About Chihuahuas
In order to make an informed decision when considering adoption, it is necessary to learn as much as possible about Chihuahuas. Many people underestimate the gravity that should be involved when deciding whether
or not to bring a dog into their home and what breed is best suited to their lifestyle. This process is extremely important to ensure that both the future owner and their pets are happy with their new situation.
Chihuahua Temperament
Perhaps the most important facts about Chihuahuas that a potential adopter needs to be aware of revolve around their disposition. Although many Chihuahuas are friendly and sociable companions, there are those of the breed that have a tendency towards jealousy, territoriality and aggressive behavior.
Households with small children should be particularly careful about Chihuahuas, as their temperament oftentimes makes them ill suited to the activities of infants. The breed is oftentimes very sensitive to excessive noise and may snap if a child attempts to handle it. This aggression can sometimes escalate to a dangerous level if measures are not taken. What’s more, children are not well suited to maintaining the strict obedience regime that is necessary to produce an obedient Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas have also been known to for an intense attachment to one of their owners. This attachment can sometimes lead to jealousy of other animals or people with which the owner spends time. Infrequently this jealousy can manifest itself in aggressive tendencies. The breed, though certainly capable of living in a multi person household, is best suited to a single owner situation.
Despite all of the negatives, Chihuahua personalities are beloved by many for a wide variety of reasons. The breed is fun loving, curious, playful and vigorous. Also, though their devotion may turn to jealousy in certain situations, it often shows itself as loyal companionship in others.
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Chihuahua Size
One of the many good things about Chihuahuas is their small size. It makes them perfectly suited to apartment living where a large dog might want space to run and could destroy large pieces of furniture. It also allows them to be easily transported in bags, carriers or by hand.
Chihuahuas usually grow to a maximum of ten inches and a minimum of six inches. Many breeders claim to have created a so called “tea cup” variety which is significantly smaller, however these assertions are frequently false or the dogs are small to an unhealthy degree. Claims of this nature are almost always a certain way to identify a disreputable breeding program.
Their size also makes them susceptible to certain problems. Chihuahua bones are easily broken and they must be handled carefully, another reason why they should not be brought into households with young children. Small dogs also have a vulnerability to certain medical issues such as collapsed trachea, enlarged heads and birthing problems.
Long and Smooth Haired Chihuahuas
Although when most people think about Chihuahuas they think of the short or “smooth” hair variety, there also exists members of the breed with long hair. Smooth hair Chihuahuas have a “butch” like appearance with short bristly hair while long hairs have longer, softer hair. Many choose smooth hairs because of their mild shedding which makes them cleaner and less likely to cause allergy problems.