How to Train a Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed Information

"Chiwawa Dog Breed Information, Names and Pictures"

Chihuahua is the smallest of all the dog breeds in the world. It is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico and is very popular breed, particularly in America.

These small dogs were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. They are also called by people with the name Chiwawas and Chi Dogs.

History and Origins
The History of Chiwawa is very hard to trace, but there is sufficient evidence to prove that it is originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico.

The most common theory is that Chiwawas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favored by the Toltecs and that the modern dog developed through breeding with miniaturized Chinese dogs brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors.

Compare with their ancestors, present day Chi Dogs are much smaller. Genetic tests have placed Chiwawas originating in the 1800s.

Group
If you are going to enter your dog for the dog show competition, it is especially important to know what group your dog belongs to in the Kennel Club of your country.

Chi Dog Breed is recognized as Toy Group under both American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (UK).

If you are like me, just want to have a good time with your dog, this information is not so important for you.

Living Condition
In general, Chihuahua does not like cold weather. So, put on a sweater on your dog during a chill weather. Since they are the smallest dogs in the world, they are suitable to live in an apartment or a condominium.

Exercise
Before you learn how to train a Chihuahua, it is important to know that Chihuahua training should come together with exercise. Chi's body is tiny, but it still needs to exercise.

I suggest exercising with you dog for 45 minutes daily. The lack of exercise might turn him becoming a frustrated dog which will release his energy into biting, barking and other dog behavior problems.

Remember that all dogs are NOT meant to be confined in a location. Even if you have a big backyard, your dog still needs to go out and explores the outside world.

Shedding
All dogs shed. Smooth-coated Chi dogs shed more frequently than long-coated. Long-coated Chi dogs shed seasonally, about twice yearly.

"Chihuahua Physical Appearance, Characteristics, Temperaments and Average Life Span"

General Appearance
The two basic body types of purebred these small dogs are Apple headed or Deer headed.

Apple-headed Chi Dogs have short noses, an apple shaped head, and close-set eyes, while Deer-headed Chi Dogs have an elongated nose that resembles Doberman Pinschers. They both have the same chance of being teacup or miniature.

An in depth comparison about these two body types of Chihuahua will be discussed below this page. With the information, you are able to recognize instantly the advantages and disadvantages of that particular Chi Dog.

Nose
Color can be in Black, Pink or Chocolate.

Coat and Color
Chiwawa basically has only 2 varieties as shown on the pictures below:-

A detailed comparison is done below this page; you may use the information to help you make the right choice.

Size
Height: 6.0 - 10.0 inches (15.0 - 25.0 cm)

Weight: 3.3 - 6.6 pounds (1.5 - 3.0 kg)

Average Life Span
10 - 15 years

Average Litter Size
1 - 4 puppies

Characteristics/Temperaments and Energy level
As per AKC definition, Chihuahuas are graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression. They are projecting the 'terrier-like' attitudes of self importance, confidence, and self-reliance.

Chiwawa is one of the highest energy levels of any purebred dog. This is the reason why some owners always has problem on how to train a Chihuahua. The secret is Chihuahua training should come together with exercise.

Chi dogs like to give affection to their owners and also acts friendly to other pets. Long-coated Chi tend to be a little reserved and cautious when meeting with strangers for the first time.

"Comparing Chihuahuas"

If you are going to enter your Chihuahua for dog show competition, you should select the Apple-headed Chi dog as AKC disqualifies the Deer-headed Chi dog.

To help you understand better, I will show you 2 photos to distinguish the differences between 2 types of Chi dogs. Hope that I am able to help you to save some time on searching for such information from the Internet or the time to discuss with the breeders near your place.

"Apple-headed vs. Deer-headed"

• Apple-headed Chi Dogs have shorter muzzle and nose and it is more desirable.
• According to the standard by some kennel clubs such as American Kennel Club (AKC). They only accept Apple-headed chi dogs. If you are not going to join any of the dog show competition, you wouldn't have to worry about this.
• Deer-headed Chi Dogs have longer muzzle and nose.
• Some Apple-headed Chi Dogs has super-short muzzles which are NOT desirable. The reason is the muzzles that are too short could cause breathing problems.
• Shorter muzzles mean wider mouths. So, Apple-headed Chiwawas are expecting to eat faster than Deer-headed Chiwawas. So, just be careful when feeding Apple-headed Chiwawas to prevent any choking incident.

"Smooth-coated vs. Long-coated"

• Smooth-coated Chi Dogs have more sensitive body
Since Smooth-coated Chi Dogs may or may not have undercoat; they will have more sensitive body. Long-coated Chi Dogs, on the other hand, will have undercoat.
• Long-coated Chis handle cold weather better.
Long-coated chis can handle the cold weather especially in cold countries that has winter. They also may play in the snow. If you are taking a smooth-coated chi for a walk, it is advisable to wear him a sweater during winter.
• Smooth-coated chi dog enjoy your affection more
When you give affection to a smooth-coated chi, he will enjoy more as he feels the warmth of your hand.
• Long-coated shed less frequently
Long-coated Chi dogs shed about twice a year, but they shed a lot those times. While smooth-coated shed all the time by replacing old hair with new one.
• Smooth-coated Chiwawas are more outgoing
Smooth-coated chiwawas accept new friends easily compare with long-coated. Long-coated chiwawas tend to be more reserved.
• Detection of fleas or ticks is easier on Smooth-coated
Since smooth-coated has shorter hair, you can detect fleas or ticks easier. You will find it a little harder to find fleas on Long-coated chi.

Picture below shows Apple-headed Chihuahua with Smooth-coated.

Picture below shows Deer-headed Chihuahua with Long-coated.

"Chihuahua Training Information and Tips"

The Chi dog is a special breed of dog that always wants to get your attention and will try his best to make you happy. But to make him a well-balanced dog, you need to teach him how to behave with puppy training.

The first sixteen weeks of your Chihuahua's life is crucial. Chi is a long life span dog that could live until eighteen years old. So, what you do in the beginning can shape them into either a well behaved companion or a dominant little dog.

Dogs are creatures that live in packs and every pack has a pack leader. It is a MUST for you to learn how to train a Chihuahua and recognize you as the pack leader. If you do not, your Chi will take the role as the pack leader and he will be in charge of the house.

You can begin with potty training, and encourage the behavior with treats. Remember that you should reward only when an order is obeyed. Once your Chihuahua potty training goal has been reached, move on to the next which is crate training. Crate training is important in establishing their territory and when praised and rewarded, your dog will look forward to learning a new lesson.

Video of 2 Chihuahuas that are playing with each other.

You have a Chihuahua at home? Great! Share your story here.

You may share a story about your experience with your Chihuahua like how you train your Chihuahua, the methods you used to fix any dog behavior problem and dog tricks that your Chihuahua loves.

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