow. Until now, your Chihuahua has been the only ‘child’ in your home and it is very likely that he or she will be jealous or resentful for a little while at least. Do not try to force the issue, and if your dog seems aggressive or aloof, give it time. 

Opt for Short, Supervised Introductions

Babies and children are not usually the most gentle people. It is not uncommon for them to hurt your dog accidentally, and your dog’s natural reaction will probably be to defend his or her self. 

Make sure, when you are introducing dogs to babies or children, that you opt for short introductions, a few minutes at most, and that you supervise those introductions at all times. That way, you can step in if your child, or your dog, has a bad attitude!

Teach Children to be Gentle

A tug on the ears, or a yank on the tail may be your child’s first reaction when introduced to your dog, but it is not pleasant for your dog! When introducing dogs to babies or children, make sure that you always emphasise the importance of being gentle with your dog. Hold your child’s hand while he or she strokes your dog, and show your child how to pet them gently. 

Make Time for Your Dog

A new baby in the home is often the focus of all the attention in your home and that can lead in only one direction – jealousy. Make sure that no matter how enraptured you are with your child, you still make time for your dog. Stick to your regular walk and play routines, and spend as much time as you can, while your baby is sleeping or at day care, with your dog. You could even enlist your partner’s help if you are finding it tricky to manage both!

Spoil Your Dog!

If you are worried that your Chihuahua will feel left out by the arrival of your new baby, then why not spoil your pooch a little?  Chihuahua gifts like toys, clothing, or a new basket will go a long way to reminding your Chi that you know they are special!

Introducing a dog to babies or children is a long process, and there is likely to be mistrust or at the very least wariness to begin with.  In most cases, however, it is just a matter of gradually getting used to each other, and you should find, in time, that your Chihuahua and your child become firm friends.

Chihuahua Traits and Personality

Chihuahua Traits and Personality

Most people know that Chihuahua’s are the smallest breed of dog, and that they hail from Mexico.  However, there are also plenty of other aspects of the traits and personality of the Chihuahua that could affect your choice about whether owning one is right for you or not.  In this article, we look at the various similarities that all Chihuahua’s share, according to the breed standard.

Appearance

According to the AKC breed standard, when it comes to appearance, factors present in all Chihuahua’s traits and personality are that they are graceful, swift, and have a saucy expression. They also have ‘terrier like’ personalities.  That means that Chihuahua’s are proof of the old saying ‘dynamite comes in small packages,’ and that they are energetic and confident little dogs. 

Their heads should be a rounded ‘apple dome’ and they should not have eyes that protrude, ears that are erect, and a well-defined stop.  They should also have a slightly pointed muzzle, and a level bite. 

Coats can be either smooth, short, and close to the body, or long and silky in the long coat, and all colours, and combinations of colours, are acceptable.

Size and Proportion

According to the breed standard, when it comes to size and proportion, in terms of Chihuahua traits and personality, a Chihuahua should weigh no more than 6 pounds, and have a body that is ‘off square’ – or slightly longer than it is high.  

Gait and Movement

The terrier like traits and personality of the Chihuahua should be evident in the dog’s gait, which is swift, firm, and sturdy.  That is thanks to the muscular legs, level back and firm top line that all Chihuahuas should share. 

Disqualifying Factors

Not all Chihuahua owners choose to enter their pets into breed shows, but when it comes to Chihuahua traits and personality factors that you should look for, it helps to know what would disqualify your dog in a breed show.  Those factors are any dog that weighs more than 6 pounds, docked tails or bobtails, cropped ears or thin coats in long coats. 

If you do love Chihuahuas, and are planning to get one as a pet, it is worth taking a copy of the breed standard along when viewing puppies.  It will help you to ensure that the parents of your puppy exhibit the traits and personality of the ideal Chihuahua, and that should ensure that your puppy does too.

 

Grooming a Chihuahua

Grooming

If you are the proud owner of a Chihuahua, then there is a good chance that you want to make sure that your Chi’s coat and skin stay in the best possible condition.  In this article, we look at various aspects of Chihuahua grooming, as well as tools, equipment and products that can be helpful. 

Bathing

One of the main aspects of grooming, when it comes to dogs, is bathing.  Bathing your dog helps to remove dirt from their coat and skin, and it is a necessary part of grooming.  However, too much bathing can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin, and lead to dry skin and other problems. 

Bath your Chihuahua when he or she is dirty, and use a shampoo recommended by your veterinarian, that is formulated for dog’s skin.  Consider using a tick and flea shampoo if parasites are a problem, and add a conditioner formulated for dogs if your dog is prone to developing dry skin. 

Brushing

If your Chihuahua is a smooth coated dog, you probably will not have to include brushing in your dog’s grooming routine.  Smooth coated Chi’s tend to have flat coats, with very little undercoat, so brushing is rarely necessary. 

If you own a long coated Chi, then you will need to include brushing and combing in your dog’s grooming routine. Invest in a brush and comb set for dogs, and focus on the feathering around your dog’s legs and tail, where tangles are most likely to occur.  The good news, however, is that long coat Chihuahua’s are much less prone to knots and tangles than many other breeds, thanks to their silky coats, and they generally do not need more than a quick daily grooming. 

Nails

Thanks to their status as a toy breed, and the likelihood that your Chihuahua probably spends more time indoors than out, your Chi is not likely to naturally wear down his or her nails on rough surfaces.  It is therefore important to make nail clipping a part of your grooming routine. 

Invest in a set of nail clippers designed for dogs, which cut the nails cleanly and easily, and ask your veterinarian to show you how to safely cut your dog’s nails.  You could also consider having your Chi’s dewclaws (the claws that are located midway up the lower leg, removed. 

Teeth

Like any dogs, Chihuahua’s can develop dental problems. That is especially true if your Chi’s diet consists mainly of soft foods, which do not clean teeth naturally. Invest in purpose made ‘dental aids’ like specially designed chew toys, or get your Chi used to tooth brushing, as a part of his or her regular grooming routine. There are specially formulated toothpastes, as well as brushes, on the market made especially for dogs, that are safe to use for the purpose. 

Grooming your Chihuahua is not only about making sure that he or she stays pretty and sweet smelling! Good grooming also has a lot to do with your dog’s long-term health, so make it a priority.