Chihuahuas

BREED: Chihuahua
TEMPERAMENT: Timid but can be snappy
COST: $300+
LIFESPAN: 10-14 years
RECOMMENDED FOR: Older people
DUMPAGE RATE: Medium
MAINTENANCE: Low

The Chihuahua is a breed which is not recommended for families with young children but is ideally suited to older people, possibly those whose families have 'left the nest'. The breed's popularity has declined in recent years.

Appearance

The Chihuahua is a lightly-built dog, tiny and fragile with a large rounded skull and big dark eyes. There are two types, the smooth-coated and long-coated. They are usually less than 20cm (8") tall and weigh between 0.9-1.8kg (2-4lb).

There are two forms: the smooth-coated which has a soft, short, close coat; and the long-coated which has a long, soft, flat or slightly curly coat with fringed ears, feathered feet and legs and a ruffle around the neck. Coat colours range from white through cream, sable, sand, blue to black.

Temperament & training

Owners describe their dogs as feisty, saucy, cunning, clever and protective. They can become very attached to their owners and reserved around strangers, and especially around children if not used to them.

While owners say Chihuahuas are trainable it does take some time compared with other breeds. Some owners report difficulties in house-training males.

Health & lifespan

While not as fragile as their appearance may suggest, it would be wise to deal with reputable breeders as Chihuahuas have potential problems, some hereditary: Slipping patellas, a condition where the kneecap moves and causes a swivelling action in the legs as the dog moves, are found in this breed. This is an inherited condition and good breeders do not breed from affected dogs.

The prominent eyes can also be vulnerable to injury or infection.

Heart murmurs are often detected in older dogs but treatment is not always appropriate.

Teeth are prone to a build up of tartar. This can be minimised by feeding chicken bones but severe cases may require anaesthetic to be treated properly.

The dog's domed head has a soft spot, called a molera, which may not close over and needs to be handled with care. Most Chihuahuas live 12-14 years.

Ideal owner

Chihuahuas are not recommended for families with small children as they are too easy to pick up and consequently, easily injured if dropped. Long time breeders and owners feel they are best suited to homes with older adults and may be great companions for people with limited budgets and limited space.

Housepet potential, space & exercise

Chihuahuas really need to live indoors and their diminutive size means their space and exercise needs are accommodated inside the home. However, they are active little dogs that enjoy a walk.

Uses

While primarily a companion dog, some owners call the Chihuahua a 'pocket watchdog' which can be noisy if visitors arrive. Many older people enjoy and encourage this early warning system.

Breeding

This is not a breed for the novice as problems with whelping and caesareans are common. Litters usually consist of one to three pups.

Grooming

Chihuahua toenails grow quickly and if not clipped regularly can cause the dogs to slip on hard surfaces. They are low maintenance with a weekly brush being the main requirement.

History

Named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico these dogs are claimed to have performed many functions from spirit guide to food source. It's said there once were Mexican dog markets where desexed Chihuahuas were sold by the bundle to be sacrificed or eaten at feasts. The long coated variety is a recent development in Chihuahuas. They have been bred using Papillons and probably other small, fluffy breeds. Today they are one of the world's most popular toy breeds.

Further information

NSW
Breeder: Stefanie Smith
Phone: (02) 4982 1182
Breeder: Sue Lane-Vickers
Phone: (02) 4990 2387

QLD
Chihuahua Club of Queensland
Secretary: Elaine Macartney
Phone: (07) 3376 6960

SA
Chihuahua Club of South Australia
Secretary: Mrs Phyllis Harris
Phone: (08) 8344 2431

VIC
Chihuahua Club of Victoria
Secretary: Mrs Mirella Piva
Phone: (03) 5341 7658

WA
The Canine Association of WA
PO Box 301
Gosnells, 6110
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

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