chihuahua long coat

In my own words

 

People who don’t know me so well say that I can be a really yappy dog but honestly, I’m not that bad really, I’m only trying to talk to you! I love being with my family and being included in all the activities. There really is nothing better than having a cuddle on your lap... if you don’t mind, of course!

Don’t be fooled by my cuteness, I make a great guard or watchdog because I’m always keeping a look out for strange people and noises. You don’t have to worry about anything with me in the house. Oh and I know you humans do like to carry little dogs like me but I still love a walk just as much as the next dog because it keeps me fit and healthy. Cuddles are great but so are walkies!

 

Information essential about the chihuahua long coat

 

Kennel Club Group:

Toy

 

Size:

Small: Weight 2.2 – 6 lb (1– 2.7 kg)

Height: 6 – 9” (15 – 23 cm)

 

Popularity:

The breed remains a popular companion dog across the world

Breed History:

 

This breed originates from Mexico where it was named after the Mexican State of Chihuahua. It is believed its ancestors date back hundreds of years with images of Chihuahua type dogs being found on pots dating back to the 1300s and wheeled dog toys have been found dating back even further. The origins of the Chihuahua is unclear but it is thought they could have originated from the Fennec Fox.

The Chihuahua was sacred to Pre-Columbian Indians and have been popular pets for the upper class. They are prized for their small size and most valued when they weigh under 2 lbs (1.3 kg).

 

The breed was only brought to Europe towards the end of the 19th Century and was first recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1904.

 

Character:

 

This breed is lively and intelligent, forming close bonds with their master. They are affectionate and curious, tending to form a bond with one or two people. They are weary of strangers and can appear nervous, yappy or even snappy which will need firm training to be discouraged. They require early socialisation to prevent them being anxious in new environments and to ensure they get along with other household pets and children. This breed is quite territorial and makes a good guard dog although they can bark excessively unless trained otherwise. They enjoy being part of the pack and are very adaptable to apartment dwelling. Due to their loving nature they make excellent companions for single people and the elderly.

 

Temperament:

 

This breed makes a good companion dog and is loving and affectionate. They are proud, curious and lively but can be strong willed without proper training. They form very close bonds with their owners and are very loyal but they require early socialisation to prevent them from being nervous of new situations and people. They have a tendency to develop Small Dog Syndrome where they believe they are leader of the pack so they require a firm owner to be the leader of the pack. Allowing this breed to jump up on laps and be dominant can lead to behavioural problems such as jealousy and aggression towards other dogs and humans.

 

 

Conformation:

 

The Chihuahua has a distinctive rounded ‘apple domed’ skull that can be with or without a molera (an unclosed section of skull). The muzzle is short. In dark coated dogs, the nose should be black while in light coated dogs the nose can be pink. The ears are large and flare out. The eyes are full, set well apart but slightly protrude. The eyes should be dark in dark coated dogs but can be ruby in lighter coated dogs. The head is held high and the neck slightly arched. The legs are straight with muscular hindquarters. The tail is either sickle shaped or loops over the back. The feet should be dainty with well divided toes.

 

Coat:

The coat is long and flat or slightly wavy with an undercoat. The ears are fringed, there is a substantial ruff around the neck and the legs are well feathered. Also comes in a short coated variety.

 

 

Colour:

 

The coat comes in all colours and both solid and marked coats are accepted. Colours range from black, white, fawn, chestnut, sable, steel blue, black and tan and parti-colour.

 

Training:

 

This breed is intelligent and benefits from early training and socialisation. Some Chihuahua’s have been trained to use a cat litter tray while others are never house trained as they can be difficult to house train. They require a firm but patient handler and their owner must assert themselves as the master otherwise this breed can develop Small Dog Syndrome where they believe they are the leader of the pack which can lead to many behavioural problems. They can be nervous of other people but early socialisation can prevent this becoming a problem. They respond well to positive reinforcement and praise.

 

Care:

 

The long coat requires daily grooming with a soft bristle brush and bathe typically once a month taking care not to get water in their ears. Ensure the ears are checked and cleaned regularly and nails are trimmed. This breed is an average shedder. It is wise to brush the teeth daily as this breed can be prone to tartar build up.

 

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is about 15 years or more. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. This breed is prone to rheumatism, slipped stifle, colds and gum problems. They can develop eye problems such as corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma due to their protruding eyes and have a tendency to gain weight easily. In puppyhood they can be susceptible to fractures and other injuries and some have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout their entire life which can be prone to injury. This breed may have a tendency to snore or wheeze due to their short muzzle and can be susceptible to stress due to their owners babying them.

 

Exercise:

These dogs are well suited to apartment life but are active little dogs and still require a daily walk. It can be tempting to carry them but dogs who are not taken out for regular walks can develop behavioural problems. Ensure they have access to a well secured yard to play in and keep them fit and healthy. This breed prefers warm weather and can catch a cold easily so try to keep them warm.

 

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