Chihuahua with long hair: description of the breed and care features

The Chihuahua is considered one of the most popular breeds in the world, famous primarily for its small size. The long-haired Chihuahua is a variety characterized by the presence of an undercoat and soft, long hair. Such a pet, despite its small size, requires a lot of attention, care and love from its owners, and also has its own maintenance characteristics.

Origin

In 1850, archaeologists discovered images of dogs. They looked like portraits of animals carved on the slabs of Montezuma's palace. This happened in Chihuahua, Mexico. A similar name was given to dogs.

The Indians revered Chihuahuas, believing in their sacredness. After the death of the owner, the dog was killed.

Later, pets began to be used for cooking. When the conquistadors came to America, some dogs managed to hide in the forest.

The Mexicans began selling the surviving animals at the market. Buyers were found quickly, and the dogs were purchased at a high price.

The breed was first exhibited at an exhibition in 1884. This was in Philadelphia.

About 80 years later, Fidel Castro gave Nikita Khrushchev two Chihuahuas - Misha and Masha. This is how long-haired, dwarf dogs came to the CIS.

Distinctive features

Chihuahuas have very loose standards. This applies to both body size and shape. They can be smooth-haired or long-haired. It is believed that the former were crossed with Pinschers, and the latter with Spitz. A litter can have completely different puppies in color, size, and coat length.

At exhibitions, judges practically do not find fault with external data. Particular attention is paid only to size and weight. 15-23 cm at the withers and 1.5-2 kg of weight are considered ideal. Dogs with a mass of 0.5 kg and 3 kg are also allowed; less or more is considered a defect.

There is a separate type that is not considered standard. This is Tikap Chihuahua - a dog that fits in a cup. Their weight is less than 500 grams, and the cost is several times higher than for an ordinary dog. Such pets are considered the most glamorous pocket dogs, but most often they are very weak due to prematurity and are susceptible to many diseases.

In general, the dogs are well built and muscular, despite their size . The body format is elongated, the limbs and head are proportional to the size of the body.

• Apple-shaped head Let's say a fontanel. The stop is well marked.
• The muzzle is shortened, straight, wide, narrowed towards the nose. The jaws are strong and have a scissor bite (the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth). The lips are thin and fit tightly. Cheeks are dry.
• The nose is upturned, short, of any color;
• The eyes are large, round, not protruding. A light iris is acceptable; dark brown is preferred.
• The ears are large, thin, rounded, but narrowed towards the end (not sharp); placed on the sides of the head. Puppies have drooping ears, later rising to erect ears. The angle between the ears at rest is 45°.
• The body is small, strong, elongated. The topline is straight with a wide back and a flat croup. The chest is wide, but not barrel-shaped. The neck is short and curved.
• The tail is set high, straight, the ideal shape is crescent-shaped, slightly curved towards the back.
• Limbs are parallel, strong, of medium length. A straight and moderately wide stance is considered correct. The paws are small and oval. The movements are sweeping and springy.
• The coat can be long or short. Smooth-haired Chikhovs are characterized by short, close-lying hair. For long-haired dogs – soft, wavy or straight, silky. The undercoat should not be too thick or long.
• Colors: Any colors and combinations are acceptable.

Description

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Representatives of the breed are an ideal option for the home. Chihuahuas are compact, clean pets. The height of the animal at the withers reaches 15-24 cm. Average weight is 1-3 kg.

Features of the Chihuahua's appearance:

Alone at home

You can safely leave a puppy, or even an adult dog, alone at home when you go to work. Despite the fact that the Chihuahua has a hard time staying alone for a long time, the animal will find something to do. You bought toys, right?

In the absence of the owner, the dog will play with toys and sleep most of the time. In this case, nothing should pose a threat to the animal. For example, due to such a breed feature as an open fontanelle in a Chihuahua, a fall of a heavy object on the head can not only seriously injure, but also kill the animal. Let's imagine a situation where a fidget pulled the tablecloth from the table and was hit on the head with a porcelain vase.

The ideal and safe solution for the dog would be to stay in an artificial home enclosure in the absence of the owner. It should contain toys, a bed, a tray, water and food.

How do you care for your pet? Is it expensive to own a Chihuahua? Share your experience and opinion in the comments.

Varieties of colors

Dog breeders love representatives of the Chihuahua breed for their different range of colors. More than 50 variations are known.

This is interesting: 9 of the most beautiful Chihuahua colors

White, often found as a base color. It may have stains of different shades or clearly defined spots.

The most popular colors of Chihuahuas:

• white;
• ginger;
• charcoal chocolate;
• pale yellow.

Rarer color options of the breed:

• black;
• blue;
• lilac;
• cream.

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Chihuahua puppies are born with gray or red hair. As dogs age, their color changes.

The beauty of each color is emphasized by the animal’s nose and irises of similar shades. For example, if a Chihuahua puppy is chocolate-colored, then the dog’s nose may be brown.

What colors are there?

The most common colors :

• red – red shades of fur from red to light red are allowed, most often it is supplemented with areas of other colors, for example, white;
• black – solid black is rare; black and white is more common.

Chocolate , white , brindle, lilac and blue are also found , but these colors are considered rare.

Character and appearance

The Chihuahua with very long hair is distinguished by its loving nature and the ability to quickly find a common language with people and other animals. The friendly nature of the dog immediately captivates. However, the dog is touchy. If treated unfairly, the pet may bite.

Chihuahuas feel respect and affection for all family members, regardless of their age, but they single out one of the owners and feel love for him.

A hairy friend is not capable of giving a person. The dog is an irreplaceable companion.

Small stature does not prevent the Chihuahua from being an impeccable guard. A brave dog will always give a signal, sensing danger, and rush to protect the owner, if necessary.

Representatives of the Chihuahua breed run quickly and have lightning-fast reactions.

The advantage of a dog is not only in its docile nature, but also in the dog’s appearance. The neat features of the muzzle, expressive eyes, compact body, and lush hair make the four-legged creature the pride of its owner.

It is easy to distinguish a male from a female. The former have a square-shaped body, the latter – an elongated one. Boys are straightforward, girls are coquettes.

Can I breed with shorthairs?

Everyone decides the issue of offspring for themselves. Mating of animals with different hair lengths is possible. But it is necessary to take into account that the gene for short hair is dominant and it is likely that from such a mating you will only get puppies with short hair. However, babies with long hair can be obtained if the parents have one recessive gene. Then one of the puppies will have a long coat. The presence of such a gene depends on ancestors.

Care and maintenance

The health of the dog is the priority of a responsible owner. It is important to monitor your pet’s well-being, visit the veterinarian regularly, and follow the vaccination schedule. This will protect your pet from serious diseases.

The eyes, ears, and teeth of a Chihuahua need weekly examination. In case of inflammation, appropriate measures must be taken.

Chihuahua is a heat-loving creature. It is strictly prohibited to overcool your dog, so it is better to purchase several seasonal walking items for your dog.

Interesting article: Chihuahua colors: black, red, chocolate, merle, brown, lilac, blue

Behind the wool

The Chihuahua's coat requires careful care. You will need a high-quality brush that can eliminate tangled strands. Daily brushing of the dog is a mandatory procedure. Otherwise, the Chihuahua's hair will look untidy. If your dog develops tangles, scissors will help. The matted tufts must be carefully trimmed.

The Chihuahua's fur grows quite quickly, so the pet needs a haircut. You can do it yourself or contact a groomer.

Bathing

Keeping your Chihuahua clean is paramount. It is important to accustom your puppy to water procedures. You should not wash your long-haired pet often. Once every 2 months is enough. Regular human shampoos are prohibited. It is better to purchase a special hypoallergenic product intended for dogs.

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After bathing your pet, you need to wrap it in a towel and remove excess moisture. It is recommended to dry the wool with a hairdryer. This will protect the dog from hypothermia.

Cleaning teeth and ears

Tartar is a yellow, gray or brown plaque consisting of particles of foods and calcium phosphates. If it is detected, you will have to seek help from a specialist. This can be avoided if prevention is not neglected.

Your pet's oral cavity requires weekly inspection and cleaning. Once every 7 days, a special paste must be applied to the dog’s teeth using a gauze swab or a soft, miniature brush. It is made on the basis of chlorhexidine. Zoopasta does not require rinsing, but it is better to remove any remaining product without allowing it to enter the animal’s stomach.

The antibacterial agent Stomadex is widely used - tablets that can be used no more than twice a year. They help remove plaque on Chihuahua teeth.

As a preventive measure, you can use bones made from special flour. Branded biscuits and bovine skin bones prevent the occurrence of plaque.

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The cheapest way to clean up your pet's teeth is to treat them with gauze soaked in hydrogen peroxide.

If the dog’s mouth begins to smell unpleasant, the pet begins to refuse to chew bones, this means that the animal is developing caries. You can’t ignore the problem, you need to go to a specialist.

Chihuahua ears are a special place. It is advisable to strengthen the cartilage from puppyhood so that the shells keep their shape. To do this, it is recommended to introduce calcium into the animal’s diet and do a special massage.

Dogs' ears get dirty quickly. It is necessary to examine them 2 times a week and carefully remove the discharge. You can soften sulfur with pharmaceutical drops. The product will not harm the dog and will quickly remove dirt. There is no need to remove sulfur completely - natural lubricant also performs a protective function.

Getting water into your ears will cause the development of diseases and hearing loss.

It is better to trim the fur in the ear shell. A preventive measure will help avoid the appearance of different types of ticks.

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When performing hygiene procedures, you need to be careful with cotton swabs. The pet can jerk its head sharply, causing injury to the eardrum.

Claw trimming

It is necessary to take care of your pet's nails. Chihuahua puppies grow quickly. The procedure should be performed at least once every 2 weeks. Untimely cutting leads to breaking off of the horn plates, injury to the animal, and the development of problems in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

For adults, it is enough to trim their nails once a month. Dogs partially grind them off on the asphalt while walking.

You need to tidy up your pet's claws carefully, since inside each plate there is a pulp consisting of nerve endings and blood vessels. The owner's mistake will cause bleeding in the dog and severe pain. The internal vessel will develop with the cornea and may require surgical intervention.

Excessively long claws will spoil your pet’s gait and can lead to lameness and crooked finger joints.

Feeding

The Chihuahua is an active dog. To have enough energy, the dog’s nutrition must be balanced and of high quality.

Protein of animal and plant origin is important in your pet’s diet. You can’t do without carbohydrates, fats, vitamins.

Must-have pet products:

• beef, veal, lamb, chicken, turkey;
• fish;
• buckwheat, rice, rolled oats;
• vegetables, especially carrots;
• apples, bananas;
• chicken, quail eggs;
• dairy products.

You cannot feed your pet raw meat. It is better to cook the pulp and pour boiling water over it.

Porridge is the basis of the menu. The best option is to steam them. You can add finely chopped vegetables and fruits to the dish.

There are foods that are acceptable to give to a dog, but extremely rarely. We are talking about heart, liver, kidneys, chicken meat. The last ingredient can cause allergic reactions in your pet.

It is allowed to offer your pet boiled fish and eggs once every 2 weeks.

It is prohibited to feed certain foods to dwarf dogs.

Unhealthy food for the breed:

• raw meat;
• pork;
• sweets;
• fried and fatty foods;
• River fish;
• pollock;
• peas;
• beans;
• onion;
• nuts.

It is important to correctly calculate the serving size. There should be 60-80 g of food per 1 kg of pet’s body weight. An adult needs two meals a day. During the day, you are allowed to treat your pet to biscuits and fruit. Water should be in the bowl around the clock. Drinking regime is important for the full development of the animal.

If a dog is pregnant with puppies, the diet must be revised and additionally enriched with cottage cheese, apples, and rolled oats. 7 days before giving birth – exclude meat and fish from the expectant mother’s menu.

It is necessary to take a responsible approach to shaping the diet of children. After 3 weeks, minced beef is introduced into the dog’s menu - the size of a pea. From a month onwards, dogs are allowed porridge with meat and fermented milk products.

It is much easier for those who have chosen factory-made food for their pet. The serving size is indicated on the packaging depending on the weight of the animal.

You cannot save on food; the cheaper it is, the fewer vitamins it contains. In high-quality options in the premium category, the ratio of useful components is strictly observed, taking into account the age of the pet. The food can be stored at room temperature. It will not fade, it will not soften.

How to feed?

The diet of long-haired Chihuahuas can consist of natural products or ready-made food, the main thing is that it is balanced.

Both types of food cannot be mixed - this has a negative impact on the pet’s health.

Up to 2 months, a Chihuahua puppy needs to be fed 6 times a day, then the frequency of feedings is gradually reduced - a one-year-old dog should eat twice a day.

At three months, representatives of this breed undergo the final formation of taste, they remember the taste of the food they like and in the future they often become capricious and refuse to eat some foods.

With a natural diet, the Chihuahua's diet should include boiled meat, lean fish, cereals, low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits. In addition, be sure to give your pet additional vitamins and minerals.

It is forbidden to feed the dog:

• raw chicken meat; sausages;
• pork;
• smoked, fried, salted foods;
• sweets;
• flour and pasta;
• onions;
• bones.

It is also prohibited to feed your pet from a common table.

IMPORTANT!

Chihuahuas are prone to food allergies, so new foods must be introduced into the diet with extreme caution.

Feeding dry food is the most suitable option for these dogs. The food granules help clean teeth and enamel from plaque, and its composition is balanced and contains the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals.

You should choose premium or super-premium food.

Popular and proven brands of feed:

• Pronature;
• Probalance;
• Pro Plan;
• Bosch;
• Acana;
• Hills;
• Royal Canin.

Training

Immediately after the baby appears in the house, you need to determine his place. The baby must understand where his territory is.

Chihuahua puppies can be trained to perform tasks from the age of 3 months. Dogs are already able to understand their owner and accept requests. Chihuahuas are easy to train. It is important to allow the dog to realize who is boss in the house, then the dog will quickly obey and make contact.

First you need to remove things that your pet should not touch. A phone or candy left on the sofa provokes curiosity in dogs. The Chihuahua puppy will certainly try the treat and test the strength of the gadget. This will form bad habits in your pet.

Before training a Chihuahua, you need to be patient. The dog will not complete tasks on the first day and this should not anger the owner. Yelling at an animal is strictly prohibited. The maximum is to speak in a firm tone.

When studying a command, the dog needs encouragement. For every correct action, the pet should receive a treat.

When calling your pet to you, in addition to its nickname, you need to clearly pronounce the phrase “to me.”

Basic pet commands:

• it is forbidden;
• ugh;
• place;
• to me;
• sit;
• lie;
• near.

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Dog training is carried out daily. This will give the most effective result. The dog must not be overtired. Exercises should bring positive emotions to the dog.

Lifespan

Representatives of this species with Mexican roots live for about 12 years. However, the average age indicator can be extended if the dogs are provided with appropriate living conditions, systematically devote a little time to caring for them, and also give the baby your love and care. Regular visits to the veterinarian are important, as they allow for timely diagnosis of illnesses and prevent their development.

Behavior and skills

Despite their miniature size, long-haired Chihuahuas are confident dogs. Pets often show fearlessness and love of freedom. Cowardice and passivity are not their traits.

A properly raised dog exhibits ideal behavior. The pet does not bark for no reason, does not get into fights with other dogs, does not defecate at home, and adapts to the owner’s mood. The dog will never make noise if the owner is in a bad mood.

Pets tolerate travel well and sit patiently in a bag. Dogs love walks and entertainment, but Chihuahuas gravitate even more towards the comfort of home.

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Chihuahuas are jealous, vulnerable animals. Screaming can push a dog away from family members for a long time. The pet can even refuse to eat. The dog is sad without attention. You cannot leave your dog alone for a long time.

Dogs do not trust strangers, they are afraid of guests entering the house, and they can bite while protecting the owner.

There is no authority among other animals for the Chihuahua. Dogs are able to sort things out with representatives of larger breeds.

Difference from smooth-haired dogs

The main difference between this variety is its rather long coat, which makes them more demanding to care for.

Read about other varieties of Chihuahua here.

Fluffy Chihuahuas tolerate cold more easily and can overheat when sitting in the owner’s arms for a long time.

They are also distinguished by seasonal shedding, while the smooth-haired variety sheds throughout the year.

Chihuahua Health and Diseases

Dwarf quadrupeds are predisposed to a number of diseases.

Puppies are born with an unovergrown fontanel. The crown may not strengthen for up to 4 months, which threatens the death of the pet due to head injuries.

A weak skeletal system does not exclude fractures in dogs when jumping from a sofa or chair.

Common health problems in dogs are described in the table:

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To keep your pet healthy, you need to responsibly monitor your Chihuahua’s hygiene, do not overload it with physical activity, and prohibit jumping on its hind legs.

Walking outside

The Chihuahua is a very energetic breed of dog and therefore requires moderate active physical activity. Short walks are a good form of exercise and a time for exercise and training.

The animal will happily run, jump and play in the fresh air, especially if the owner takes part in the games. You can play ball with Chihuahuas, go through obstacle courses, but most of all they like to catch frisbees (flying discs).

Daily walks help keep the animal's muscles in good shape and have a beneficial effect on health. It is enough to spend 40-60 minutes outside every day to meet the need for physical activity.

Visiting dog parks is useful for socializing the animal. Communication with other dogs and strangers is an integral part of accustoming an animal to the world around it. At first, the dog may show aggression towards other animals and people, but over time the aggressive mood will change to a friendly one.

You should not stay outside for a long time in the sun or frost, and it is better to refrain from walking in rainy weather. In autumn, spring and winter, when the air temperature does not exceed +15°C, going outside without specialized warm dog clothing is unacceptable. Due to increased heat transfer, a Chihuahua can easily catch a cold. In frosts above -20°C, it is better to stay at home.

We should not forget about such a basic safety device as a harness. Due to the Chihuahua's genetic predisposition to tracheal collapse, where the tracheal rings lose their elasticity, traditional collars are contraindicated. The harness does not create pressure on the neck, and therefore does not provoke the development of respiratory tract diseases. And don’t believe the myth that wearing a harness contributes to poor posture and deformation of the elbow joints!

If you feel that your pet is tired, then it is better to pick him up, lift him by the chest with one hand, holding the tailbone with the other, and go home. It is important to remember that without vaccination against deadly diseases it is unsafe to be on the street. Walking with an animal in your arms reduces the risk of infection to a minimum, so it is better to walk with the puppy in this format until all the necessary vaccinations have been completed.

Frequency of walking

Dogs love to spend time outside. Dogs show endurance, can travel long distances, and play with other animals.

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Birds of prey are dangerous for Chihuahuas.

An adult pet should be walked at least twice a day. In the morning, in the evening for one hour.

Puppies under 6 months should not be taken for walks without vaccinations, immediately after eating, or in frosty or hot weather. In the absence of prohibiting factors, it is enough for your pet to spend 20-30 minutes outside. Fresh air will strengthen the dog’s immunity, strengthen it, and help it socialize.

Vaccination

At the 2nd month of life, the puppy requires primary vaccination against deadly diseases: canine distemper, parainfluenza, parvovirus enteritis, viral hepatitis.

After a month, revaccination against the listed diseases is carried out.

Next (third) vaccination after complete replacement of milk teeth with molars: 6-7 months of life. On top of everything else, a vaccination against rabies, a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans, is added. Walking your dog outside before rabies vaccination is not recommended!

Before vaccination, the animal must be dewormed and treated for fleas 10 days before. The best flea treatment is Frontline spray. Anthelmintic - "Prokoks" from the German company Bayer.

Subsequently, vaccinations are given once a year. I have already talked about vaccinations for Chihuahua puppies. Please review the information.

Pros and cons of Chihuahuas

Long-haired Chihuahuas have many fans. According to the description of the breed, the dog has a wide range of advantages.

Advantages of dogs:

• original appearance;
• size;
• developed intelligence and intuition;
• devotion;
• easy learning;
• restraint.

Disadvantages of the breed:

• bone fragility;
• poor health;
• hereditary diseases;
• aggressiveness of uncastrated cables.

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Chihuahuas should not be owned by families with children under ten years of age. Careless games can injure your pet.

Price range

Prices for long-haired Chihuahua puppies range from 15 to 100 thousand rubles.

Speaking about cost, it is worth clarifying that:

• the price of bitches is higher on average by 30%;
• if the predicted weight of an adult dog is 1.5 kg, its cost increases;
• brindle, blue and chocolate colors are the most expensive;
• the puppy's titled parents are another reason to increase the price.

Also, a puppy with a strong build and thin limbs will cost more.

Types of haircuts

There are 2 types of hairstyles in demand: model, hygienic. The first option applies to exhibition Chihuahuas. A professional chooses the haircut himself, focusing on the dog’s main advantages and masking any shortcomings, if any.

The model look does not exclude the use of decorative ornaments.

A hygienic haircut is performed up to twice a month, allowing the pet to feel more comfortable. By removing excess hair length, the dog's skin begins to breathe better.

Classic option: shortening hair on the sides, back, with lengthening in the neck, ears, and limbs. Under the paws, in the groin area, chest, the pet’s fur is carefully trimmed.

Nutrition for the breed

If you are wondering what to feed your Chihuahua, you should know what you need to include in its diet:

• Protein of animal origin – that is, meat products.
• Vegetable protein - vegetables, fruits and cereals.
• Vitamins, minerals and fats.

You can give your dog premium industrial food with the addition of beneficial microelements.

And most importantly, you should not feed your Chihuahua spicy and fatty foods - this will harm the baby’s body.

In addition, food should not be too cold or too hot.

Selection rules

First of all, you need to find a good nursery. To do this, it is important to analyze customer reviews.

The puppy's forehead should not be flat (considered a defect). A dog’s strongly elongated muzzle is an indicator of impure blood. Shiny, thick fur and clean skin indicate the health of the dog.

You need to feel the joints and bones of the dog’s limbs. This will eliminate the risk of buying a previously injured dog.

Healthy Chihuahua puppies are:

• cockiness;
• courage;
• activity;
• good appetite.

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Anna Abramenko

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You can't take an animal out of pity. This will doom the owner to constantly visit clinics and monitor a sick pet. Not all people can withstand this.

How to choose a puppy?

It is best to buy a puppy in a specialized nursery from trusted breeders - this eliminates the possibility of purchasing a sick, non-purebred dog.

External signs of a healthy puppy that meets the standard:

• apple-shaped head;
• straight or scissor bite;
• ears are clean, without discharge, unpleasant odor or signs of irritation;
• nose is cold and wet;
• the coat is thick and soft, possibly wavy;
• skin without rash, dandruff and redness.

A healthy puppy should be active, playful and curious; if he constantly lies or hides, he is probably sick or cowardly, and excessive thinness indicates the presence of helminths in the body.

Reviews

Ekaterina Koneva: “I keep 2 Chihuahua dogs: a male, a female. Loyal, sweet creatures. To avoid health problems for the dog, we visit veterinary clinics monthly. This is my favorite breed. Ideal for active people living in a small apartment.”

Egor Dezhnov: “It is better for small children not to buy such a dog. Carelessness of children leads to injuries to the pet. He forbade his youngest son to play with the dog without adult supervision. The Chihuahua is a very fragile animal.”

Elena Miskevich: “The long-haired Chihuahua is the best breed. The most affectionate creature I've ever met. The dog dotes on me and the children. The main thing is to be attentive to your pet’s health.”

Sincerity, cleanliness, energy - these qualities rightly characterize representatives of the Chihuahua breed.

With proper care, the dog's health will not cause concern. A Chihuahua will never disappoint its owner, the dog will delight with its presence and will become a full-fledged member of the family.

Toilet training

Every living creature has a natural need to relieve itself. When keeping a Chihuahua at home, the owner should take care to provide a place where the dog can defecate with impunity. Place a tray with absorbent filling or diaper. Otherwise, feces and urine will end up in unexpected places in the apartment, for example, in the owner's shoe. Unexpected surprise?

The puppy should be toilet trained from the first days. There is no need to punish any mistake. You need to be restrained, not allow yourself to be assaulted, and not poke your puppy’s nose into the feces. Such actions will generate fear and apprehension and will worsen trusting relationships.

Photo and video review

The charm of the breed captivates not only when meeting a Chihuahua in person. The dog evokes sympathy even from photos and videos.

Organization of a sleeping place

To properly maintain a Chihuahua, you need to provide it with a sleeping place. For relaxation, this dog prefers soft, warm beds or houses - these are sold in any pet store. You need to make sure the structure is strong. You need to lay a soft rug in the house.

Similar article: All about the breed and buying a pocket mini Chihuahua

When talking about how to care for a Chihuahua, we must not forget about the correct location of the sleeping area. It should not be in a draft, near household or heating appliances, or on a hill. Location next to the door is undesirable. In an apartment with a large area, you can put several places to relax at once.

Basic moments

• In relationships with larger dogs they behave as equals. Barking at a 50-pound shepherd is a common thing for a Chihuahua.
• They are able to get along with other pets if they agree to accept their authority.
• Ideal companions, ready to accompany their owner wherever possible.
• They are playful and active, but often require increased attention to their own person.
• They feel a strong attachment to their owner and follow his every move.
• They easily adapt to any environment and can be content with rare and short walks, and, if necessary, do without them completely.
• They do not agree to put up with loneliness and long absences of the owner.
• They are very touchy and subject to frequent outbursts of jealousy.
• Chihuahuas are fully mature in their first year of life.

The Chihuahua is a small dog with a big heart. These little ones easily adapt to the interests of the owner and the situation, so they can simultaneously combine the traits of an incorrigible homebody and a desperate traveler. The Chihuahua is easy to transport, it is welcome in all hotels that offer accommodation with pets, and at social events such a dog is almost always persona grata. Recently, Chihuahuas have been actively conquering the world of gloss, riding around in celebrity handbags and actively participating in magazine photo shoots.

Mating

You can knit Chikhov from 2-3 years old. During this period, they become fully formed and can conceive and bear offspring. Females often experience difficult births, so it is best to consult a veterinarian.

The dog must be selected according to size. It should be smaller than the female.

Breeding animals are brought together through a nursery. Owners need to obtain special certificates and fill out forms. Then they agree on the time and place of mating. The cost is determined by the owner of the dog. It is equal to one puppy or a percentage of its value. 50% in case of 2-3 puppies in a litter, 75% if 4-5 puppies are born.

The most favorable time for mating is 13-15 days of the third heat. Primary signs should appear: a loose loop, light discharge and a change in behavior.

For the first time, a specialist is usually invited to help the owners understand the process. The girl is brought to the dog's territory. The animals are given time to get to know each other. After the male has mounted, the pets are helped. The female is held under the belly, not allowing her to sit down, and the male is directed into the noose.

The act lasts 10-15 minutes , the lock lasts about 10 minutes . If the dogs are not locked up, the bitch can still get pregnant. Mating is repeated after 24 hours , and the course of pregnancy is checked in veterinary ultrasound centers.

Read a detailed article on the topic: “Everything you need to know about breeding dogs: appropriate age, what to do if it doesn’t work out, rules and tips.”