Chihuahua Puppies Facts
1. AKC Group:
Toy Group
2. Size & Weight:
6-9 inches tall; 2-6 lbs
3. Coat:
They come with two
types of coats -- Smooth coat and Long coat. In smooth coats, the coat is close,
soft, and glossy. The long coats are soft-textured too, and are flat or curly
4. Head & Muzzle:
Head is a rounded dome with or without molera and the muzzle is short and slightly pointed. Eyes are full, round and luminous.
5. Body:
Rounded and well-sprung ribs with sloping shoulders and pretty feet.
6. Colors:
Any color.
7. Life Expectancy:
15 years or above.
8. Popularity:
They are a very popular toy companions. The year 2005 has seen more than 23,000 dogs being registered. AKC rank:
11
9. Habitat:
They are excellent apartment dogs. They do demand some outdoor activity but are vulnerable during cold weather.
Chihuahua Puppies Origins
1. Country of Origin:
Mexico
2. Lineage:
Could be traced back to Techichis of the ancient Toltecs.
3. Date Admitted to AKC:
1904
4. Historical Information:
The Chihuahuas are believed to have descended from Techichis of the ancient Toltecs. They were once worshipped by the Aztecs. Their relics are found in the Pyramids of Cholula and also on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Chihuahua Puppies - Defining Characteristics
1. Training Ease:
Medium difficulty to train. Socialization must start from young.
2. Temperament:
Chihuahuas are active, courageous, demanding, and proud in nature. They are intelligent companions and demand lots of attention. Sometimes they could become attached to the point of jealousy.
3. Child Friendly:
Chihuahuas are okay with well-behaved children. However, may snap at some if pestered.
4. Behavior:
They are wary of strangers; and socialization from young would do well.
5. Habits:
They tend to snap at stray dogs during the walks. They also snore.
Chihuahua Puppies Concerns
1. Health Issues:
They are prone to glaucoma and Patellar Luxation (kneecap dislocation).
2. Feeding:
Regular feeding twice a day will suffice.
3. Exercise Needs:
He usually gets enough exercise indoors, but a short regular walk would do no harm.
4. Grooming Needs:
The smooth coats can be brushed or wiped with soft cloth regularly. The long coats would need daily brushing with soft bristle. Check the ears regularly and keep the nails well clipped.
5. Special Household Needs:
Brushes and clippers.
6. Travel Needs:
A body harness is recommended.
7. Getting Along With Other Pets:
Chihuahuas need socialization from young to get along well with other pets.
Chihuahua Puppies -- How to Choose
1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:
The eyes should be luminous and
the expression fresh. 
They should not snap unprovoked.
2. What you will need for a New Puppy:
A puppy pen or a dog crate with soft bedding. A warm sheet or coat during colder days would do much good.
3. Puppy-Proofing your House:
Clean up the floor of litter and other small items. Do not leave fertilizers, chocolate, or other toxic items on the floor unsupervised.
4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:
Chihuahuas are much attached to their owners. Make them feel wanted and do not let them alone for long periods of time. Also, this is the right time to introduce him to other pets you might have.
