These small dogs came to us from the ancient lands of North America. It is believed that this breed first appeared on the Yucatan Peninsula in America, or more precisely, among the ancient Mayan tribe. From the Mayans, the Chihuahua passed on to the Toltecs and Aztecs (also tribes in the Americas). The Native American tribes believed this breed to be sacred.
These funny and small animals played the role of talismans during magical rituals. The Indians believed that Chihuahua dogs have truly wonderful abilities, and therefore all representatives of this breed were assigned a personal guardian. This person was responsible for caring for the animal, feeding it regularly, and providing all necessary care.
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Chihuahua: breed description and photos
It's worth noting that even today, Chihuahuas remain a special breed. This miniature dog breed is one of the most popular worldwide. Furthermore, many respected breeders say that a Chihuahua is a true "lucky charm" for their owners. There is even such a legend, which suggests that the ancient Mayans cast a spell over Chihuahuas to protect them from all troubles and adversity. Therefore, many Chihuahua lovers believe that the Chihuahua's main purpose in life is to bring happiness to people and to live a life of care and love.
This dog's name was also no accident. In 1850, American archaeologists unearthed carvings of these dogs on rock faces. This famous find was made in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is this Spanish word that forms the basis for the name of this toy dog breed. The pronunciation in Russian has changed slightly.
Characteristics of a Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is rightfully considered the smallest dog breed in the world. The average Chihuahua weighs approximately 1–3.5 kg. The height of these dogs is also small.The height at the withers is only 16–24 cm (but dog breeders believe that there are currently no clear upper and lower limits).
External distinctive features of the Chihuahua breed:
- an apple-shaped head, characterized by a pronounced transition from the forehead area to the muzzle;
- harmonious physique;
- small size.
The main advantage of this breed is that they can be kept even in a very small apartment. For those owners who cannot afford walk your pet several times a dayChihuahuas have another advantage: they can even use a litter box, like a cat. Their small size also makes them suitable for taking with you almost anywhere.
These compact dogs, as seen in the photo, come in a wide variety of colors. However, the most unique to date is considered to be the silvery-gray color with a bluish tint. This Chihuahua coloring is very rare, as breeders of this breed are still unsuccessfully trying to introduce the gene for this color. This is because this gene often leads to serious illnesses in dogs. Interestingly, prices for Chihuahuas of this color range from $15,000 to more.
In addition to their compact size, Chihuahuas have the following characteristics:
- short nose;
- large head relative to the body;
- deep and expressive eyes that are set wide apart (but they should not be too prominent);
- rather large ears, which are held upright.
These beautiful dogs have thin and relatively short limbs, and their small paws have tenacious claws.
Chihuahuas have a fairly long tail. It's typically covered with smooth, thick fur and curled into a cute ring.
Chihuahua coat It can be short or long. This breed's coat is shiny and thick.
The most common color variations are as follows:
chocolate;- deer or brown;
- cream and white;
- brown brindle;
- black color and some others.
chocolate;Chihuahuas have excellent watchdog instincts and excellent reflexes. These dogs are also nearly fearless.
It is believed that long-haired representatives of these dogs have a more good-natured nature than their short-haired counterparts. However, owners of short-haired counterparts of this breed have a completely different point of view. They claim thatOh, the short-haired Chihuahua is cuter than long-haired dogs., because they often love to warm themselves on their owners' laps. Naturally, these are all amusing speculations, but there is a certain amount of truth to these beliefs.
It's hard to imagine that this cute and fragile animal could have a vicious nature. But this breed actually has a rather complex character. excessive attentiveness and cautious behavior The ability of dogs to interact with the outside world was transferred from their ancestors who lived in tropical jungles.
It also happens that a Chihuahua can suddenly start barking, and calming it down becomes an impossible task for the owner. These compact Dogs are wary of unexpected guests., new people, and restless children. A sudden fright can even cause the dog to wet itself. This breed is difficult to call affectionate at first glance.
But in the company of familiar people, the dog can be an energetic and affectionate leader, quite fascinating to watch. This brave little fellow will tumble all over the house, making a funny grunting sound.
A representative of this dog breed will be a very loyal friend to its owner, as Chihuahuas have a very kind and friendly nature. These temperamental dogs are excellent at sensing their owners' moods. Chihuahuas never it won't spin around your feet or get in the wayWhen the owners are busy, the dog will prefer to quietly curl up in a corner and get comfortable.
It's also worth noting that the Chihuahua is a fairly intelligent and smart dog. For this reason, with proper puppy care and a persistent approach Can you teach a dog good manners?, as well as sets of commands.
In addition to the characteristics described above, Chihuahua dogs also have the following qualities:
- a little stubborn, but at the same time quite obedient;
- dogs are quite devoted to their owners (often even jealous);
- have a balanced psyche.
Miniature Chihuahua Dog: Description and Photos
The mini breed includes adult dogs weighing no more than 1.2–1.5 kg. Other characteristics of mini Chihuahuas are not significantly different from those of standard Chihuahuas. It should be noted that The owners of large kennels do not recognize the division of dogs Chihuahuas are divided into different categories. Naturally, the small size of this breed is often considered the main indicator of prestige. Therefore, prices for tiny puppies are much higher than for standard-sized dogs. However, there is no official classification of Chihuahuas by size.
The miniature breed's personality incorporates traits common to regular Chihuahuas. Specifically, these little ones possess the following traits:
- trainability;
- affection for owners;
- cheerfulness;
- mobility and activity.
But when buying a miniature puppy, you need to pay close attention to their health. Sometimes, a Chihuahua's very small size is a sign of poor development and health, rather than a sign of their uniqueness. In some cases, a miniature Chihuahua is considered a "miniature" breed. They're just selling a puppy that will definitely grow into an adult dog. Standard size. It's best to buy a puppy from a specialized breeder who guarantees the breeding of a Chihuahua.
Prices for puppies
The approximate price for "quality" Chihuahua puppies can range from $700 to $2,000. The price will depend on the breed's characteristics. When purchasing a puppy, you need to pay attention to the ads With a price tag of $150-350. For this price, you can buy a puppy with various defects, a mixed-breed puppy (not a purebred), and in some cases, even a mongrel dog.
Factors that determine the price of a Chihuahua puppy include:
- cost of mating;
- costs of feeding the puppy and its mother in the kennel;
- vaccinations;
- issuance of pedigree, documents, etc.
Clothes for Chihuahuas
These miniature dogs also need warm clothing, especially in cold weather. Clothing isn't just decorative (interestingly, even famous fashion designers make clothes for Chihuahuas), it's also essential for... to avoid hypothermia, which can cause various illnesses. Specialty stores now offer a wide selection of jackets, sweaters, overalls, and fur coats, as well as fun boots that can help protect your dog's paws from cold, rain, and snow.
The selection of clothing for long-haired Chihuahuas is now so vast that owners can choose not only outdoor attire for their pup, but also indoor attire. For example, in fun pajamas and slippers, your little one will delight everyone in the family. Furthermore, for almost any occasion, you can buy a unique costume that will make your Chihuahua the star of the show.
Chihuahua kennels
From the above, we can conclude that dog breeders worldwide recommend purchasing a future pet only from specialized, officially registered kennels. Furthermore, When purchasing a puppy from a kennel, the future owner signs an agreement, which guarantees the presence of all breed characteristics. This document also guarantees the puppy's health.
Nowadays, buying a long-haired Chihuahua puppy from a kennel is not considered snobbery, but rather a matter of concern for the health and well-being of the future dog.
It is important to note that when purchasing a purebred Chihuahua puppy, a specialized the nursery must provide a document, certifying the assessment of experts from the International Canine Association (FCI). These documents will guarantee that you are purchasing a purebred puppy, as the FCI is recognized worldwide.
