Chihuahua

Are you confused on which Chihuahua to get? There are actually two types of Chihuahuas known and registered in the American Kennel Club: the long-haired and the short-haired ones. Long hair Chihuahuas are classified as toy dogs, but they are actually strong in character despite their fragile appearance.

It’s All in the Fur

When you will compare long hair Chihuahuas with the other Chihuahuas, there is a not much of a difference except for the fur. As the name implies, long-haired ones have long fur. This is the main reason why many people find them very cute and appealing. Long haired Chihuahuas have also longer hair in the ears, chest, stomach, legs, and tail. Tail stands erect, ears prick up, but the tips may be slightly drooped.

An average size of a long hair Chihuahua is five inches tall and can weigh six pounds. One may assume that these Chihuahuas may require a lot of grooming because of the long hair, but in reality, they do not. A simple brush will do. However, they need special attention in maintaining their glossy fur. Proper nutrition will help improve the glossiness. You should also brush their coats with a bristle brush and detangle them using a wide comb. Blow-drying the coat will also help while brushing simultaneously. Necessary trimmings can be done after and can be made regularly such as weekly.

Short hair Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are easier to take care of. Brushing the fur several times a week is already enough. It is also important to make their fur glossy just like their long-haired counterparts.

Important Tip

A tip to remember is to always make sure that a Chihuahua’s fur is soft and slightly curly with an undercoat. Feathering should also be present on the legs and feet. A large ruff is also nice to look at. The Chihuahua’s tail should be full and long too.

Training and Health Care Needs

Other than the fur, long hair Chihuahuas are pretty much the same with the short-haired ones in terms of basic care and dog training. Since these Chihuahuas are very much affectionate and loyal, they can be jealous of other pets and do not get along well with them. It is also important that both long hair and short hair Chihuahuas have dog training for them to develop their socialization skills. This will help them become less aggressive and control their temper.

Both types of the breed are very prone to getting fractures because of their weak bone joints. These dogs should not be allowed to fall from high places. If there are kids at home, it is not advised to have these dogs around as pets as children might hurt them. It is very small that one couldn’t sense its presence sometimes in the house. These pets are perfect for those living alone in apartments and the elderly.

Since these dogs are hard to house train, they should be trained at an early age. They should also be protected from very cold temperatures as they are very prone to catching colds due to weak respiratory systems.

All in all, it is up to the pet owner to decide which Chihuahua is suitable for his or her personality and lifestyle.

Jeff Walding is a chihuahua owner and lover. His website contains valuable information on long haired chihuahuas [http://longchihuahuas.com/should-you-get-long-hair-chihuahuas-instead-of-the-short-haired-ones]. Visit Long Chihuahuas [http://longchihuahuas.com/tips] to get The Ultimate Chihuahua Training Secrets.

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The Chihuahua Dog Breed

About The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a popular favorite of the toy dog group among dog enthusiasts. This spicy little character of a dog is extremely devoted and loyal to its owner. Although reserved with strangers and a little aggressive towards other dogs, the Chihuahua can get along great with other indoor pets that you may have.

Not all Chihuahuas have the same bold temperament. Some are very intense and will have an attitude as if they can take on the world, others may be extremely shy and timid. Either way, all Chihuahuas are very protective of their owners and the rest of the family.

Upkeep And Maintenance
The Chihuahua is a very excitable dog that needs a bit of daily exercise. But the good news is that these little guys can get all of the vigorous physical activity they need from running room to room in a house or a small apartment. But do not neglect outdoor walks and play time. The Chihuahua loves to roam outside and explore.

In terms of living arrangements, the Chihuahua is an indoor dog and should not be kept outside. There is nothing wrong with having him explore the yard a couple of hours each day, but this should only be temporary. Chihuahuas absolutely hate cold temperatures and will run to seek out warmth and coziness.

Grooming is a minor concern if you’re the proud owner of a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas come in two types; short-haired and long-haired. Short-haired Chihuahuas need very little brushing, perhaps once every week or so. Long-haired Chihuahuas will need a brushing twice weekly.

Health Information
The Chihuahua has a longer lifespan than most dog breeds, living up to 20 years in some cases, with approximately 16 to 17 years being the norm for a healthy dog. Veterinarians suggest that owners of this dog breed get specific health tests for cardiac issues and knee problems.

Fortunately, there are no major health issues that Chihuahua dog breed owners need to worry about. However, minor concerns do exist but they are very rare, including: hypoglycemia, pulmonic stenosis, patellar luxation, and hydrocephalus. And one last common trait that many Chihuahuas display is called molera, which is a soft spot in the top of the skull that results from an incomplete fontanel closure.

Spoil Your Chihuahua With Gourmet Dog Treats
Pets don’t go to the store and pick out what looks good to them; they are at the mercy of their owners to choose something that is tasty and healthy for them to snack on. If you have a Chihuahua of your own or you know someone that does, you can get them all natural healthy dog treats made in the shape of a Chihuahua!

To find treats in the shape of a Chihuahua http://www.begginbeaglebakery.com

J. Alicea

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The time had come when I finally had to admit it. My dog walks all over me. And it’s not that cute and certainly not good for my dog.

Where did I go wrong? What had a done as a dog-mommy to make my Yorkie-baby such a little demon?

Well, the question alone supplies some of the answer. I’m NOT the dog-mommy. And sad as it may to admit the Yorkie is not my baby.

Sound silly? Maybe, but many of us owners of small or toy dogs, have created monsters out of our toy size dogs by allowing them to dominate us and take over the household. The result? As the website DogBreedInfo.com says, “even the tiniest Chihuahua can be a canine Hitler.”

The behavior is called Small Dog Syndrome, and it’s a series of behaviors by the out-of-control little dog that can include:

• biting or snapping at family members, other animals or strangers.
• incessant whiny, barking and yapping – especially if things aren’t going according to the dog’s plan.
• “spiteful” peeing and pooping all over the house; you know the scenario, you’ve just put the dog out to relieve herself, she comes back in and promptly pees on the rug!
• obsessive-compulsive behavior with weird things like toys, an item of your clothes or even the dog bowl.
• jumping up on your lap, or barking to be picked up, to sit on you (on his schedule, not yours).
• sleeping on your bed, especially higher up on the bed, on or near your pillow.

The problem with these behaviors, is that it puts your dog at risk (of being counter-attacked by a large dog for example), and makes your relationship with him less-than-ideal. As your dog ages and gets more set in these behaviors, you’ll find a dog you really don’t like to be with, no one wants to mind, and a dog that does not seem very happy or well-adjusted.

Why do we treat tiny dogs like our babies?

Scientists say it’s a biological reaction, so don’t bet yourself up too much!

By nature, we tend to look at small creatures, especially those with big eyes and set back ears (hallmarks of human babies) as needing protection, extra care and protection. Of course – how else would we have survived as a species ourselves?

While this extra care is great for puppies, all dogs grow up. Even Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Poms! So carrying them around is inappropriate (ever see a 13-year-old in a stroller?!) and doesn’t help the dog develop.

Letting the toy dog jump up on you and others? Not so great if you had a Rottweiler or Great Dane.

Listening to yipping and yapping? Again, if you had a full size hound dog, you’d never allow it!

Wake up and face it: your dog’s grown up!

The first step in conquering obnoxious, annoying dog behavior (small dog syndrome) is to acknowledge that your pet is first and foremost a DOG.

World renowned trainer Cesar Millan advises us to keep in mind this hierarchy:

• My Yorkie Bella is first:
• A canine – with canine species needs and responses.
• Next, a Yorkshire Terrier, with some of their proclivities such as wanting to chase mice and rats.
• And then finally, Bella, my pet with her own preferences and desires.

If we owners ignore the first two levels in this hierarchy – the canine and breed particulars – we’re doing the dog a disservice because we’re not meeting those needs.

Canines are pack animals and they want a leader

Canines are solidly pack animals, no matter what size or what breed. They see everyone in their environment as a member of the pack, so you’re either the leader or one of the followers. Cesar Millan says dogs would prefer to be followers.

You therefore have to step up and be the leader. You achieve this by speaking in a calm, firm way (Cesar calls this calm-assertive energy) and by leading with firm care. No junk-science meanie stuff like turning your dog over on his back and staring at him, yanking on a choke collar or shouting. Simple strength and aura will do it.

To learn more about getting control back into your life, and crushing small dog syndrome check out some of Cesar’s training materials. They helped me…. and I bet they can help you too!

To learn more about how Cesar Millan banishes small dog syndrome, and can help you build a lifelong bond between you and your happy, well balanced dog, you can watch his TV programs, order his DVDs, books and even special products like leashes and Romp! toys. Visit dog expert Deb Gray’s site, Cesar’s Way To Train a Yorkie for more, or check out my Squidoo lens called Cesar Millan and Small Dog Syndrome

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Like many of us, you may wonder what miniature and toy dog breeds are available to bring home to be your family pet. There may be more than you’re aware of! Most the miniature and toy breeds are merely small counterparts of the same, but larger, breeds.

You may find it interesting to learn that dog breeds considered miniature or toys are actually both modern and ancient. They often are descended from breeds of dogs that have been around for literally centuries, so, in a sense, they are ancient, however some of them have come from purposefully breeding two or more breeds or inbreeding producing the miniature and toy dog breeds we have today, such as the Miniature Pinscher.

Another example would be the Italian Greyhound, which appears to be a small version of the Greyhound as it has the same talents as its larger breed.

You will want to choose carefully from the large selection of miniature and toy breeds of dogs, considering the pros and cons of each to be sure you get a dog that will suit your family and the lifestyle you lead. Something specific to consider about a toy breed of dog is that their extremely small size makes it quite difficult for a vet to treat them, since they don’t have any extra weight and can dehydrate quite easily. Toy breeds also can have a predisposition to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

Here are some breeds of small dogs that people have found to make the best pets:

Chihuahua
The world’s smallest breed of dog is the Chihuahua (6″ to 11″). A Chihuahua has rather prominent, bulging eyes and ears that are erect, but soft. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Chihuahuas can get aggressive when provoked, but are typically very devoted and loving.

Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a German breed that comes in the small size of 11 inches and with a weight of less than 5 pounds. They have a bit of a mischievous streak and sport a mustached muzzle with a coat that is rather rough. They are generally very playful but can be somewhat obstinate occasionally.

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
This is a toy breed from Britain well known for its playful personality. Yorkies have soft, downy coats and are typically about 9 inches tall and weigh around 5 or 6 pounds. They get along well with people, are quite intelligent, and tend to be rather bold. They are black with patches of tan.

Shi Tzu
This is a Chinese breed and is also known as the ‘Chrysanthemum Dog’. It is characterized by a long billowing coat and high intelligence. Normally its height can go up to 11″. Shi Tzu’s are highly affectionate, sporty and courageous.

Other small breeds of dogs that are enjoyed by many are: Pug, Pomeranian, Pekingese, Papillion, Maltese Dog, Lhasa Apso, Havanese, French Bulldog, and Toy Poodle.

These are by no means all the dogs that are available in toy and miniature varieties, but indeed many have enjoyed welcoming them into their families and delighted them in the years following their adoptions. If you’re a lover of small breeds of dogs, you will surely find one that will give you immense pleasure among all the varieties that are available to you.

My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at http://www.online4pets.com/ to discover more information about miniature and toy dog breeds.

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