Chihuahua

Chihuahuas have a particularly small body size and are one of the smallest breeds of dogs in the world. However, their small size does not mean that they are weak. They have a strong will in their tiny bodies and are very loyal to their owners. They are c

Chihuahuas are not only cute toy dogs, but also have the hunting and defensive instincts of large dogs, with a temperament similar to terriers. This breed is divided into long-haired and short-haired varieties. They are small in size, not afraid of other dogs, very brave, and can defend themselves in front of larger dogs. They have a strong sense of possession towards their owners.

It is said that their ancestors were brought from China to Mexico and then to Spain, where they were loved and placed on dressing tables to specifically guard the noblewomen's jewelry boxes.

After Chihuahuas were brought from Mexico to the United States, there has been no specific documentation available to verify their history since 1898. Some people believe that this breed originated in South America and was initially considered a sacred breed by the Inca people, and later spread to the Aztecs. Others believe that this breed was brought to the world as a result of Spain's invasion, or was introduced to other countries from China in the early 19th century.

Chihuahuas are one of the oldest known dog breeds and were found in the United States, Europe, and Asia in the early years. They have a close relationship with Mexican culture and serve as guardians of their religion.

In conclusion, there are conflicting opinions regarding their exact origins and there is no definitive conclusion. Based on the various judgments above, it can be concluded that this breed did not originate from a single breed, but rather has been a result of crossbreeding between multiple breeds since ancient times.

The Chihuahua Club was established in 1923 and it is one of the 12 most popular dog breeds in the United States. The Chihuahua Club of England was established in 1949. They are the smallest dogs in the world and are also known as Chi Chi, Quinie, or Quinault Toy dogs.

Chihuahua dogs have typical features, giving people a smart and witty impression. They have big, watery eyes and a friendly personality, but they are also fearful of strangers. They are suitable for single individuals and the elderly to raise, but not suitable for being around children.

Chihuahuas have a small body size and do not have high demands for living space. Basically, the space in a regular residence is enough for them to play. They do not require much exercise every day and do not need to be taken out to play frequently. They are very suitable for people living in apartments and Chihuahuas can stay at home every day without getting bored, making them ideal pets for busy urban professionals.

The lifespan of Chihuahuas is influenced by factors such as nutrition, living environment, and disease status. Chihuahuas generally live to about 20 years old, with some recorded cases of them living up to 30 years old. Chihuahuas have a longer lifespan compared to larger dog breeds because the smaller their body size, the lighter the burden on their cardiovascular system, resulting in a longer lifespan. Barring accidents, the average lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10-15 years.

1. Heart Disease

Canine heart disease is often related to obesity and old age. When dogs have heart disease, they mainly show symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath. It is difficult to detect heart disease in dogs, and when owners notice it, the dog is often seriously ill.

2. Infectious Diseases

Canine distemper and canine parvovirus are common infectious diseases in dogs, with a high mortality rate. Dogs that have not been vaccinated in time are prone to these two infectious diseases. Once they are infected, they will show symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Kidney Disease

When it comes to common diseases and symptoms in dogs, kidney disease has to be mentioned. The frightening thing about canine kidney disease is the unconscious process of the disease. By the time the owner discovers it, more than 75% of the dog's kidney cells have been damaged. When dogs have problems, the symptoms usually include blood in the urine, abnormal urine color, and changes in urination habits.

4. Parasites

Gastrointestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms are common in dogs. When dogs are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, the main symptoms are emaciation, lethargy, diarrhea, worm feces, and pale gum mucosa. Heartworms are parasites that parasitize the dog's heart. After dogs are infected, they will show symptoms such as poor vitality, coughing, anemia, asthma, and abdominal fluid.

5. Canine Pneumonia

Pneumonia is also a common disease in dogs, but canine pneumonia is a complication of other diseases and often occurs in dogs with abnormalities in the upper respiratory system, bacterial infections, canine distemper infection, viral flu, impaired lung function, and heartworm infection. Coughing, nasal congestion, and fever are the main symptoms of canine pneumonia.

Dietary aspect:

1. Ensure the hygiene and freshness of food, regularly clean dishes and other utensils, and provide clean drinking water after eating, which can effectively reduce the chances of diarrhea caused by unhygienic eating.

2. Chihuahuas have a small stomach capacity and are not picky eaters. They are very easy to care for. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dog food.

3. Although Chihuahuas have a small appetite, their metabolism is very fast, so they get hungry easily. It is best to feed them small meals throughout the day. Dry food should be the main part of their diet, but can be mixed with some wet food. Chihuahuas are very greedy, so when feeding them, you should watch them closely and make sure they don't overeat to prevent them from getting overweight.

4. It is enough to give them 60-90 grams of meat every day. For slightly larger Chihuahuas, about 150 grams of meat per day, along with a similar amount of vegetables and biscuits, is sufficient.

5. Since Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather, it is recommended to feed them warm food. Meat should be cooked and chopped before feeding, and dry food should be mixed with warm water before feeding.

6. Dry dog food is the killer of Chihuahuas, and almost 80% of Chihuahuas die from dehydration caused by diarrhea! Dry dog food expands when it comes into contact with water, and the expanded volume is three times that of dry food.

Nursing:

After bringing a Chihuahua puppy home, you should first take it to a reliable animal hospital for serum injection to enhance its immunity. If symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, or diarrhea occur, immediate medical attention should be sought and not delayed.

There are a few more things to note in terms of feeding:

1. Don't feed it irregularly and give it everything. Excessive, greasy, and cold foods can easily cause diarrhea.

2. You should gradually change the feeding method according to the original feeding method. Suddenly changing the food can cause digestive diseases and loss of appetite.

3. Don't exhaust it through excessive physical activity, as it can lead to low immunity.

4. If it sleeps without a blanket or kicks the blanket off, and the weather is cold, the dog cage is not enclosed.

5. If it drinks less water, it may feel hungry, but water must not be cut off.

6. Do not bathe a newly adopted puppy immediately. After bathing, do not blow dry it, as it may catch a cold. Just brought home Chihuahuas have weak immunity, poor environmental conditions, and inadequate care, so their physical condition is poor. Try not to let it come into contact with sick dogs.

7. Keeping the stomach from getting cold: do not expose the belly area.

8. Chihuahuas are lively and cute, and full of energy. They love staying with people and being held. They can be jealous. Chihuahuas are afraid of firecrackers, so pay attention to calming them.

9. Chihuahuas have a very accurate biological clock, so they will become sleepy at a certain time at night. If the owner stays up late, do not disturb it, as it may occasionally take a nap.

10. Chihuahuas are small in size and can be easily stepped on at home. Be careful.

11. Chihuahuas drink less water, but water must never be cut off.

12. In autumn and winter seasons, the temperature changes rapidly, so pay attention to keeping Chihuahuas warm. Temperature is a point of entry for Chihuahua diseases.

13. Vaccines should be of the same brand, otherwise, immune failure may occur.

1. Do not bathe frequently

When bathing a dog, of course, it should not be too frequent. The frequency of bathing a dog depends on the dog's hygiene. In hot weather such as summer, it can be bathed one or two more times, while in winter, it can be reduced by one or two times. However, it should not exceed a total of 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!

2. Brush regularly

Dogs shed their hair almost every day, especially in spring and autumn when seasonal hair shedding is more severe. To promote good hair growth, regular brushing is an important step. Pet owners can use pet-specific brushes to help the dog remove naturally shed hair and prevent tangles. Brushing once in the morning and once in the evening for about five minutes each time is sufficient.

3. Sunbathe

Sunbathing is beneficial for the growth of a dog's fur. In addition to making the fur more shiny, letting the dog sunbathe can also help eliminate bacteria. While sunbathing, pet owners can let the dog exercise a little, which can help improve the dog's physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and help grow healthier fur.

4. Deworming

Poor coat condition is closely related to parasites. Parasites absorb a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body and compete for nutrition. Therefore, deworming is necessary. It is recommended to do internal and external deworming at the same time. Deworming medication can cause significant damage to the dog's gastrointestinal tract, so it is recommended to feed probiotics together regularly to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Pay attention to diet

In order for a dog to have a beautiful coat, it must have a good nutritional foundation and pay attention to daily diet. On the one hand, feed the dog nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a dog food that is suitable for the dog and has sufficient nutrients to meet the dog's needs; on the other hand, the dog can be fed with lean meat, cooked egg yolks, and vegetable oil in moderation.