Chihuahua dogs are popular due to their small size and weight, they are considered companion dogs, which is not surprising - you can take them everywhere. Consider the features of the breed, as well as the weight of puppies and adult dogs.
Breed history and characteristics
Compared to other miniature dogs, sneezes were born naturally, and not through selection. The roots of this breed extend during the time of the ancient Maya and Aztec, where dogs were considered sacred, and the right to contain them was only among the nobility. On the territory of modern Mexico, archaeologists constantly stumble upon ancient images of this breed and find the bones of miniature dogs. In those days they were called techichi.
After the destruction of ancient civilizations, poor dogs were considered a delicacy and hunted for them. Animals were forced into the woods. And only a few centuries later European sailors began to import this breed to Europe, after which breeders appeared with the further sale of puppies.
Due to the natural appearance Chihuahua breed does not have gene pathologies and other abnormalities, it is resistant and has good immunity. All thanks to natural selection and wild roving life.
Despite the difficulty of presenting this situation, chihuahuas are tamed wild dogs.
Breed features
A bright distinctive feature of the breed is a large head, shaped like an apple. When buying this breed you should pay attention to the strength of the back and neck, which is an indicator of a healthy and good pedigree.
Dogs have three color options. Often there is a uniform color, but there is also a double color and spots. Sometimes you can meet merle color puppies, which is an indicator of some kind of marriage. This color appeared when trying to breed. Puppies with this color are more likely to have pathologies and abnormalities.
The eyes of these decorative dogs are more often dark, but there are exceptions, which is also considered natural. Depending on the color of the nose color changes - a lighter color means a light shade of the nose and vice versa.
Sneezes are shorthair and with long hair. However, both the first and second are considered indicators of the breed.
Inside the breed itself there are two divisions.
- Cobby type - more stocky little dogs with a snub-nosed muzzle.
- Deer type - dogs on thin long legs are more miniature; they are often confused with toy terriers.
Definitely determine how much an adult Chihuahua should weigh without taking into account pedigree and individual characteristics. There are certain desirable standards, the calculation of which can not be swept aside individual indicators of dogs. Figures for adults range from 1.5 to 3 kilograms, and dogs with a weight greater than this are likely to be overweight.
By the sizes distinguish two types of chihov:
- mini;
- standard.
An interesting fact: for breeding chihuahuas use small males and large females.
Chihuahua Dimensions and Weight
There are common standard indicators that help owners to determine the normal development of their puppies, but do not forget that each dog has its own individual characteristics, including a combination of genetics (up to five generations), food, habitat. Mini-sneezees can equally well have mini-puppies and standard puppies, just like a standard female.
Standards do not apply to adult height, but overall rates vary from 18 to 25 centimeters.The weight of pets is controlled more strictly, for participation in exhibitions the maximum weight indicator is 3 kilograms, all dogs more than this indicator are not allowed to participate.
At birth, puppies obviously, but not exactly, you can determine what will be the size.
Mini chihuahuas at birth most often weigh about 80 grams, and puppies of the standard type range from 80 to 120 grams. Puppies with a large weight are medium and large types of this breed. It can depend on the number of puppies in the litter. If the female brought from one to three puppies, then the sneeze is likely to be of medium and large size. The more litter, the less the weight of each puppy.
Growth and weight in puppies stop at 8 months, and reliable predictions can be made when the brood is 3 months old. By this time, puppies are gaining most of their weight. Chihui puppies have excess fat, which helps to avoid many diseases.
Excessive weight in puppies is not a reason to worry, as over time, when they become stronger, the necessary harmony and proper size ratio will appear.
There is an approximate table indicating the weight norms by week:
- 1st week - from 100 to 270 grams;
- 3rd week - from 170 to 500 grams;
- 6th week - from 255 to 765 grams;
- 8th week - from 310 to 950 grams;
- 10th week - from 370 grams to 1.07 kilograms;
- 15th week - from 540 grams to 1.5 kilograms;
- 24th week - from 740 grams to 2.2 kilograms;
- 1 year and 6 months - from 908 grams to 3 kilograms.
It should be understood that the weight table has relative indicators, so do not limit puppies from a balanced diet, trying to achieve the minimum weight. Perhaps, sneeze puppy large to avoid diseases. It is necessary to properly monitor the health of puppies, they need a normal diet for healthy growth.
About the features of care for this breed, see below.