Chihuahua

[Troy]

The Chihuahua (Smooth and Long Coat)

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=30 )

Group: Group 1 (Toys)

General Appearance: Small, dainty, compact.

Characteristics: Alert, little dog, swift moving with brisk forceful action and saucy expression.

Temperament: Gay, spirited and intelligent, neither snappy nor withdrawn.

Head And Skull: Well rounded 'Apple Dome' skull, cheeks and jaws lean, muzzle moderately short, slightly pointed. Definite stop.

Eyes: Large, round, but not protruding; set well apart; centre of eye is on a plane with lowest point of ear and base of stop; dark or ruby. Light eyes in light colours permissible.

Ears: Large, flaring, set on at an angle of approximately 45 degrees; giving breadth between ears. Tipped or broken down highly undesirable.

Mouth: Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Slightly arched, medium length.

Forequarters: Shoulders well laid; lean, sloping into slightly broadening support above straight forelegs, set well under chest giving freedom of movement without looseness.

Body: Level back. Body, from point of shoulder to rear point of croup, slightly longer than height at withers. Well sprung ribs, deep brisket.

Hindquarters: Muscular: hocks well let down, with good turn of stifle, well apart, turning neither in nor out.

Feet: Small and dainty, turning neither in nor out; toes well divided but not spread, pads cushioned, fine, strong, flexible pasterns. Neither hare nor cat-like, nails moderately short.

Tail: Medium length, set high, carried up and over back (sickle tail). When moving never tucked under or curled below the topline. Furry, flattish in appearance, broadening slightly in centre and tapering to point.

Gait/Movement: Brisk, forceful action, neither high stepping nor hackney; good reach without slackness in forequarters, good drive in hindquarters. Viewed from front and behind legs should move neither too close nor too wide, with no turning in or out of feet or pasterns. Topline should remain firm and level when moving.

Coat: (Smooth Coat) Smooth, of soft texture, close and glossy, with undercoat and ruff permissible.

Coat: (Long Coat) Long, soft texture (never coarse or harsh to touch) either flat or slightly wavy. Never tight and curly. Feathering on ears, feet and legs, pants on hind quarters, large ruff on neck desirable. Tail long and full as a plume.

Colour: Any colour or mixture of colours but never Merle (dapple).

Sizes: Weight: up to 2.7 kg (6 lbs), with 1.8-2.7 kgs (4-6 lbs) preferred.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of Chihuahuas

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of Chihuahuas

Chihuahua Breeders

Chihuahua Puppies For Sale

[dead sheep]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

first time owner

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

I'll let the breeders answer this but the Chihuahua originates from Mexico, named after the city Chihuahua.

3. How common is it in Australia?

err hard to say really. There's alot of BYB'ing going on with chi's but I very rarely run into them at a dog park or out and about so I would say not too common

4. What is the average lifespan?

about 14-17 years. A few dogs have been known to live into their very early 20's

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

saucy! spicy! cheeky! Big big dog in a little package. Bold, sometimes a little highly strung. They can be wary of strangers sometimes but generally a show pony when they are comfortable. They don't like to be pushed into a situation and would rather take it at their own pace. They are very loyal to their chosen person. Some like to be your shadow while some like to just chill out but be able to see where you are. While they are independant, they do adore their people and love a snuggle. They are very intelligent (mine being the exception ) but more in a way of "what's in it for me?". They are the bestest dogs ever! Badly bred/socialised dogs can be overly protective, nuisence barkers and dog/people aggressive.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

an adult doesn't actually need any exercise but a 20-30 min walk/play at the park every second day will keep their weight steady. I have two chihuahuas and their play in the house and yard during the day is enough. They can be prone to obesity due to owners over feeding and no exercise.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

yes definately! as long as they get a sound healthy dog from a reputable breeder and do alot of socialisation work. New owners to the breed need to realise they are still dogs and need to be treated as such. They don't belong in handbags as they were given 4 legs for a reason.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

yes but you have to make sure you spend plenty of time with your dog when you come home from work.Provide plenty of blankets and toys and maybe a chew toy but dog will probably end up sleeping all day waiting for you to come back. Also leave a large shallow water bowl so dog doesn't run out of water. Chihuahuas can dehydrate quickly.

9. How much grooming is required?

I have short coats so I wash about once every 3 months, brush very rarely if ever. Clip nails once a month.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Not at all but the kids need to be well trained so they realise dog is fragile and coule break if dropped etc.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

I'll let the breeders elaborate again but Luxating Patellas is an issue in all small breeds and needs to be screened for in the sir and dam before mating.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

again, one for the breeders but a patella test should have been done on the parents and generally, an acceptable score would be 0

Edited August 21, 2009 by dead sheep

[becks]

Is there any temperament variations between the coat types?

Are the different coat types bred together much?

[dead sheep]

There is no variation in temp between the coats and yes Long and Smooths are bred together.

[Mym]

I was on YouTube today looking for some videos for direction changes etc and found this:

Mixy is one amazing Chi!

[dead sheep]

what a clever little girl!

I'd love to do agility with my Arnie but he is just too dumb. He doesn't get the concept of pointing and direction. If I could run through the tunnel and over the A frame etc with him I'm sure we could do it but he's just such a spazz lol. I think he was dropped on his head as a pup. He is just not smart at all, definately NOT what a chi is supposed to be. He still tries to eat and chase his lead and he 2.5 years old.

My other chihuahua is 1. too lazy and 2. probably part scenting dog. He is always 'nose down, bum up' whereas Arnie is more alert and zipping around. I tried to get Mort to go through the tunnel once and he just looked at me, sniffed the edge and pissed on it and wandered off.

I's love to see a chihuahua doing Schutzhund

Edited August 26, 2009 by dead sheep

[Mym]

Oh, we have a ChiX that lives with my two Rough Collies... She has no inkling to do agility at all. I saw another Chi at an agility comp in May and it was so cute. Climbing that A frame looked like climbing Everest!

[Poppy's mum]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Have owned half a dozen chihuahuas over the years

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Mexico (for food, as I understand it)

3. How common is it in Australia?

Very common - check the homepage - 20 litters available seems to be the average

4. What is the average lifespan?

10 - 14 years but can be longer. The very small tend to live a shorter life (anecdotal and my experience).

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Brave beyond their size, outgoing if properly reared although there are individual variations depending on parents etc Clever and manipulative. A very smart dog but generally not into high level obedience. Capable of great affection and loyalty. Very hard to live without the big heart in a tiny package once you have had one.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

15 minute walk but they are surprising and will go as far as you want when they are young and healthy.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Ideal for a sensible person who will not 'spoil' them and treat them like a substitute child because they will take advantage, since they are so smart. Tendency to become yappy and bossy if left to rule the roost or encouraged in bad habits such as snapping to protect the owner from pretend assault (Dr Harry had this on once and the people had let it get away with it because they thought it was funny and then not so funny).

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, although I'd advise anyone who wants to leave a dog alone for long periods to get an adult.

9. How much grooming is required?

Minimal - a little more brushing with the longcoats but not in the same league as a poodle or shtizu. A couple of brushes a week will easily keep a longcoat housedog in good nick. No clipping etc apart from toenails.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

No - but the children should not be allowed to handle such a small delicate dog. Perfect for the infirm of elderly or older children ie over 10.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Slipping patellas seem common.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

[Toydogs or one of the breeders should comment on this]

[Mym]

Also read that Chi Dogs came from China, were brought to Mexico during the Spanish occupation but not sure how accurate that is.

[dead sheep]

I've never heard of them being used for food. There's not enough meat on them :cool:

I've heard things from companion dogs to ratters to guard/alert dogs but never to eat.

[toy dogs]

oh ok, here goes it:

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Registered Breeder since 1985.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

It was going around about 20 plus years ago that the breed originated in Malta and was then taken across, i did hear about china.

There are many myths surrounding the chihuahua, as this breed has very romantic and mysterious beginnings....the ancient "ha pa" dog of china and the dog owned by Aztec and Inca indians (in the now modern mexico) bare a similar features. dogs in china and Mexico were used for cermonial purposes such as living sacrifice as well asfor food consumption. The Aztecs were very artistic people and the dogs were very small not as small as the dogs today so were sucessful in miniaturising their dogs at around the 1300's and even before that.....Thelma Gray an early historian and world-wide authority on chihuahuas (english came to reside in australia in her later years) believed that a black and tan dog of terrier type accompanied spanish invaders from their native homeland. It was her belief that the Aztec dog and the spanish terrier type dog was crossed to form the basis of the chihuahua today. The american tourists saw these little dogs in the 1800's and the mexicans sold them and some were very terrier like but small some were starved to make them appear small as well.....the smooth coat ofcourse was the first type of coat and then to get the long coat they put in breeds they think such as the miniature pinscher, pomeranian and papillion to get the long coat and some say occassionally you might see a throwback to other breeds and specific traits such as hackney gait from the min pin and butterfly ears from the pap. but thats some of the stories going around......

3. How common is it in Australia?

The first chihuahua came to australian shores in 1954. In the 1980's when i first started there were actually more litters around than there is now. The long coat in middle 1980's was the most popular coat and the Long coat registrations were 3rd at one time most popular toy dog breed. There is currently 138 breeders on dogzonline alone but many more are not associated with dogzonline so thats an indication of how popular and common this little breed is today.

4. What is the average lifespan?

The average seems to be about 12-15 years. Although i have heard of one chihuahua live to the age of 21.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

The chihuahua seems to be most happiest when they are allowed to live in packs but can easily adapt to living alone as well. This breed is very adaptable and has a heart of a lion really. They are very protective of their own turf and most chihuahuas not all, are a one person dog which means that they will pick their human and lavish affection on that human most times. I once saved some kittens from being destroyed and i had no where else to stick the kittens and transport them so I stuck the kittens in with the chis in a carry cage and they travelled like that home. - 3 hours out of melbourne. so they not only get on with their own kind but many other kinds of animals i found.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

With chihuahuas you do not need to give them a dedicated walk every day to make sure they behave themselves like the bigger breeds of dog, (like my pointer cross) although the chihuahuas do enjoy Going out especially to a dog show and seeing other dogs, all you need is a good size backyard and they will exercise themselves really.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes they are a very easy care breed really. providing you do your research and choose a healthy specimen of the breed free from all health defects.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

As i said above, yes they can quite easily but they really do better if they are allowed to live with other dogs or another dog. All mine have from birth been in a pack really.

9. How much grooming is required?

For a pet, maybe once a day or every couple of days a quick little brush, the coat is very soft and easily managable really, they aren't like the pomeranian poms can get tangled if no brushing is done end up a BIG MESS. the chihuahuas coat does not really matt and what also works really well is just one of those grooming gloves too sometimes i use these.. i brush them more often or get a toy comb or flea comb and get rid of the dead hair in an attempt to make sure my clothes and furniture is free from hair. otherwise when they are malting (twice a year for summer and winter coats) it can get quite messy. comes out in clumps depending on the thickness of the coat. some dogs have an undercoat and outer coat and some just have what i call single coatsand thats it. for show dogs, i like to get a hair conditioner and spray and brush to make the coat nice and shiny and then before shows i wash the coat preferably 2-3 days before hand so you don't have the coat kicking up out of shape looking absolutely ridiculous as i have done when i've ran out of time and washed the night before BIG MISTAKE i will tell you LOL , washing the coat makes the dog look that much more presentable.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

We have a rule amongst our family the children have to be over 10 or 12 as our dogs aren't really use to children. It can get a bit hectic with the dogs if not use to kiddies. But if they are brought up with kids at a young age they get on like a house on fire, there are many happy families who have had chihuahuas since they were very small, the youngest i've heard and that person is showing is owning a chi at 4 years of age another one i found out they were 8. If they aren't brought up with children they tend to be a bit impatient with the kids i find unfortunately mine get limited contact. The parents really have to monitor the small dogs with small children as the dogs can get hurt not the kids! I've known of a family one of the kids accidentally fell with the chair right on the chi and killed it. others fell on their heads and had a nasty end, really parents should be monitoring kids and dogs no matter what the breed is my belief.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

health problems can vary from bloodline to bloodline. some dogs can have a molera that does not close when adult and you really have to be careful with those types of dogs to not let them get a knock to that area asit can be fatal. A really common problem in all toy dogs not just this breed is patella luxation. slipping knee caps. but they can have heart problems like any other breed, bite problems (doesn't really affect their quality of life depending on severity really), and yet other problems that are common across all the toy breeds. So it is important to choose your breeder wisely that is ethical and gets health testing done when necessary.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

I have bred and owned other toy breeds in my life not just the chihuahua and i came accross the same health problems and what stuck out like a sore thumb was unfortunately Patella Luxation that really no one worried about. My belief is more emphasis should be placed on patella luxation grades with all breeders across the board, acceptable results that breeders should be aiming for with stock is zero in a perfect world!!! although a dog can live a normal life with grade 1 scores in one or both legs as a pet also. Breeders have a divided and varied opinion on this as with Veterinarians who add confusion to the grading system which can be as varied and divided as the breeders, this is in all toy breeds so it is a very difficult subject. I still think that we should all (toy breeds) have a national program for national guidance on this health issue, like the larger breeds have done for all breeders to have a guide to follow, but it is still left up to the individual breeder to ascertain for themselves. Everyone knows how i feel about this subject as i pick up info from all sources and sort of report for breeders to consider, i write articles in breed newsletters/magazines no need to go on further!!! othrwise might have people doing this on me....

Edited August 31, 2009 by toy dogs

[toy dogs]

I've never heard of them being used for food. There's not enough meat on them

I've heard things from companion dogs to ratters to guard/alert dogs but never to eat.

yes i know of some that are good rabitters actually, my very first chis well a puppy i bought when i was a kid, that puppy's sire and dam went missing one day accordingto the owner they disappeared down a rabbit hole never to be seen again. didn't like that story much. all dogs loves rabbits and chasing them if given a chance and the chi is no different really.

with high level obedience, i belonged to several obedience clubs before i actually started showing with my earlier chihuahuas and they were quite good at obedience they are good but it all depends on the person training them. i had one that i'd trained to do all exercises to perfection so much so, that because of his size i'd get a crowd around me watching the routine. that dog was also trained to perform several tricks, beg, roll over play dead, jump over obstacles, shake hands, and i'd clap and he'd turn around so i registered him in animal actors for TV actually.

so they can be quite intelligent if you want them to be some of them never get the chance to show what this breed is really made of.

Edited August 31, 2009 by toy dogs

[toy dogs]

Just wanted to record down here for anyone interested in our lovely breed, that generally they are a robust breed the majority of examples.

also wanted to make mention that the National Chihuahua Club (NCC) just passed a motion at their recent AGM to distribute health and welfare information to state chihuahua clubs for discussion.

for me this is good news as i have been stating this very thing for a long long time in my article on Patella Luxation. (see breeders section of DOL). so I am chuffed that this has finally happened for the little dogs

This breed has a national presence and i was made aware that this is the only toy breed that has. So hopefull our breed can lead the way for other breeds to follow in the toy group that would be ideal.

[WoofnHoof]

That is great news toydogs In your research have you found that patella luxation can be affected by diet? I wondered about this because my little one had early signs with a bit of hopping when running when he was 3-4 then I changed his diet to mostly raw human grade with good quality kibble and I haven't seen him hop for a good couple of years he is 6 now, although I haven't had a vet look at it since it improved though so it's just my observation only.

[toy dogs]

yes i have found diet and also exercise can control it to a certain level tkay also others have given me input into this as well.

straight glucosamine helps as well as formulas with this ingredient added especially for dogs for joints and repair of cartilage. this is where the disease does point to being “polygenic” with a bit of "recessive" thrown in the mix.

[WoofnHoof]

yes i have found diet and also exercise can control it to a certain level tkay also others have given me input into this as well.

straight glucosamine helps as well as formulas with this ingredient added especially for dogs for joints and repair of cartilage. this is where the disease does point to being “polygenic” with a bit of "recessive" thrown in the mix.

Thanks I will have to look into getting him some glucosamine as he gets older

[bridie]

yes i have found diet and also exercise can control it to a certain level tkay also others have given me input into this as well.

straight glucosamine helps as well as formulas with this ingredient added especially for dogs for joints and repair of cartilage. this is where the disease does point to being “polygenic” with a bit of "recessive" thrown in the mix.

Thanks I will have to look into getting him some glucosamine as he gets older

I'd start now,also Fish Oil,don't wait until there is cartiledge damage/loss & bone,look into shark capsules also.You may find that some Glucosamine could have Chondrotin sulphate(shark cartiledge)I read where the Sulphate helps their body absorb the Glucosomine.I have spent days this week looking at what this all means & how it all works.Most good pet stores will sell the Glucosamine,Fish oil most likely supermarkets.I also found that AUS prices were much more expensive than my having them sent from USA.I found a very good site called Lucky Vit.com prices excellent plus very informative as to exactly what ingredients were in any-thing,and its use etc It would be great if there was a tab or capsule that had everything in one of all the above plus a product called Zeel and or Traumeel for osteoarthritis which our darlings can get from Patella & Hipdysplasia problems.I posted in the open discussion a few weeks ago about my 18 month old Chi Bindie who has H.D.

I hope this has been of help to you & perhaps others who may read this,I wish I'd known about all the above before my vet attempted H.D. operation.If some-one else is using the medications above I would like to hear that there is some good news for me to look forward to with Bindie.I also have my lot on the BARF diet & I am thrilled that they ALL love it.

[Worm]

This is our Chihuahua 'KiKi'. Pronounced 'Key key". She LOVES Buddy our JR. Not sure how much bigger she will get, hopefully not much. She is around 7 months old. Very outgoing. Loves running through the fields/forest/rivers chasing whatever Buddy is chasing.

These are two very funny positions we have managed to get photos of.

[honeychild]

Hey Worm, Kiki is gorgeous. Come join our chihuahua thread

Edited June 28, 2010 by honeychild

[Worm]

Oh, thanks for that.