Chihuahuas

Chihuahua Information

Physical Appearance of a Chihuahua

Temperament of a Chihuahua

They are known to be fearless and have a lively and expressive personality. The breed is very observant and is always on alert. They are always curious about their surroundings which makes them good watchdogs. Chihuahuas are loyal to their family and love to play with them. Though they look small, they can sometimes act nasty and mean. They also have a tendency to bark a lot.

Chihuahuas have a dynamic personality. The dog will run around the house, slide inside blankets, wave their paws in the air, and do many things that people will generally find amusing. They have high enthusiasm that can also sometimes stem into aggression. Most Chihuahuas are reserved or even hostile when it comes to meeting strangers. Early socialization training to help them a lot with how they react with strangers. They also have a jealous personality especially towards children or pets that receive a lot of attention.

Training a Chihuahua

Early Socialization Training

Early socialization is absolutely necessary for Chihuahuas. They need exposure to different sounds, places, people, other dogs, and pets right when they are a puppy. By being exposed to so many things it will help interact more confidently with others and not be so skittish with strangers or other dogs.

Clicker Training

Chihuahuas are known to misbehave fairly often, especially as puppies. They need to be trained to understand what is good behavior and what is not OK. Clicker training will help them understand what is good behavior. Clicker training has you make a noise with the clicker when the desired action is done. In addition to the click you’ll give them a treat, at least while you train them. Every time your dog hears the click they’ll know they did a good job and you are happy.

If your dog misbehaves, try not to punish them because it can discourage them. Instead, remember the clicker training and divert their attention to something else. You might have to do this several times to help your dog understand that they are not supposed to do the undesired activities.

Obedience Training Classes

Obedience training classes are a great way to help your dog learn some basic instructions. Obedience training isn’t just for your dog, it also helps owners learn to teach and control their new dog. These classes can teach you as an owner the best ways to teach your puppy.

The amount of time you spend trying to stop your Chihuahua’s excessive barking can be a lot less if you know the best way to teach them. Because Chihuahuas love barking, with or without obedience training you will likely spend a good deal of time teaching them to be quiet.

Kennel Training

Kennel training works very well with Chihuahuas. If done right they will see the kennel as their safe space, and a place that they can relax and sleep. Most dogs enjoy small spaces and will find a sense of security while inside it. Getting them comfortable in a kennel early on will save you a lot of headaches. You know that they can’t get into trouble while you’re sleeping or at work if they’re in their kennel. It’s also a great place for them to dry off after they come into the house when it’s wet outside.

Their Compatibility with Children

Chihuahuas usually bond well with 1 family member, and this is the person that they will want to spend most of their time with. Usually this will not be a child because children do not treat them as they want to be treated. As long as the Chihuahua is not near the owner that they have bonded with they should be OK around children from its family. However the dog is known to be very defensive and can try to bite people if they approach while they are “guarding” the favored family member.

The Chihuahua can be tolerant of children, but this is only if they have been trained to live with them from the beginning. Otherwise Chihuahuas can feel jealous of young kids if you do not give them proper attention.

Another issue is that children love to pick up and carry pets. With their small size a child can try to pick the dog up and accidentally drop them, possibly injuring your Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas can sometimes become aggressive with kids, especially when it feels scared, or that it is being teased. Teach your children how to play with the Chihuahua. Have them hold your Chihuahua and show them how to be gentle and let them know not to pick them up. For the best experience for everyone it would be best not to play aggressively around the dog.

Teach your kids the best ways to interact with Chihuahuas. Children should not disturb them when they are eating because they might get bit because your dog thinks their food is being taken away. Until you know how your children and new puppy will react its best to have an adult supervise their interactions. Supervision is the best way to prevent accidents from occurring.

Best Climate for a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are indoor dogs and the only time they should go outside is for walks, to play, or go potty. All types of Chihuahuas have the same temperature tolerance. Chihuahuas are unequipped to handle cold weather. You may notice them shaking or shivering if the temperature gets below 65. They cannot withstand temperatures below 45 degrees for very long. If you live in a cold climate they will need a coat to keep them warm when let outside.

When it comes to warm weather, Chihuahuas are better suited. They love to bask in the sun and it is fun for them. You can spend time out with your pet in the afternoon to keep them happy. It is important to remember that they are sensitive to hot weather. Staying out for too long without water or shade can lead to a heat stroke. Make sure that they have enough water to drink and a cool place to rest while outside in the summer.

The Attention a Chihuahua Needs

Chihuahuas need a lot of attention. They are affectionate and like to express their love to their family. They also want to be loved in return with the same intensity. Chihuahuas have a jealous personality and can start behaving weirdly if they feel neglected because you are spending time with children or other pets. Their jealousy is one of the reasons why most Chihuahuas are not comfortable around children.

Spend as much time with your Chihuahua and ensure that they get all the attention they need. Leaving them alone for too long can make them anxious and can even lead to separation anxiety.

Health Issues

There are no major health issues that Chihuahuas seem to develop. But like other dogs this breed is also known to have certain health conditions.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is also a disease that is seen in a number of small dog breeds. Hypoglycemia can be easily treated in initial stages but if it’s not diagnosed quickly, it can become fatal and lead to coma or death. 

Hypoglycemia is more likely to happen when your dog is stressed. Their blood sugar levels drop and they can have weakness, confusion, or even seizures. Take your dog to the vet if you see any of these symptoms.

Shivering

Shivering can be caused by a variety of factors, including fear, anxiety, pain, cold temperatures, and even excitement. Fear and anxiety can cause them to shiver due to the release of adrenaline and other hormones that are associated with these emotions. 

Pain can cause shivering as a result of the body’s natural response to discomfort or injury. Cold temperatures can also cause shivering as the body attempts to generate heat and keep itself warm. Finally, excitement can also cause a dog to shiver due to the release of hormones associated with positive emotions.

Symptoms of Canine Shivering

The most obvious symptom of shivering is, of course, the shaking, or body trembling. Other symptoms can include:

• Panting
• Whining
• Pacing
• Restlessness

If your dog has any of these symptoms in addition to shivering and it lasts for longer than you consider reasonable, you should take them to a veterinarian for an examination.

Hydrocephalus

Canine Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain, causing an increase in intracranial pressure. This increased pressure can lead to a variety of symptoms, including seizures, blindness, and difficulty walking.

Hydrocephalus is a common condition, and can occur in any breed or at any age. It’s most often seen in small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Shih Tzus.

It’s important to note that hydrocephalus is a lifelong condition and can’t be cured. With proper management and treatment, many dogs can lead relatively normal lives. It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to develop an individualized treatment plan for your dog. This treatment plan should include regular check-ups, medication, and lifestyle modifications such as avoiding stairs or slippery surfaces.

Your dog will need a safe and comfortable environment. This can include a soft bed, avoiding stairs or slippery surfaces, and plenty of mental stimulation.

By understanding the signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus, you can help ensure that your pet receives the best possible care. With proper management and treatment, your dog can lead a relatively normal life.

Periodontal Disease

Domesticated cats and dogs can get periodontal disease if their oral health is not taken care of. Periodontal disease is a tooth and gum condition that can become serious in a few ways. One of the biggest problems is that this disease can destroy the gums and teeth of your pet if left untreated.

Another major problem if the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream. Plaque build-up in the mouth can damage the gums and let bacteria enter the bloodstream. If this happens it can cause kidney and liver diseases and narrow their blood vessels which can lead to heart problems.

One of the easiest ways to prevent periodontal disease is to regularly brush your pet’s teeth. More than likely they won’t like it, but regular brushing is the best way you can prevent plaque buildup in your pets mouth.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is another joint problem that dogs can develop. Patellar luxation happens when the knee joint slides in and out of place. This can be painful for some, and can cause lameness or abnormal walking. Dogs with this problem will usually hop or skip a few steps while walking. Patellar luxation can be painful for some but most will be able to live normally even after having this condition. The disease can lead to arthritis. 

Depending upon the severity of their disease, surgery could be needed to treat patellar luxation. This problem seems to affect smaller dogs more than larger dogs.

Collapsed Trachea

Collapsed trachea is a condition that causes a dog’s windpipe, or trachea to collapse. This condition is usually caused by the cartilage rings weakening that normally help keep the trachea open. This weakening can be due to genetics, obesity or other medical conditions such as heart disease or respiratory infections. Signs of collapsed trachea include a dry, “honking” cough, breathing difficulty, and exercise intolerance. If you think that your dog has a collapsed trachea, please contact your veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

Symptoms of Collapsed Trachea

The most common symptom of collapsed trachea is a dry, honking cough. This type of cough is typically worse after exercise or excitement and can be heard from a distance. Other signs include:

• Difficulty breathing especially during exercise
• Intolerance to physical activity

Bathing, Coat, and Cleaning

Chihuahuas have minimum grooming needs. They should be given a bath once every two weeks. Use a dog shampoo to ensure their shiny and smooth coat does not turn rough. Because they are small and have short coats it is easy to wash them. They shed lightly and brushing them once a week should be enough. You can use a brush with short bristles to gently remove the loose hair.

Their ears need to be cleaned to remove the wax once a week. Use a moist cotton pad to softly clean only the visible part of the ear only. Some Chihuahuas can develop tear stains below their eyes. Use a moist washcloth or cotton pad to gently remove it. Avoid using any cleaning products meant for humans because it can enter their eyes and cause irritation.

Their nails grow fast and should be trimmed once every two weeks. Keeping their nails short will prevent their nails from hurting you while playing or making it uncomfortable for them to walk.

Every week it is important to check their nose, paws, and other areas of your dog while brushing them for signs of redness or other infections. If you see any signs of infection, call your vet immediately.

Feeding A Chihuahua

Related Questions:

Which is Better, Male or Female Chihuahuas?

Though female dogs tend to be gentle it is opposite in the case for Chihuahuas. Male Chihuahuas tend to be more affectionate and loyal. Female Chihuahuas are known for being bossy and independent.

Are Chihuahuas Classified as a Toy Breed?

Yes, they fall under the category of toy breeds. It is a term used to refer to small dogs. Many toy breeds have been crossbred to reduce their size. However, Chihuahuas are one of the few ‘natural’ toy breeds.

Why Should You Be Careful with Their Heads?

Much like small babies, Chihuahuas have a soft spot on their heads. Most times, this spot closes when the dog grows but sometimes it may not close fully. Any hard taps or accidental bumps on their head can become fatal. Any time you pet their head you should be careful.