Our dogs
About Chihuahua
Chihuahua
Cihuahua oftentimes called Chis, is a small and inquisitive dog, always exploring its surroundings. As an inexperienced puppy it should be well looked after due to its tender bone structure and developing senses. In time it will grow to become quite robust and highly intelligent. Care in the puppy stage: At a young age a Chis will be highly inquisitive toward people and its environment. At this stage in the Chis life, it is important that you do not leave the dog unattended by itself. Be patient and let the puppy gradually come to know its new home.
Chis,like humans, need a lot of TLC (tender loving care). It need a lot of attention and this is probably the most important in a Chis life. A Chis can easily injure itself at this stage in life. It is therefore advisable not to let children or strangers lift up the dog. Avoid heights, like tables, chairs, beds and so on. It may very well injure itself if it falls off. It is also a period of developing, both physically and mentally. You should then, not carry it around to much. A toy or two will help the dog to develop its muscles.
Teeth:
The development of the teeth needs attention. The milk teeth will be shed at around the age of five months. Your Chis will at this time suffer with swollen gums. (If you are insecure of the development at this stage you should contact you vet). It is important to check on the development of the teeth, to avoid acquiring plaque. In a worst case scenario, the teeth will fall out and your Chis will refuse to eat. To avoid this ,it is advisable to let it have a chewing stick of some sort, readily available at pet stores.
Nails:
The nails should be cut regularly. Be careful in this process. You might hit a nerve and cause it to bleed. If you take your dog for frequent walks, this will regulate itself. Especially in spring and summer. The nails will then be filed properly in a natural way.
Eyes:
The Chis eyes, together with its small body, is the most characteristic features of the Chis. The eyes are large and shiny. As with humans, the Chis can have certain eye problems. You can get appropriate eye drops at your vet.
Health in general:
It is important to make sure that your Chis is maintained with good health at all time. Proper care and attention by the owner ensures that. Normal body temperature is 38.2 – 38.7 centigrade. Contact your vet at any time you may be in doubt about the dogs health. Washing and grooming is important, especially of course for those of you that intend to have the Chis in shows.
Food:
Initially four meals a day will suffice. From the 12th week it may be advisable to reduce number of meals to three, and from the 6th month it may be beneficial to serve two meals a day. This is individual and you have to watch the development. What a Chis eats can vary a lot from dog to dog. Sometimes it may consume a lot, while other days little. It is important that your dog have unlimited access to fresh water and that it eats at will, unless it becomes fat. A fat Chis is prone to ailments in the skeleton and may develop difficulties in its mobility. Make sure that the food you serve contains no bones or sharp objects.
Training and exercise:
As mentioned, physical training and exercise is a very important part of growing up, but equally important as an adult. This ensures your Chis to a healthier and better life quality. For some, training for shows may be a goal. Training in obedience will be beneficial for events like that. You may make up a suitable program that is good for both you and your Chis. Be creative and let the exercise be fun. Do not overdo it.
Race origination :
The Chihuahua originates from Mexico and got its name from the city by the same name. It was a popular dog among the Aztek, and was considered sacred. The Chis is characteristically very small and muscular. The head is almost apple shaped and small, the ears are pointed and triangular while the eyes are
large. The body is small and the legs are short. There are two types of Chis; short haired and long haired. The short haired is most common.
Leslie