Chihuahua
Breed Profile
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed on the planet. The head is rounded and the ears are very prominent making the overall body size look even smaller than it is. Chihuahuas are an ancient breed of the Americas that were once used by the natives in the land occupying Mexico and South America. The breed’s name was taken from the Mexican State of Chihuahua.
Temperament
How a Chihuahua behaves hinges upon the genetic disposition of his or her parents and grandparents. However, as with all dogs, socialization and training are of utmost importance. Like many small dogs, Chihuahuas tend to receive less obedience classes, socialization, or appropriate exercise and training due to the “small dog syndrome”, in which owners feel no need to provide the kind of training and socialization routinely provided for larger dogs. This is a pity because untrained Chihuahuas suffer the same predictable behavioral issues as other untrained dogs regardless of the breed.
Color & Coat
Coat: Short-haired (smooth coat) and long-coat
Color: Chihuahuas occur in virtually any color combination, from solid to marked or splashed, allowing for colors from solid black to solid white, spotted, sabled, or a variety of other colors and patterns. Common colors are fawn, red, cream, chocolate, brown, mixed, white, and black.
Health
Chihuahuas are known to be prone to a wide variety of problems including hypoglycaemia, slipped stifle (when the joint in the hind leg above the hock slips), colds, gum problems, rheumatism, stress, eye problems and weight gain.