Dogs have been constant companions of man for many centuries. Devotional animals not only protect the home of their owner, but also help in agriculture and simply serve as a source of joy. Modern conditions of city apartments often make it impossible to start large breeds that require increased attention, a large amount of time and a special diet.
Experienced dog handlers recommend paying attention to small animals, which require much less space and financial costs for feeding, but will bring not less positive emotions and will be able to get rid of loneliness. One of these breeds is a smooth-haired Chihuahua, which has a funny look and capricious character.
History of origin
Smooth-haired Chihuahua is a short-haired breed, which the Spaniards brought from Mexico to Europe. The ancient Mexican tribes used a small animal as a talisman and worshiped it as a deity. The genetic roots of this breed go back centuries and have similarities with sand foxes.
At the beginning of the 19th century, a funny animal attracted American residents and became widespread in America, and in the 20th century, the Chihuahua breed received official recognition and was registered in cynological registries.
For many years, this breed retains its mysteriousness and magical properties, and its positive energy brings harmony and happiness to the house.
Description
Chihuahua - a small sacred animal that has a wayward character. The standard weight of an adult dog is in the range from 1 kg to 3 kg, and the height at the withers should not exceed 20 cm. The dog’s lifespan is 16 years.
The shape of the skull resembles an apple with a pronounced transition from the frontal zone to the muzzle and large eyes. The animal has a shiny and smooth coat, which can be brown, black, white and multi-colored. On the wide chest, you can see rounded ribs. On the back of the body is a semicircular protruding tail.
Puberty in males comes to 12 months, in females - closer to two years. If the owners do not plan to breed animals, it is imperative to sterilize the dogs before puberty. This procedure will make pets less aggressive and more obedient. One female can give birth to no more than 3 puppies. Childbirth should take place under the strict supervision of doctors or hosts.
A funny animal with a toy appearance has a capricious and aggressive character. Beginner dog breeders need to pay special attention to this feature and not release the animal during a walk out of their sight. In developing the technique of training, you must consider the following character traits:
- fast reaction;
- guard instincts;
- strong nervous system;
- lack of rancor;
- zealous attitude to the owner.
After completing any task The animal must receive an assessment of its actions. If everything is done well, it is necessary to please the pet with a tasty delicacy; for disobedience, the host must make a remark in a harsh voice. Training time can be delayed for a long period and require patience from the owner, endurance and sequence of actions.
Despite the difficult nature Chihuahua does not come into conflict with other inhabitants of the house, if they do not climb to it. Particular attention should be paid to the communication of children with a pet, which, with hugs, cuddles and excessive attention, can provoke an aggression of the animal.
Like any pet, Chihuahua has both positive and negative features.
Advantages:
- unpretentiousness;
- small size;
- dedication to the master;
- unusual and original appearance;
- long period of life.
Disadvantages:
- cold weather intolerance;
- the need to purchase a winter wardrobe;
- feeding with quality feed;
- the presence of a shiver from cold, fear or strong emotions;
- the complexity of the training;
- loud barking;
- limiting contact with large dogs and small children;
- territory label;
- the difficulty of training to the tray;
- constant desire to win a leading position in the family.
Varieties
A wide variety of color provoked the appearance of several species of individuals of this breed.
- Redhead. This color range provides for the presence of both light and dark shades. In nature, there are practically no dogs of pure red color, most of them have white shapeless spots.
- The black. A common color that always has white and gray blotches on the chest and limbs.
- Chocolate. Popular color that has a red low tide. Animals can either be pure brown or have a color tricolor.
Pets can also be tiger, purple and blue.
White dogs, cream, chocolate, black, silver and red edemas are in the greatest demand.
Unacceptable color deviation is marble color. Puppies with this shade are born with physical injuries and often die in the first hours of life.
How to choose a puppy?
Small puppies are funny creatures that are of very small size. Features of newborn dogs:
- blindness;
- inability to walk;
- the presence of hanging ears and short tail, which is tightly pressed to the body;
- soft and small nail plates;
- pink nose;
- no mustache.
Experts do not recommend to acquire young animals with these characteristics. At an early age, animals need maternal care and attention. Only together with parents can a puppy get stronger and acquire a stable immunity.
Professional dog experts do not recommend purchasing pets on spontaneous markets from unknown vendors. In order to buy a purebred dog, you must contact the licensed breeders who are professionally engaged in breeding and have all the permits.
Before buying a pet, you must carefully inspect the room where he was kept, and the food that he was fed. In the presence of sanitary and hygienic deviations, it is better to refuse this purchase. Breeders must show the passport of the animal and tell about its parents and the number of individuals in the litter, which should not exceed 5 pieces.
Signs of a healthy puppy:
- activity;
- good appetite;
- curiosity;
- smooth and shiny coat;
- plump physique;
- the presence of a cold and moist nose;
- clean skin;
- no signs of skin diseases;
- compliance with all breed standards;
- the presence of strong and healthy limbs;
- lack of purulent and mucous discharge from the nose and eyes;
- constant tension of the ears;
- overlap the lower jaw of the upper.
In the case of the most minor deviations, it is necessary to abandon the purchase and not listen to the persuasion of the sellers.
What to feed?
Before acquiring a pet, owners should carefully study the characteristics of their diet, the balance of which determines the physical condition of the pet.The menu should contain all the necessary vitamins and trace elements.
Canine experts distinguish two methods of feeding:
- ready food;
- natural products.
Experienced dog breeders recommend using ready-made premium-class feeds that are as balanced as possible and contain all the necessary nutrients for a given breed, The main disadvantage of this diet is the high cost of products that not every owner can afford.
When self-drafting ration should be given special attention meat, fish products, cottage cheese, eggs, cereals, vegetables and fruits. The menu used should contain a sufficient amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Pet feeding is permissible only boiled and steamed products.
The initial diet of newborn puppies should consist of breast milk. As the puppies grow, one must begin to introduce cottage cheese, boiled and shredded meat. Kids need to feed six times.
Fatty, salty, smoked, sweet and fried foods can lead to food poisoning, and sometimes to the death of a pet.
For the harmonious growth and development of the animal must have constant access to clean and fresh filtered or spring water. Experts do not recommend using boiled water or tap water.
Conditions for content
Creating a comfortable living environment for a pet is the main task of each owner.
The main problems that every owner of this breed will immediately encounter are the difficulty of teaching the pet to the tray and the permanent label of the territory. These difficulties are due to several reasons:
- features of the structure of the bladder;
- desire for a toilet to choose a secluded place;
- genetic necessity to determine the boundaries of its territory.
In summer, the pet needs daily walks, and with the onset of cold weather, the time spent on air should be significantly limited. Before visiting the street, the dog must be dressed in accordance with the temperature regime. Warm clothing will help a tender pet not only to warm up, but also to prevent the development of colds.
Every morning you should start by rubbing your eyes and examining the auricles. Mandatory hygienic procedure is to trim the claws as necessary. To maintain wool in good condition without molting Every day comb your pet with a special massage comb (furminator). This procedure is mandatory especially for the dwarf breed that does not fade.
After each visit to the street, it is necessary to wash the legs, and every 7 days it is necessary to completely bathe the beast. For carrying out water procedures, it is necessary to purchase special shampoos and conditioners that will not only make the wool smooth and shiny, but also prevent the appearance of various parasites.
Verification of the oral cavity is a mandatory procedure that will prevent the development of inflammatory processes. If there are remains of food between the teeth, they must be removed with a special brush.
A pet is not only a sea of happiness and joy, but also a huge responsibility for a living being. Before buying the breed you like, you should carefully study its diet, characteristics of care and breeding, and also allocate a sufficient amount of time to communicate with the pet.
About features of the Chihuahua breed, see below.