Everybody knows charming little Chihuahua dogs - this breed is always popular due to its cute touching appearance and small size. A variety of colors allows you to choose a pet color in accordance with personal preferences. The white chihuahua is considered to be especially rare and valuable, the content of which requires the owner to know some of its features.
From the history of the breed
Mexico is considered to be the birthplace of Chihuahuas, and the dog has received its name from the eponymous North Mexican state. The ancestors of the little ones, before their domestication by Indian tribes, lived in the wild. In the Aztec, these were sacrificial dogs that accompanied their master after his departure to another world. The purposeful breeding of chihuahuas began in the middle of the XIX century, and as a separate breed, it was described in 1800.
Characteristics and standards
Because of the tiny size of the animal, some perceive the Chihuahua only as a indoor toy. In fact, this is a dog with a bright personality.
Among their positive features of the breed are the following:
- a variety of attractive coat colors;
- lively and open nature;
- love communication, loneliness is not for them;
- quick response, activity;
- not only a true friend for his master, but despite his size, he is also an excellent guard;
- does not require large space for maintenance;
- There are no difficulties in the care of wool;
- good travel companion;
- clever, easily accustomed to the tray;
- Hardy, suitable for lovers of long walks;
- playful, puppies well give in to simple training;
- long-lived, lives up to 20 years.
There are few minuses, but they also deserve attention:
- very fragile, requires careful handling;
- not suitable as a pet for a child;
- chooses only one owner, the rest of the family will not be his authority;
- may show aggression, bully other dogs;
- prone to jealousy.
For Chihuahua, the smallest dog in the world, the following standards exist:
- height should not exceed 23 centimeters;
- weight - in the range of 0.5-3 kilograms;
- square body shape;
- the head is round, the muzzle is short and narrows towards the nose;
- ears are erect, triangular;
- eyes are large, dark, rounded;
- chest wide;
- the tail is set high, has an average length;
- The coat can be of two types - long, soft and slightly wavy in long-haired dogs or smooth, short and shiny in short-haired.
In size, in addition to the standard, we can distinguish the following species of Chihuahuas:
- mini - whose weight is in the range from 1 to 1.5 kilograms;
- micro - the smallest species weighing from 0.5 to 1 kilogram;
- dir - long-legged dogs resemble deer by constitution.
White Chihuahua - albinism or standard?
A variety of Chihuahua colors amazes the imagination. The color of an animal can vary from black, brown and fawn to cream, red and tiger, and sometimes wool can be quite exotic shades - purple, blue and sable.
In Mexico, in the homeland of these dogs, black and white color is popular, which is called colondrino. In such animals, small white patches, usually located on the chest or legs, are scattered over the black background of the coat color.
The variety of shades of chihuahua is due to the fact that There are no rules for crossing these dogs in their history. In this regard, uniform light shades or white pet color are much less common, and therefore they are extremely in demand.
White chihuahuas are especially appreciated. This color gives the dog even more touching and tenderness. No wonder many fans of the breed hunt for snow-white puppies, considered exclusive. Sometimes the question arises whether such a rarity is a deviation from the norm.
It is possible that white puppies appear as a result of a failure in the genetic system, since they are characterized by inherent albino defects. This is definitely worth thinking about if you want to become the happy owner of a white chihuahua and pay great attention to inspecting a puppy when it is acquired.
Really far not always white chihuahua is an albino. Usually breeders reject animals with a faulty gene and do not use them further for breeding. Therefore, the probability of an albino is not so great. But for a greater guarantee it is best to purchase a puppy from well-established breeders.
When choosing a puppy you need to carefully check - Isn't the animal deaf? because such a failure in the genes often happens in albinos. In addition, the warning signs can be pale blue eyes without dark edging, light pink nose and pink lips, not darkened at the edges. All of these symptoms are also characteristic of albinos.
In addition, the puppy should have thick hair without bald spots, healthy skin, clear eyes and clean ears. For a white animal, a regular scissor bite is required. An important sign of good health is the active, cheerful and curious behavior of the dog. Reluctance to communicate or aggressive talk about problems with the psyche of a puppy.
But do not rush to acquire your dream, even if you are convinced that the puppy is healthy.
The white chihuahua has another feature - There is no guarantee that he will retain the exclusive coat color when he is older. At first glance, all white puppies are the same, but if you look more closely at the wool, you can often notice the villi of cream or fawn shades. On this basis it is possible to distinguish those puppies that, when they reach 5-6 months, can darken. And the real "snow" will be completely white at any age. Therefore, fans of white chihuahuas need to be vigilant and carefully examine the pet's coat, in order not to get an unexpected surprise later.
Care and maintenance
Proper care will ensure a chihuahua long and comfortable life. These dogs are really indoor, they need warmth and the absence of drafts, keeping them outside is unacceptable. Animals are afraid of the cold, so they need clothes not only for walking, but also for the apartment, if it is cool.
Owners should understand that for a white chihuahua, clothing is a necessary attribute, which is an additional protection for the dog from contamination, since it is recommended to bathe the animal no more than 5 times a year in order to maintain its fat layer of the skin.
Depending on the time of year, the pet may need warm, demi-season and lightweight clothing. In the heat of the dog is sensitive to overheating, it must be protected from the bright sun.
In uncomfortable weather, it is not necessary to bring a Chihuahua to the street for the toilet, just turn up a tray for such cases at home. Dogs are easily accustomed to it. Sensitivity to temperature should be taken into account when choosing a place for a pet. It must be a battery-protected and drafty place where the animal will feel safe.
An adult white chihuahua does not require time-consuming care for its woolen coat. Depending on the length of the dogs' hair, it is necessary to comb out - short-haired at least 2-3 times a week with a natural brush, and long-haired - daily, using a comb or comb. Also, regular inspection and cleaning require the eyes, nose and teeth of an adult animal.Teeth are cleaned with toys and special sticks for brushing your teeth.
Because of its activity, an adult Chihuahua spends a lot of energy, which must be replenished with high-quality nutrition. It can be both natural food and ready-made specialized mixes. Feeding should be done in the morning and evening, the food should be warm. It is important that the dog always has enough fresh water to drink. The diet should be rich in proteins, therefore Pet can be fed veal, beef, poultry, fish.
A boiled chicken egg can be given to a dog not more than twice a week. Cereals and vegetable mixtures are used in boiled form without the addition of salt. As a source of calcium is useful to enter into the diet of a pet. dairy products. An adult animal needs 50-80 grams of food per 1 kilogram of weight.
Given the subtle mental organization of the Chihuahua, you should not leave him alone for long. Leaving the house, it is advisable to leave at least one lamp on. The animal can be very bored and at the same time bark, howl, nibbling surrounding objects. It is necessary to purchase a variety of toys for the dog, which will occupy its attention in the absence of the owner, and will also contribute to the cleansing of the oral cavity.
Screaming and applying force to the animal is contraindicated. If you need to indicate any undesirable action, you can hit the floor with a newspaper and make a remark in a slightly elevated tone. And positive actions must be encouraged by verbal praise and treats.
Considering the peculiarities of the white chihuahua and observing the rules of simple care, you will gain a faithful and caring friend, a devoted companion and a watchful guard. Love it with all your heart, and this baby will fill your home with joy and happiness.
In the next video you will be able to learn the main secrets of the upbringing and maintenance of dogs of the Chihuahua breed.
