Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. They can be destructive when bored and can become finicky eaters if their diet is fussed over. Since the 1960s, the Chihuahua has been one of the most popular breeds registered by the AKC. A single-colored shirt is always an option, but one of the great things about Chihuahua clothes is the countless number of styles from which to choose. Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn't necessarily an apartment dog make. Use a shampoo formulated for dogs so you don't dry out the coat and skin. The smooth-coated Chihuahua has a smooth, shiny coat that fits close to the body with a ruff of thick, longer hair on the neck. Just make sure any children who approach know how to play gently with a small dog. Ask your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Both parents should have health clearances, documentation that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. We connect you to one of the largest selections of Chihuahua clothes and accessories. They've escaped from yards through small gaps in the fence and can squeeze into places that other puppies and dogs wouldn't be able to fit. The Chihuahua dog breed is known for its varied temperament. On the other hand, a lightweight shirt is recommended for the late spring and summer months. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. Chihuahuas do best in families with quiet, older children who understand how to interact with them. Because of its water-absorbent properties, however, cotton isn't the best option for your Chihuahua to wear in the rain or snow. Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they're love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Alternatively, perhaps European explorers brought over a dog that was crossbred with the Techichi. To get a healthy pet, never buy a puppy from a backyard breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. You can ease your Chihuahua's anxiety of getting dressed by following these tips: In addition to clothes, you should also consider buying accessories for your Chihuahua. Dogtime is a property of TotallyHer Media, LLC, an Evolve Media, LLC company. Statistics show that up to 25% of all dogs will develop osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD). Grooming him takes only a few minutes each week. People who live with Chihuahuas become devoted to them, and many say that once you share your life with one, there will be no other dog breed for you. Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. The Chihuahua dog breed‘s charms include their small size, big personality, and variety in coat types and colors. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply. Using a crate to confine them when you're unable to supervise them will teach them that they can control their bladder and prevent them from having accidents in the house. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time. According to the National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy and National Humane Society, roughly 1 in 3 pets will run away in their lifetime, but only 10% are ever reunited with their owner. Treats can help the bonding process go more smoothly. Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues. Adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to your pet's diet can help them feel better and improve their overall health! American visitors to Mexico brought the little dogs home with them. Chihuahua Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – DogTime. Chihuahuas can also be oversize, with some reaching 12 or more pounds. Think you have the cutest Chihuahua on the block? He could be attacked by a hawk, other birds of prey, or larger dogs or coyotes. A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. Chihuahua information including personality, history, grooming, pictures, videos, and the AKC breed standard. A bed is another must-have accessory for Chihuahuas. Adult dogs are often already housetrained and have some obedience training, and they've already gone through the destructive puppy stage. Or if you own a female Chihuahua, maybe a pink "Pampered Princess" shirt. They can be solid colors such as black, white, fawn, chocolate, gray, and silver as well as tricolor (chocolate, black, or blue with tan and white, for instance), brindle, spotted, merle and a variety of other markings. However, there are other reasons why you should dress your Chihuahua... Now that you know a little bit about why your Chihuahua needs clothes, you might be wondering which clothes to choose. All signs point to the Techichi being the Chihuahua's likely ancestor, but we still don't know the whole story. Along the way, other dog breeds (notably Pomeranians) were interbred to make the dog smaller and more agile. Crate training at a young age will also help your Chihuahua accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment. It's not unusual for Chihuahuas to form a close bond with a single person, and they can become very demanding if they're overindulged. They viewed the small dogs as being guardians of the afterlife, believing the Techichi would follow his respective owner into the afterlife when sacrificed. Whether you're going to the vet, pet store, or just running errands around town, you can bring along your Chi by placing him in a carrier. Shades can be very pale to very dark for all the colors. Chihuahua Dog Breed Pictures. From graphic shirts and fuzzy sweaters to ballerina-style "tutus" and funny costumes, the possibilities are endless. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. Brush the teeth at least two or three times a week — daily is better — to remove tartar and bacteria. Don’t shop if you want to bring a dog home. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Chihuahua Vaccine and Booster Shot Schedule, Chihuahua Tear Stains: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Chihuahua Names: Top 100 Boy and Girl Names, 60 Amazing Facts About Chihuahuas That You Didn’t Know, How To Identify and Treat Ear Infections In Chihuahuas, What To Expect From a Chihuahua’s Heat Cycle. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Chihuahuas are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Allowing your Chihuahua to "roam free" outside without a restraint increases the risk of him running away. Keep them trimmed short.