Chihuahua Smooth Coat Dog Breed

History

There is some debate over the origin of Chihuahuas. However, what is clear is that this is a very ancient breed. The most common theory is that Chihuahuas are descendants of dogs (known as Techichi) kept by the Toltec tribes of Mexico. This belief is backed up by the discovery of dog burials that date back to 300BC. When the Aztecs took over, the Techichi was thought to have been bred with the Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog) to create the Chihuahua we know and love today.

Despite this evidence, many dog enthusiasts still believe that the Chihuahua first appeared in either Spain or Malta because of similar-looking dogs that appeared in paintings of the time. However, these paintings were completed before Christopher Columbus returned from his journey to the ‘New World’. So, this only means that Chihuahuas existed in these regions from the 14-1500s. Other experts believe this dog breed could have originated in China. Over the years, these dogs have been the victim of numerous myths and misconceptions. Early writings even claimed that these dogs were not canine at all but were related to chipmunks!

In the 1800s, there are original records of the modern Chihuahua when Mexican businesspeople began selling these small dogs to tourists who were visiting Mexico. In 1904 came a little dog named Midget, who became the first Chihuahua to be officially registered by the American Kennel Club. Within a couple of years, the breed had its first champion, named Beppe.

The Chihuahua Club of America was founded in 1923. However, the British Chihuahua Club was not founded until 1947. Surprisingly, the majority of the initial Chihuahuas exported from Mexico were long-haired. It wasn’t until the 1950s that both the short and long-coated varieties became officially recognised at dog shows.

Appearance

The smooth-coated Chihuahua is a small, compact, and fairly fragile dog breed. However, their personalities more than make up for their dainty appearance. These dogs have dome-shaped skulls, distinct jawlines, and pointed muzzles. Their teeth come together into a perfect scissor bite with the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth.

Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have large, slightly protruding eyes that sit well apart on the head. They are usually ruby or dark in colour, however, lighter colours are acceptable in lighter coated dogs.

The ears are perhaps one of the most striking features of this dog breed. They are large, pointy, and flare out on the head. Their necks are slightly arched, and their shoulders are well-laid back. Their front legs are straight and set well under a dog's chest. Despite their small size, these dogs are well proportioned with wide, deep briskets and well-muscled hind legs. Their feet are small, with divided toes and well-cushioned pads. The medium-length tail is carried high over the back, also known as a sickle tail. When on the move, the tail should always be held above the back, never tucked under.

Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have short, glossy coats that lie very close to the body. Undercoats and ruffs are permitted as a breed standard. Coat colours vary widely in this breed. The only colour not allowed under the Uk breed standard is merle (dapple).

Personality

Chihuahuas are an endearing mix of affection, intelligence, and sassiness! They will happily spend hours curling up with you under a blanket. However, they are just as happy to dash around the garden with your children.

These dogs thrive on attention. In return, they will happily shower you with love and can be highly protective of their owners. Conversely, these little canines can be wary and shy around strangers, so early socialisation and training are essential. Remember that Chihuahuas don’t seem to realise how small they are so will happily take on a larger dog if they feel their family is in danger. This is not recommended because they can be easily injured.

Smooth-coated Chihuahuas make good pets for first time dog owners as long as you have the time and commitment to give these dogs all the stimulation and affection they require. They make ideal apartment dogs; however, they will also be just as happy in a larger home. All these dogs want is love, so they will happily follow you wherever you go, whether that’s to the kitchen or the bathroom!

It’s worth noting that Chihuahuas love the sound of their own voice. They will bark at almost anything which makes them good watchdogs. However, consistent training will help to curb their excessive need to bark. These dogs also love a good play session, particularly tug of war games.

Trainability

Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and alert. However, note that their training needs to begin early to prevent them from becoming too shy or too dominant. You particularly need to ensure you expose your Chihuahua puppy to a range of sights, sounds, smells, and other people and animals when they are still young because these dogs are known to be wary around strangers.

Positive reinforcement training works best with these dogs, as well as a regular routine. When you start training, make sure you find a quiet room because Chihuahuas can easily become distracted by any noise or movement. Consistency and patience are key to successfully training a smooth-coated Chihuahua.

These dogs have an innate desire to please their owners. However, they do have a bit of a stubborn streak which can make them difficult to housetrain. Because of their small size, they also have small bladders which can easily lead to accidents. Try to set up a potty routine with your Chihuahua that involves regular visits to the garden and don’t forget to praise them when they get it right.

Due to their high intelligence, Chihuahuas also need mental stimulation to remain happy. Puzzles and interactive games work well but make you don’t offer too many treats as rewards because these dogs are prone to obesity.

Coat & Care

Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have short, close-lying coats that are very easy to maintain. A brush once a week is suitable for this breed. Saying that, these dogs love the attention that comes with grooming so don’t be afraid to brush more often to increase the human-animal bond. Just like most dog breeds, Chihuahuas tend to shed more in the Spring and Autumn months so you may want to increase your grooming schedule during these times to keep on top of moulting.

Mature Chihuahuas do require bathing; however, this should not be done too often because it could end up stripping your Chihuahua's coat of its essential oils. When you bathe your Chihuahua, make sure the water is only 3-4 inches deep because of their size. You will also want to ensure you use the right products to prevent dryness or skin irritation. You can always seek advice from your vet if you're unsure of what to use.

Alongside grooming and bathing, you will need to brush your Chihuahuas teeth at least three times a week to prevent a build-up of plaque which can lead to dental problems later in life. In addition, you will also need to clean their ears out regularly with a damp cotton wool ball and a vet-approved ear cleaner to prevent ear infections.

Depending on the activity level of your smooth-coated Chihuahua, it’s a good idea to regularly check their nails to see if they need trimming. Be careful to only trim off the sharp ends because the removal of too much can cause bleeding. If you are unsure how to do this, speak to your vet or take your dog to a professional groomer.

Health

Chihuahuas are known to be a long living breed. However, like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to a number of health issues. Always purchase a Chihuahua puppy from a reputable breeder to ensure they have received all the appropriate care they require. A good breeder will also perform DNA tests on your pup and its parents to check for any underlying health conditions.

The most important thing to remember about Chihuahua puppies is that they are born with a gap in their skulls, called a Molera. This is perfectly normal, and it will close up as they age. However, you do need to ensure they are protected when they are young because a head injury can be fatal.

If you are considering breeding a Chihuahua, be aware that they can often suffer from complications during pregnancy due to their small size. Many puppies are born via caesarean so it's worth speaking to your vet if you’re concerned.

Other health concerns that Chihuahuas are prone to include:

Luxating Patella – A condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place. Most dogs can live with a luxating patella however, extreme cases may require surgery.

Hydrocephalus – This genetic disorder causes fluid to build up in the brain. This can result in an enlarged head and a risk of brain damage.

Hypoglycemia – Low blood sugar levels that can cause disorientation, lethargy, and weakness. Make sure your dog has regular meals if they suffer from this condition. A vet may also be able to prescribe a tailored diet to control symptoms.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - This condition reduces the amount of fluid that’s produced by the eyes, causing dryness, irritation, and redness.

Obesity – This is unfortunately very common in Chihuahuas. It’s usually caused by a lack of exercise, but it can lead to a number of health issues including arthritis and other joint problems.

Pulmonic Stenosis – Characterised by a malformation of the Pulmonic valve of the heart. This can restrict blood flow to the lungs. Moderate or severe cases can show as fatigue, collapse, and an aversion to exercise.

Children & Other Pets

While Chihuahuas are known to be good around children, it's important to note that they can easily be injured. It’s essential that you supervise all interactions between a child and a Chihuahua to prevent any incidents. You will also need to teach your child how to properly interact with and handle these miniature canines. A confident Chihuahua will not be afraid to retaliate if play gets too rough.

Chihuahuas are generally good around other small-medium-sized dogs as well as cats. However, consider their personalities because a calm cat will not appreciate a bouncy Chihuahua! Bear in mind that larger dogs can easily injure a Chihuahua so always introduce with caution.