History
This ancient breed was named after the region in Northern Mexico where it is believed to have originated and brought by the Chinese. It is more likely that they descended from various Aztec ancestors, including the Techichi.
Description
The smallest breed of companion dog, with a distinctive apple domed skull. This breed comes in the smooth and long coat variety.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: Smooth coated variety can be groomed with a bristle brush, Long Coat requires a weekly brush with a bristle brush or comb. Brush teeth daily as, they are prone to a heavy tartar build up.
- Coat Type: Long coat and smooth coat.
- Moulting: Moderate shedding, smooth coat variety tend to shed more than the long coat type. Regular brushing reduces the amount of shedding onto clothes and furniture.
- Exercise Needs: Can adapt to however much exercise you would like to give it, but do not need a lot of walking.
- Average Life Span: Long lived, 20 years not being uncommon.
Behaviour
- Family: Make excellent, loving companions for single people and the elderly. Not usually recommended for families with very young children.
- Temperament: This breed usually does not take kindly to strangers and unless well socialised from a young age, can appear nervous & yappy.
- Trainability: A clever breed, the dog can take well to training if it is begun early on.
- Sociability (Other Pets): lannish in nature and prefers the company of other Chihuahuas. Will tolerate other pets with proper introduction and supervision.
- Barking: High tendency.
Talents
Alert, swift moving with brisk forceful action.
Notes
Must be socialized as early as possible or will become anxious in new environments & will not get along with other pets & possibly children.