| COUNTRY OF ORIGIN |
Mexico
|
| DATE OF ORIGIN | 1800s |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 - 14 years |
| FIRST USE | Companion |
| USE TODAY |
Companion
|
| WEIGHT RANGE | 1 - 3kg (2 - 6lb) |
| HEIGHT RANGE |
15 - 23cm (6 - 9in)
|
History
· Smallest breed of dog
· Named after state of Chihuahua in Mexico
· Recognised by the American Kennel Club in
1904
· Distinctive pointy ears
· Graceful, swift-moving
· Intelligent, Ultra fearless and alert
· Master of his own universe
Sizes / Shapes
· Tea cup, Pocket Size, Tiny
Toy, Miniature, Standard – However the terms are not recognised by the breed standards
· Apple heads – short noses and rounded heads
· Deer Heads – long noses and more elongated
heads
· Long-haired Chihuahuas require no trimming and minimal grooming
· It may take up to 2 years before a full long-haired coat develops.
Colours
· Solid, marked or splashed
· Common colours are fawn, red, cream, chocolate, blue and
black.
Temperament
· Behaviour of a Chihuahua depends largely on the genetic
temperament of his parents and grandparents.
· It is also dependent on the level of
socialization and training at home
· Chihuahua tends to be fiercely loyal to one particular
owner and be overprotective of him/her
· Chihuahua tends to be more interactive with
their own breed and does not always get along with other breeds
· They love their own
little private space and love to burrow deep into their blankets or pillows.
 |
A good watchdog
|
 |
Suitable for urban living
|
 |
Suitable
for hot, sunny climate
|
 |
Unsuitable for outdoor living
|
 |
Requires a moderate amount of exercise
|
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Poorly adapted for intense cold |
