Short-haired Chihuahuas are among the most popular dog breeds in the world. Not only do they have an adorable and lovely appearance, but this breed is also famous for its intelligence and cleverness. Their small, cute appearance along with a short coat, snuggling with their owners, makes everyone fall for their overwhelming cuteness. However, not everyone knows “everything” about this breed, and to offer you some interesting knowledge, petncute.com has “baked” this article:
1. Origin of the short-haired Chihuahua
The origin of the short-haired Chihuahua is still a matter of debate. One theory suggests that this breed originated from Central and South America, descending from a small dog breed - Techichi, which was used as a religious sacrifice and even as human food. Another theory suggests that the Chihuahua originated from the small dogs of China brought to Central America by Spanish merchants.
The history of the Chihuahua began in 1850 when three small dogs from Chihuahua, Mexico were brought to the United States, where more and more were gradually introduced. They were called by various names such as Arizona dogs, Texas dogs, Mexico dogs, or even Chihuahua terriers. In the late 1800s, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1904. Initially, the Chihuahua with short, smooth fur was named Midget.
Origin of the short-haired Chihuahua
Initially, these dogs received moderate interest until Xavier Cugat - a Spanish musician and bandleader who spent his early years in Havana, Cuba - made efforts to breed and popularize this breed in the 1940s and 1950s. He often showcased Chihuahuas in public, in his films and weekly television shows. By 1964, the Chihuahua had become the third most popular dog breed in the US. The Chihuahua consistently maintained its rank as one of America's top dog breeds, currently ranking 11th in AKC's popularity. The Chihuahua is also recognized as one of the first foreign dog breeds introduced to Vietnam many years ago.
2. Characteristics of the short-haired Chihuahua
2.1. Physical characteristics of the short-haired Chihuahua
This dog has the standout feature of a relatively small, cute body weighing about 2-3 kg, dubbed one of the smallest dog breeds. However, some short-haired Chihuahuas can weigh up to 10-12 kg due to mutations. Chihuahuas have a slender body, but the length from legs to shoulders is quite short; interestingly, males are often slightly smaller than females. This breed has a small head but large, round eyes with standout colors such as dark brown, deep ruby. Their ears often perk up to listen to their surroundings, and they have a short muzzle.
2.2. Temperament characteristics of the short-haired Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are suitable as companion dogs, winning over their owners with their affectionate nature, always expressing emotions and often bonding closely with their owners. This results in a good, intimate relationship between the owner and the Chihuahua. Notably, Chihuahuas are very clingy; they “demand” attention from their owners everywhere and enjoy being caressed, cuddled, and held. Moreover, Chihuahuas are very wary of strangers, often following closely behind their owner when they encounter someone unfamiliar, trying to stay as close to their owner as possible. Additionally, Chihuahuas are very agile, intelligent, with highly developed hearing, quick reflexes, and they learn quickly.
Temperament characteristics of the short-haired Chihuahua
There are also times when Chihuahuas aren't friendly; they can be extremely aggressive with strangers and have a tendency to attack them. This breed has sharp, biting jaws, a “lethal weapon” for self-defense. Sometimes, they may even bite people back when teased!
3. Nutrition for the short-haired Chihuahua
Chihuahuas tend to be prone to obesity, so owners should maintain a balanced diet and reduce calorie intake to keep their dog's weight stable. A scientifically sound diet will prevent hypoglycemia. You should ensure a diet full of nutrients such as proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates. These can include many beneficial foods like chicken, pork, animal liver, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and more. To diversify your dog's meals and provide carefully measured meals, petncute.com invites you to explore the Tasty menu (for dogs over 12 months old) with many appealing and unique dishes like Slim Beef, Quail Kick, Slim Chicken, Slim Pork, and Swimming Duck.
Nutrition for the short-haired Chihuahua
In each stage, the nutritional regime of the short-haired Chihuahua also changes, so refer to this to know how to adjust:
3-month-old stage: At this stage, you need to provide soft food and divide it into 3-4 small meals a day. Each meal should provide food rich in proteins and fats to promote growth, and give your dog energy for activities throughout the day. Over 6 months old stage: For short-haired Chihuahuas at this age, meal frequency can be reduced to 2 meals a day. However, the amount of food in each meal should increase compared to before to ensure your dog's body gets enough nutrients. 12 months and older stage: Consider the amount of nutrients in each meal so your dog can develop comprehensively. Specifically, reduce high-fat and protein foods to prevent overweight. Additionally, increase fiber by feeding them fruits and vegetables.
4. Common health issues in short-haired Chihuahuas
Due to their small bodies with some oversized parts, Chihuahuas face quite a few health issues. Their short noses cause them to wheeze, and even snore loudly when sleeping. Their “huge” eyes can lead to diseases such as cataracts and swollen tear ducts. This breed also struggles in cold weather, is easily stressed, and frequently suffers from dental and joint problems. When deciding to raise a Chihuahua, you must frequently monitor to detect any abnormal symptoms and promptly take them to a veterinary facility for examination.
Above are some interesting insights about the short-haired Chihuahua breed. We hope owners will gain more “terrific” knowledge to care for and accompany them in the upcoming stages!