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Chihuahua Dog Breed Introduction
Chihuahua is among the smallest breed of dogs that originated from Mexico. It is named after a state in Mexico, Chihuahua. This breed was first registered by AKC in 1904. The Chihuahua Club of America was created to develop a community of dog breeders in 1923 and further the breed in the US. Ch. Attas’ Gretchen won the first-all breed Best in Show in 1951.
History
The origin of the Chihuahua is up for debate. There is a possibility that this breed is a native of Mexico. Some experts have theorized that this dog may have been brought by the Spanish conquistadors from the island of Malta. Others speculate that Chihuahuas may have originated from China and they were brought to Mexico by traders from Spain. The small dogs from China were crossed with small native dogs in Mexico.
According to William Miller’s writings, the Toltec people of Mexico kept Techichi, a little dog that had a fat body and large ears just like Chihuahua. Therefore, when the Aztecs came into power, the nobility of that society owned the Techichi. It is also believed this dog was bred with Xoloitzcuintli, to produce Chihuahuas.
The people of Aztec believed that Techichi had mystic powers including the ability to foresee the future, guide the souls of the dead to the underworld, and heal the sick. Therefore, it was a ritual to kill a red-colored Techichi and cremate it with the remains of the deceased. The Aztecs also ate Techichi.
Regardless of the origin, the short-haired chihuahua were discovered in the mid-19th century in the Chihuahua Mexican state. American tourists to Mexico brought the little dogs in US and they began to be shown in 1890. The first breed of this dog, Midget was registered by AKC in 1904. The long-haired Chihuahua were probably created with crosses with Pomeranians or Papillons. Chihuahua garnered prominence after they were associated with Xavier Cugat, latin music bandleader and dance king.
Life Expectancy
The lifespan of a Chihuahua is 12 to 15 years. However, there is no proof method of predicting how long they can live. However, current data suggest that Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
The life expectancy of this breed is also determined by a number of factors including healthcare, diet, weight, spaying, oral care, vaccinations, activity levels, and Gender. Female Chihuahuas tend to live longer than their male counterparts for one or two years. The oldest breed of this dog, Megabyte had a lifespan of 20 years and 265 days.
Lifespan In Human Years
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association 15 human years equals to the first year of a small-sized dog, and the second year of a small-sized dog equals to about nine human years, and as from the third year, each dog year is approximately 5 human years . According to the current records, the lifespan of a Chihuahua is 15 to 20 years which is 89 to 114 human years. However, some may calculate each year from the third year as equivalent to 4 human years. Based on this, Chihuahua’s lifespan in human years is 76 to 96 years.
Chihuahua Grooming
This breed has two varieties of coats that have slightly different grooming needs. There is a smooth-coat Chihuahua and a longhaired one. The smooth coat only needs regular baths to look dapper and occasional brushing of at least once a week. Use a curry brush to gently brush the coat. A curry brush is used since Chihuahua have a sensitive skin that can easily get scraped.
On the other hand, the Longhaired Chihuahua should have his coat brushed at least thrice a week to avoid any mats or tangles. Additionally, the longhaired variety should be bathed at least once every three months according to ASPCA. While bathing your pooch, avoid using soap to clean the face. Chihuahua have big eyes that easily get irritated by soapy water. Instead, use a wet cloth to clean the face or friendly canine wipes.
Both smooth-coated and longhaired Chihuahuas should have regular nail trimming at least twice a month. Overly grown nails are painful for your pet when walking and if left unattended may even deform the feet. Remember to regularly brush the teeth of a Chihuahua using a dog-formulated toothpaste or dental wipes to remove excess tartar buildup. The vet may also recommend dental treats designed as part of a tooth-care program.
Clean the ears of your pet at least once a week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls. While cleaning the ears, remove excess wax, dirt, and debris while also checking out for odor, redness, and a dark discharge caused by ear infection.
Haircut
A short-haired Chihuahua doesn’t require shaving or haircuts. However, long haired variety will appreciate a hair cut especially during summer. The following are the recommended grooming styles for Chihuahua:
- The Lion Cut – to achieve this grooming style, trim the hair around the body to at least an inch while providing some style around the head. However, take extra care around the hairs in the ears that may result to accumulation of moisture in the ear canal.
- The Show Cut – this is a grooming style for dogs that participate in conformation shows. This cut enhances the features of a Chihuahua by shaping out the hindquarters and front as well as fluffing the tail.
- The Simple cut – This cut involves trimming the overgrown fur around the paws, legs, and underbelly using a shaver or a small clipper.
Shedding
Long-haired and short-haired Chihuahuas have a double coat made of an outer coat and an undercoat. These dogs also shed at moderate levels all-year round and experience heavy shedding during season change once or twice a year during spring and/or fall. During the heavy shedding season, brush the coat daily for the Long-haired variety and twice for the short-haired variety. This makes shedding levels manageable since the loose hair is confined in the brush rather than around the house. Shedding allows the growth of the new and more protective coat. Chihuahuas and many other mammals undergo three shedding cycles including Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.
Shedding Brush
Chihuahuas have a sensitive skin that may easily get scraped if a hard brush is used. Instead use a rubber curry brush.
Coat
This breed has two types of coats, smooth and longhaired coats. The coat of a short-haired Chihuahua is glossy, close, and has a soft texture. However, the coat is more scanty in the ears and head and ruff on the neck. Whereas, the Long-haired variety has a soft coat that is either wavy or flat. Both varieties have a double coat consisting of an outer and undercoat.
Regardless of the coat, Chihuahuas are moderate shedders and shed heavily during spring and fall. During winter and fall, the coat of this dog is thicker to keep it warm. On the other hand, the coat is usually thinner during spring and summer. A thick coat helps to keep the Chihuahua warm while preventing heat from escaping from their bodies while the thin coat keeps this breed cool by slowing down the process of heat absorption.
Hypoallergenic
Chihuahua are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately all year round and heavily during spring or fall. Shedding allows the spread of dander in the house. Saliva, dander, urine, mucus, and hair have a protein allergen that cause allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Chihuahua Training Tips
Chihuahuas are intelligent and make great training students. They are also successful in different dog sports such as obedience and agility. Enrolling your pet in obedience classes is significant since it will meet many other different dogs and people contributing to socialization. Puppy classes helps a dog owner to be able to identify any undesirable behavior and correct it. A well socialized Chihuahua has been exposed to different sounds, sights, smells, people, animals, and situations such as car rides, etc.
Use positive reinforcement techniques like play, praise, and food rewards to encourage positive outcomes when training. Remember to keep the training sessions short for about 5 to 10 minutes for better understanding and to avoid boredom. Effective housebreaking can be achieved by creating a feeding schedule, crate training and potty training.
A crate is a safe place for a Chihuahua and prevents it from harming it self when in the house. Remember to create positive associations with the crate through the use of rewards and praise. You can also make the device comfortable by lining it with a blanket. Position the crate in a room that has a lot of family activities going on, therefore, preventing separation anxiety. A crate should not be used for punishing a Chihuahua.
In order to get positive results when potty training, take your pet outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, after playtime, meals, naps, and before bedtime. Teach basic commands such as sit, down, wait, and leave it one at a time before proceeding to the next command word.
Training Treats
Training treats are goodies that are meant to be given to a dog or puppy as a reward when they are training. Use training treats when crate training, potty, and command training. The training treats should be in small sizes or potions so that a Chihuahua doesn’t feel full while still training. The treats are also given multiple times. Don’t give a Chihuahua training treats at other times other than training sessions.
Barking
This is a vocal breed that tends to bark a lot and quite loudly. However, Chihuahua’s barking is not a sign that something is wrong. Barking may also be a form of releasing the pent-up energy if your Chihuahua is not engaging in exercise or enough activity in their day. As a result, your dog turns the excess energy into a mono-tone and high-pitched bark. The barking sound may be quite annoying at times.
To stop the Chihuahua from barking, place a treat in front of his nose which will make him cease barking to inspect and sniff the treat. Reward your pet with the treat and affection. Repeat this on several occasions until your dog learns to stop barking on Quiet Command.
Chihuahua Temperament
- Make good pets for first-time dog owners.
- Loving.
- Affectionate.
- Loyal.
- Devoted.
- Quick.
- Alert.
- Lively.
- Courageous.
- Aggressive.
Height
Generally, Chihuahua height ranges between 6 to 9 inches ( approx. 15 to 23 cm ). However, some of the dogs of this breed may grow up to 12 to 15 inches( approx. 30 to 38 cm).
Weight
According to the American and British breed standards, a Chihuahua should not weigh more than 5.9 pounds ( approx. 2.7 kg) for conformation. Although, the British standards also state that weight of between 4 to 6 pounds( approx. 1.8 to 2.7 kg) is preferred.
According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, Chihuahua should ideally have a weight of 3.3 to 6.6 pounds ( approx. 1.5 to 3.0 kg). However, smaller ones are acceptable in the show ring.
The companion Chihuahua often has a weight ranging above 10 pounds ( approx. 4.5 kg), if they have large bone structures or the owners have overfed them.
Types
There are two types of Chihuahua, the Smooth variety and the Longhaired variety. Some people also categorized this breed according to the head shape, Dear-headed Chihuahua, Apple Headed, and Pear headed. There is also a teacup/mini Chihuahua which has been bred to be as small as possible. There is also Fawn Chihuahua.
Aggressive
This breed may display above-average aggression towards other dogs and people. This dog is prone to acting aggressively due to showing dominance, anxiety, or territorial behavior. An aggressive Chihuahua may growl, bark, show its teeth, or even bite.
Bite Force
This is a small breed dog that has a bite force of less than 100 pounds per square inch(PSI).
Biting
A Chihuahua puppy is prone to biting and nipping as it explores the textures and people surrounding it. Biting may also be frequent due to teething. This may seem adorable but not anymore after the pup develops into an adult dog that has serious biting issues. Biting should be discouraged even before it develops into a habit. Redirection and bite inhibition training are useful in correcting this habit. If a puppy is biting your feet due to the discomfort that comes with teething, redirect the behavior by offering teething toys.
Exercise
To stay happy and healthy, Chihuahua needs a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise every day. The exercise is split into two smaller walks so that your pet may have a sniff and explore.
This breed also loves to play and run and may get enough exercise in a very small space. During exercise, avoid overexerting your pet. If your Chihuahua is panting and working hard to keep up, it’s time to pick up your pet and take him home.
Chihuahua Health Issues
Most Chihuahuas are healthy dogs. However, some are predisposed to certain conditions including muscular dystrophy, neuroaxonal dystrophy, atlantoaxial instability, congenital deafness, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, muscular dystrophy, etc. This dog may also suffer from patellar luxation, eye disease, and Idiopathic epilepsy. When choosing a puppy, choose from a breeder who routinely conducts a genetic screening to ensure that the pups bred are as genetically sound as possible.
Trachea Collapse
This breed is prone to a trachea collapse. A chihuahua suffering from a trachea collapse is likely to have a goose hunk cough. Breathing difficulty and reduced activity are also a manifestation of your dog experiencing problems with its trachea. Once you observe these symptoms, take your pet to a vet. The treatment for collapsing trachea is either medical or surgical. Generally, medical management involves monitoring weight, avoiding airway irritants, and using a harness for walks instead of using a collar.
Best Chihuahua Food
A Chihuahua requires special dietary needs because of its size. These needs may be met by feeding your pet with high-quality dog food. The best food for this breed is also created for each life stage i.e. senior, adult, and puppy.
Some dog owners have also discovered that limited-ingredient recipes are among the best dog food for a Chihuahua with a sensitive stomach. Some of the best food for Chihuahuas include Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks, Royal Canin Adult Chihuahua Wet Dog Food, Blue Buffalo Small Breed, Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior, etc.
Feeding
While feeding your Chihuahua, watching your dog’s calorie intake and weight is critical since this breed is prone to getting overweight. As much as treats are recommended during training, giving too may lead to obesity. You should also avoid feeding your pet with foods that have high-fat content or cooked bones. It is also good to feed your Chihuahua with high-quality dog food appropriate for their age i.e. puppy, adult, and senior dogs.
Head
The breed standards defined by registries specify that this breed should have an apple-head shape or rather an apple-dome shape. An Apple-headed breed has the following characteristics; large, round eyes, and erect ears that are set in a high and dramatically rounded skull.
The stop of this type is well defined attaining a near-90-degree angle where the muzzle meets the skull. A deer-shaped head has a flat-topped head, larger ears, more widely set eyes, with more slender legs. However, a deer-shaped Chihuahua is not considered a separate type in a competition but rather a fault since it digresses from the breed standard.
Speed
A Chihuahua without specialized training can run at a speed of 8 MPH (12 KMH). However, they may also run up to 21 MPH (33.7 KMH) at their fastest if properly trained.
Chihuahua Allergies
Chihuahua are prone to allergies caused by different allergens including skin, food, environmental, and contact allergens. The following are the allergies that affect Chihuahua:
Food allergy – this breed is extremely susceptible to both food allergies and intolerance. True food allergies result in an immune response which exhibits gastrointestinal stress and skin conditions symptoms.
Skin allergies – This allergy is caused by genetic, food, and environmental allergens.
Environmental allergies – A Chihuahua is also predisposed to various environmental allergies that cause inflammation including fleas, mites, dust and dust mites, house molds, ragweed, pollen, and grasses. Most of the environmental allergies are seasonal and you may only notice your dog scratching the skin during certain times of the year.
Symptoms of environmental inflammation include hot spots, runny nose, swollen eyes, hair loss, and chronic itchiness in various body parts including ankles, underarms, paws, between the toes, groin, around the eyes, and ears. This allergies can be controlled by keeping the house clean as well as wiping the coat of a Chihuahua with a damp cloth when it returns to the house after an outdoor activity.
Contact allergens – This allergy occurs if the skin comes in contact with the allergens that cause contact inflammation including grooming products such as shampoo, carpet cleaning detergents, latex, and medication. This allergy causes irritation and itchiness to the skin, paws, and belly sides. Contact allergies may result to secondary infections and hair loss due to excessive biting, licking, and scratching.
Allergies Symptoms
- Itchy ears.
- Hives.
- Vomiting.
- Swelling of the lips, face, ears, earflaps, or, eye eyelids.
- Diarrhea.
- Sneezing.
- Chronic ear infections.
- Constant licking.
Chihuahua Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Chihuahua may be caused by genetic, environmental, contact, and food allergens. Some of the environmental conditions responsible for skin allergies in this breed include dust mites, grasses, tree pollens, or molds. Skin allergies in Chihuahua pose a risk to secondary infections as the dog excessively bites, licks, and scratches the affected body parts which risks opening up its skin to bacterial and yeast infections that require treatment.
Both genetic and environmental reactions manifest in form of chronic hot spots, hair loss, or chronic itchiness. Food allergies become a concern since the immune system is misidentifying a food protein as a danger to the body. Therefore, an immune response begins which may include symptoms that appear on the skin. Skin inflammation due food allergens may result in gastrointestinal symptoms and itchiness in the paws and ears.
Demodectic mite allergies and Alopecia medical conditions in Chihuahua may also manifest as skin allergies as they exhibit similar symptoms including crusting and scaling on the neck, legs, chest, head, and eyes. Apart from skin allergies, Chihuahuas are also prone to developing external inherited skin conditions including sebaceous adenitis. This is a disease that leads to permanent damage to the dog’s skin glands and yeast infections that happen following an antibody attack.
Chihuahua Food Allergies
Chihuahuas are both affected by food allergies and food intolerance or food sensitivities. A true food allergy is rare and causes an immune response which can have a range in symptoms from gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea and skin conditions symptoms such as itchiness, facial swelling, dermatitis, dry coat, hair loss, flaky skin, red and inflamed skin, and crusting lesions.
Food intolerance doesn’t result in an immune response but occurs due to a gradual reaction to an offending ingredient in your Chihuahua food including milk, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, beef, dairy products, corn, soy, eggs, additives, etc. Common symptoms of food intolerance include vomiting, poor coat and skin, foot infections, chronic ear infections, itchiness, and diarrhea.
The best way to manage food allergies is working closely with the vet in order to manage the symptoms and find out the ingredient that is causing inflammation.
Allergies Treatment
Diagnosing an allergy is often complicated since different allergies exhibit the same symptoms. As a result, the first thing that a vet does is rule out any other condition that may be causing the symptoms that your Chihuahua is manifesting.
If most symptoms point to an allergy, an allergy test will be proposed. Contact and environmental allergens are easy to treat since the allergen will be removed for instance the change of grooming products and wiping the coat after an outdoor activity. Flea allergy is also easy to treat by applying a product that gets rids of fleas before they can bite.
To calm the inflamed red skin use an organic, hypoallergenic, and sulfate free shampoos. Manage the hot spots using an organic spray. In extreme cases of allergies corticosteroids and antihistamines will be prescribed.
Treating food allergies may involve a series of methods including:
- Elimination diet that involves a food trial of feeding your Chihuahua a novel that is usually one source of protein and carbohydrate for 8 weeks. In this method, the Vet monitors for reactions, change the foods, and then introduces challenge tests to check for allergies again and again. When your Chihuahua is on the elimination method diet, avoid giving your pooch table food, supplements, treats, or flavored medications as they could influence the elimination diet results.
- Blood test treatment may provide an indication of a food allergy.
- There are creams offered to soothe the sore skin.
- If the vet has not been able to identify the foods that your Chihuahua is allergic to, a switch to a special diet for life may be recommended such as feeding your dog a raw diet.
Chihuahua Seizures
Chihuahua are prone to seizures( also referred to fits or convulsions). This is a temporary disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. The Chihuahua Club of America conducted a health survey in 2009, where one breeder reported having 20 dogs from 30 litters that suffered seizures.
At least 45% of the survey participants had bred or owned a Chihuahua with seizures of unknown origin. There are three types of seizures that this breed may suffer from including reactive, secondary, and primary seizures. Secondary seizures in Chihuahua are as a result of stroke, brain tumor, and trauma. A number of Chihuahua experience reactive seizures that occur due to the reaction of the brain to a metabolic problem such as organ failure, toxin, and low blood sugar( Hypoglycemic).
These dogs are susceptible to low blood sugar because Chihuahua have a shorter timeframe to convert glycogen into glucose to supply other tissues and brain with fuel. Primary seizures occur when the origin of the seizure cannot be determined. It is also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Chihuahua may also experience focal-onset seizures that involve a limited part of the brain and may manifest as twitching of one side of the body or face.
A seizure may last for a period of between 1 to 3 minutes. When your pooch is experiencing a seizure, ensure that you don’t put anything in its mouths as it may be dangerous to you and your pet.
Seizures Symptoms
- Disorientation.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Urination or defecation.
- Stiffening of the muscles.
- Hiding after an episode.
- Developing foams around the mouth.
- Drooling.
- Staring.
- Tongue Chewing.
Seizures Treatment
Often, idiopathic seizures are non-life threatening and don’t require emergency treatment. In most cases, potassium bromide and phenobarbital are prescribed for dogs that suffer from seizures due to their high rates of success, safety, and affordability. However, if seizures are not adequately controlled with phenobarbital and potassium bromide, other medications may be added to the dog’s medication regimen. Chihuahua that suffer inadequate seizures only once or twice a year don’t require treatment.
Chihuahua Hair Loss
It is normal for Chihuahua to experience hair loss in large quantities during seasonal change once or twice a year which is referred to blowing coat or shedding. Hair loss is also noticeable when the puppy is gradually losing the puppy coat and growing its adult coat. However, Chihuahua may also experience hair loss due to the following reasons:
Hormones – A female Chihuahua experiences a heat cycle at least once every year. During this period there is increased hormone levels that result in thinning of the coat or hair due to increased estrogen levels. A female Chihuahua is also prone to losing hair after whelping puppies as they tend to blow of their coats. However, the hair will grow back in 6 months.
Hypothyroidism – this is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland inadequately produces thyroxine hormone that helps in controlling metabolism. Therefore, there is thinning of the coat and the hair falls out easily usually on the tail, neck area, back of legs, and the sides of the body.
Mange – Chihuahua are affected by mange that results in hair loss, scrabs, and sores due to mites. These insects cause rubbing, itching, licking, and scratching of the affected body parts.
Allergies – Chihuahua suffer from different forms of allergies including skin, contact, food, and environmental allergies. Allergies cause excessive biting, scratching, and licking due to itchiness and irritation. Biting and licking causes hair loss, sores, and secondary infections (yeast and bacterial infections).
Stress – Chihuahua are human-oriented pets that are likely to experience separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. This will cause stress, anxiousness and restlessness. As a way of relieving some of this tension, a Chihuahua may resort to excessive licking which causes lick granuloma. This is a condition that causes hair loss in the excessively licked body parts.
Cushing’s disease – is a health condition caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. This disease causes frequent urination, hair loss on the perineum, neck, and slanks, lesions on the skin, thinning of the coat, lack of energy, and obesity.
Teeth
An adult Chihuahua has a total of 42 permanent teeth while a puppy has 28 milk teeth made of mammalian and heterodont teeth. This is a small breed that has sharp teeth that are often on display posing as a threat to those around them. This dog also has tiny teeth which also gives the impression that they have more teeth than their jaws can handle.
Teeth Problems
In public research, it was discovered that gum infections and diseases regularly affect small dog breeds including Chihuahua. Some of the teeth problems in this breed include gingivitis, Plaque accumulation, calculus formation, and Periodontal disease. These teeth problems may result in loss of appetite, bad breath, uncontrolled drooling, or even teeth falling out. Most of the teeth problems in Chihuahua may be reduced through regular tooth cleaning and an annual visit to a vet for thorough teeth cleaning.
Teeth Falling Out
Tartar buildup in Chihuahua due to irregular teeth cleaning makes the gums to start pulling away from the teeth. Gum receding results in gaps between the teeth and gums creating more area for bacteria to accumulate. These bacteria cause the loss of the bone surrounding the teeth which leads to tooth decay and eventually teeth falling out.
Chihuahua Names
The most important exercise that a dog owner engages in after getting a Chihuahua from a responsible breeder or a rescue center is getting a name for the pet. Chihuahua names may be inspired by the origin, character, pop culture, colors, books, food, and celebrities.
Regardless of the name that you will choose for your pet, remember to choose a name that will freely roll out your tongue and will not cause your embarrassment once your utter it in public parks and malls. Majority dogs are able to understand names that have vowels.
However, don’t give your Chihuahua a name that rhymes with obedience command words to avoid confusion. Avoid giving your Chihuahua a name that is frequently used by other family members or people who frequent your home to avoid confusion.
Names Girl
- Daisy.
- Zoe.
- Luna.
- Bella.
- Lucy.
- Rosie.
- Princess.
- Sophie.
- Maggie.
- Abby.
- Coco.
- Penny.
- Chloe, etc.
Names Male
- Gus.
- Max.
- Buddy.
- Jack.
- Leo.
- Bruno.
- Duke.
- Simba.
- Thor.
- Peanut.
- Milo.
- Oliver.
- Rocky, etc.
Chihuahua Colors
Some of the common colors in Chihuahua include cream, fawn, and red. Your pet may also have the rare colors of brindle, solid white, merle, sable, silver, chocolate, blue, and solid black. A Chihuahua may also have a color combination of silver & tan, red & white, fawn & white, gold & white, cream & white, chocolate & fawn, chocolate & blue, Chocolate & tan, blue& tan, black & white, black & silver, black & red, etc.
Ears
It has large and erect ears. However, an Apple-headed has erect ears while deer-headed Chihuahuas have larger ears. At birth, the puppies are born with floppy ears which don’t stand up until they are one year old. The growth of puppy ears for this breed is a crazy ride since at times one ear will be erect while the other will not, sometimes both ears may stand up, or none will erect.
Chihuahua Ear Infection
Chihuahua are more susceptible to ear infections due to their large and erect ears that collect a lot of dirt and other foreign bodies. Other causes of ear infections include excess debris, wax, and dirt, accumulation of moisture, ear mites, yeast imbalances, and allergies. Chronic ear infections in Chihuahua occur since the immune system produces inflammatory hormones which makes the skin inflamed while also promoting the formation of yeast and bacterial colonies.
There are three types of ear infections in dogs including externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Externa otitis, inflammation to the cells in the external ear is the most common in Chihuahua. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the middle and inner ear canal. Media and interna otitis is the inflammation to the middle and inner ear canal respectively which may result to vestibular signs, facial paralysis, and deafness if left untreated.
The most common symptoms of a Chihuahua that is suffering from ear infection includes dark discharge, head shaking, odor, itchiness of the affected ear, pain, redness, and crusting in the ears. If a dog owner notices the above signs, he or she should book an appointment with the vet. Once they get to the vet, physical examination will be carried out before a swab is taken from the affected ear. However, a Chihuahua may get sedated if it is in a lot of pain before the ear is cleaned using a medicated ear cleanser and cotton balls.
Chihuahua Eyes
A Chihuahua has large and round eyes often described as bulging or protruding eyes.
Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection, Chihuahua also experience other eye problems including:
Glaucoma is common eye problem in Chihuahuas that occurs due to the insufficient drainage of the fluid from the eye hence putting pressure on the optic nerve. It may lead to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include bluing of the cornea, squinting, redness in the whites of the eyes, and watery eyes.
Cornel ulcer – Chihuahua are susceptible to suffering from corneal ulcer due to their large and round eyes that may easily get scratched affecting the top layer of the cornea.
Cataracts – this eye condition results in cloudy and whitish pupils that affects the vision of the dog. If left untreated may cause blindness.
Keratoconjunctivitis also referred to as dry eye disease is an eye condition that reduces the amount of fluid produced by the tear glands to the extend that they are no longer able to keep the eyes moist.
Eye Infection
Chihuahua have large and round eyes that are prone to eye infections due to bacterial or viral infection. Eye bacterial infections are far more common in this breed. A bacteria is able to invade the eye following trauma to the eye, viruses, or dry eye disease since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised.
Most of bacterial eye infections result from an injury like an ulcer or scratch on the eye cause a wound on the cornea and gets bacteria that prevents if from healing. Foreign bodies like hair, dust, plant material, debris, and hair also cause eye infections as a bacteria is easily swept into the eye.
Some of the common symptoms of eye infections in Chihuahua include pawing at the eye, sensitivity to light, swelling around the eye, squinting and blinking, redness, and a discharge that varies in color. A clear discharge indicates the eye has a virus while a thick yellowish-green discharge indicates that the eye has a bacteria. The recommended home remedy for a Chihuahua that is suffering from an eye infection is the use of saline rinses to flush the eye.
Eye Discharge
The normal eye discharge of a Chihuahua is whitish-grey or clear with a water consistency. However, a thick yellowish discharge is a symptom of dry eye disease while a thick yellowish-green discharge only means that your dog is suffering from a bacterial eye infection.
Eyebrows
A Chihuahua uses its eyebrows for communication. Lowered eyebrows suggest mild anger or uncertainty while raised eyebrows imply interest. This pet may also have one eyebrow up suggesting bewilderment. Narrowing eyebrows to slits in Chihuahuas suggest affection for the person your dog is looking at. Some dogs may have a bump on the eyebrows which is a histiocytoma, a type of skin tumor.
Some of the other dog breeds include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Tail
This breed has a curled tail that is normally held up and curled over his back if your dog is in a happy state. Tightly curling the tail on the back indicates that your pet is alert and hackling up as well as shows that it is in a defensive mode. Tail docking is illegal and if need be should only be performed by a vet. A Chihuahua that is terrified positions its tail between the legs.
Mating
A female Chihuahua may experience the first heat cycle between the age of 6 to 8 months. However, 5 months and even 1 year is not unheard off. The heat cycle reoccurs after every 6 months and it lasts between 3 to 4 weeks. Some of the symptoms that a Chihuahua exhibits while experiencing the heat cycle include behavior changes, increased urination, tail flagging, bloody discharge, swollen vulva, and changes in appetite.
Remember not to mate a dog that is below two years. This will allow it to be physically and emotionally capable of raising its puppies. It also gives an opportunity for the genetically linked faults to express themselves. Before mating a dog, ensure both the bitch and the stud have been genetically tested to determine whether they have some underlying health issues. Ensure that the female and male dogs are not related before mating.
Pregnancy Length
A Chihuahua has an average gestation period of 63 days approximately two months. Some of the signs that your female dog may exhibit include changes in appetite, nesting behaviors, unusual behaviors, discolored nipples, decreased activity, more affectionate, enlarged abdomen, and weight gain.
Litter Size
The average litter size that a Chihuahua can whelp is between 2 to 5 puppies.
Collar Size
The neck size and collar size of a Chihuahua is the same since the collar rests around the neck. The collar size | neck size of a Chihuahua is 8 to 13 inches ( approx. 20 to 32 cm).
Collar Or Harness
Chihuahua are small-sized dogs that are appetite. They may easily get hunt if the leap or pull after they spot a bird or squirrel while on leash. Since they are tiny, they may also easily slip off the collar. A Harness allows all pressure to be distributed over the back, shoulders, and chest area.
Muzzle
A Chihuahua dog owner may use a muzzle in a situation where he or she is not sure of how the dog will react to a new stimulus. A muzzle is highly advisable to be used on a dog that is in pain since it may be prone to biting. AKC encourages dog owners to create positive associations with the accessory for use when it is really needed. However, avoid use of a muzzle to correct bad habits such as barking and chewing.
Birth For The First Time
This breed has a pregnancy length of 63 days approximately two months with three trimesters, each about 21 days long. A Chihuahua is a small breed and giving birth not only for the first time may have complications. To prepare for the birth, your dog should have an x-ray to determine the litter size. Following the x-ray, the vet may recommend whether to have a natural birth or C-section. Furthermore, knowing the litter size helps you to no if your pet has finished giving birth.
Labor Stages
There are three stages of birth that your dog will undergo including:
- The first stage of labor may last between 6 to 12 hours. During this stage, Your Chihuahua may be panting, restless, pacing, nesting, and shivering.
- The second stage of labor lasts between 3 to 12 hours in which the abdominal contractions can be observed. The dog waters will break. In normal labor, the dog may show infrequent straining up to two hours before giving birth to the first pup. After, the birth of the puppy, the mother normally breaks the membrane that still covers the pup, licks the puppy all over, and chews the umbilical cord. Sometimes the dog may need help opening the membrane so that the pup can breathe. Following the delivery of the first puppy, the next puppies are delivered every 30 to 60 minutes.
- The third stage of labor involves the passing of the placentas which may also occur during the second stage.
It is also important to note that your dog should give birth in a quiet place without being stressed by her surroundings. If you note the following during the birth of the pups, contact a vet:
- No puppies have been delivered after two to three hours after the water broke.
- 2 to 4 hours of weak irregular straining without any puppies being born.
- Strong frequent straining without a puppy being born between 20 to 30 minutes.
- If your dog has been in the second stage for more than 12 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Chihuahua Aggressive
This breed appears aggressive because they are inherently protective of its territory and owners. A Chihuahua may also be aggressive to the larger breeds of dogs that it has never seen before.
How long does a Chihuahua stay in Labor
During the first stage of labor, a Chihuahua may experience labor for three to twelve hours before a pup is delivered every 30 to 60 minutes.
How to stop Chihuahua barking
Teaching your dog the quiet command is essential to stop a barking Chihuahua. This may be done by placing a treat above the nose of the dog. It will stop barking to inspect and sniff the treat. Go ahead and reward him with the treat and affection. Repeat this on several occasions until your pet stops barking on command.
Chihuahua Quick Facts
- It has a bite force of less than 100 PSI.
- This breed is prone to ear and eye infections.
- Chihuahuas have a lifespan average of 12-15 years with others living up to 20 years.
