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The Chihuahua - Perfect Apartment Companions

By Connie Limon 

One of the smallest of the toy dogs is the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua is most likely from Mexico many centuries ago. In his native land they thought he helped 

passage into the afterlife and was a sacred dog. The Chihuahua is known for a rounded, apple shaped head with erect, pointed ears. Chihuahuas are found in short smooth hair coats and long and soft coats. He generally weighs 2 to 5 pounds.

The exact origin of the Chihuahua is unknown; however, it is believed by many that his ancestors are an important part of the Toltecs, which is an ancient Mexican civilization of the 9th century. Ther Toltecs named the Chihuahua “Techichi.” Even after the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, the Chihuahua continued to flourish for centuries. Archeologists have found Chihuahuas in ancient graves. Then Hernando Cortes conquered Mexico and the breed was lost to history. Few records of the little Chihuahua were left behind. The Chihuahua was rediscovered in the late 1800’s near Mexico City.

The Chihuahua is active, not very sociable with other breeds, but seems to recognize other Chihuahuas and enjoys their company. He is a devoted family pet with streaks of jealousy displayed when their beloved people spend time with other people. They also tend to display jealousy of larger dogs.

The Chihuahua is:

• Perfect for apartment dwellers due to the small size;
• They do not do well with children;
• Excellent for adults and the elderly;
• They do not tolerate rough play;
• He is loving and devoted to his owners;
• He is capable of alerting you to strangers, but because of his size of course is not able to do much else.
• He needs to be socialized early in life to prevent behavior problems;
• He can be paper-trained;
• The long-haired type Chihuahua requires daily grooming;
• He normally has a soft spot in the center of his head which will need additional protection;
• He should wear sweaters and coats in cold weather.

In general, the Chihuahua is a healthy dog. There are a few conditions you will want to look out for, they are:

• Cryptorchidism: A condition in which one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum;
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels;
• Luxating patellas: Or loose kneecaps which can cause pain or lameness.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia are common in the toy breed dogs less than three months of age. Some bouts of hypoglycemia may be associated with more serious disease such as Addison’s disease, severe liver disease, tumors just to name a few. If hypoglycemia episodes occur often you will need your vet to perform diagnostic testing to determine if there is a more serious problem causing the episodes.

Symptoms to watch for that relate to hypoglycemia:

• Loss of appetite;
• Extreme lethargy;
• Incoordination;
• Trembling;
• Muscular twitching;
• Weakness;
• Seizures;
• Unusual behavior;
• Dilated pupils;
• Stupor or coma.

Treatment for hypoglycemia may include:

• Giving glucose orally or by intravenous injection;
• Treatment for the underlying cause of hypoglycemia episodes.

At home if you suspect your Chihuahua has hypoglycemia you can:

• Rub Karo syrup on your dog’s gums and call your vet immediately for further instructions;
• Provide a warm environment (fleece t-shirts sold at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com are effective in keeping your Chihuahua warm);
• Frequent feedings;
• Routine vaccinations and deworming procedures;
• Young puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day.

Cryptorchidism is an inherited condition. Its occurrence cannot be prevented in the individual animal. Castrating animals diagnosed with this condition may help reduce the incidence in the general population of the Chihuahua.