Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Chihuahua is one of the world’s smallest dog breeds with their compact size and antique appearance. These dogs love to be treated as infants and thrive on human companionship. Chihuahua is more than a cuddle toy with some specific qualities; read below to learn more about the breed.
Origin
As with many breeds, the origin of the Chihuahua is still a mystery, but it is said to be one of the oldest breeds in the United States. Researchers believe the breed descends from Techichi, a companion dog widely present in the Toltec civilization of Mexico. It was discovered in the 1850s in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which it got its name. Chihuahua got its recognition from AKC (American Kennel Club) in the 1960s, and since then, it has been of the most popular breeds registered by AKC.
Size
Chihuahua is classified as a toy dog. A typical Chihuahua has a shoulder height of 8-12 inches and weighs around 3-6 pounds. They are smaller but not very healthy dogs, and they may oversize, with some reaching 12 pounds.
Coat
Chihuahua has two different types of coats, smooth and long. A smooth-coated Chihuahua has a smooth and glossy coat that lies close to the body with thick and long hair on the neck. The hair present on the head is thinner with a furry tail. On the other hand, a long-coated Chihuahua has a soft coat that is flat or maybe curly. Despite being a small breed, it has a heart of a lion. Besides the coat, they can be seen in various coat colors and markings such as black, white, grey, chocolate, fawn, silver, and tricolor. They can also be seen in a combination of colors like blue with tan or white, spotted, brindle, merle, and other markings.
Temperament
The Chihuahua is a bold and confident dog. It is a high-spirited and intelligent dog that makes a perfect companion dog for a family, especially with kids. They love to stay with their family and thrive on human companionship. It is the best cuddle buddy one can ever have. It gets along well with children as they might want to pick them up, so supervision is important.
Contrary to their size, a Chihuahua is a courageous dog that makes an excellent watchdog. It may suffer from separation anxiety of being left alone for a long. They sometimes get reserved with strangers, but this issue can be resolved with early socialization and training. It is a perfect fun-loving and perfect lap dog for a family.
Care
Chihuahua has low energy requirements, so a half an hour everyday walk is enough to keep them fit and mentally stimulated. Chihuahua is one of the easiest breeds to train as they are willing to please and get attached to the trainer. Grooming depends on the coat type you select; however, smooth-coated is easy to maintain. Brushing once or twice a week will probably do to keep the coat clean and healthy. Maintain overall hygiene, trim nails regularly, clean eyes and ears, and care for dental health.
Health
The Chihuahua has a lifespan of 9-20 years. It is prone to some health conditions such as Patellar Luxation, Heart murmurs, Pulmonic Stenosis, Collapsed trachea, and Hypoglycemia. It is prone to shivering when they feel cold, scared, or excited. Do ask for the health clearance before you bring this cuddle buddy home.