AKC Tiny Chihuahuas are unusually sensitive to extreme temperatures but make great apartment dogs. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.
AKC Tiny Chihuahuas - Facts
1. AKC Group:
Toy
2. Size & Weight:
6-9 inches long, 2-6 lbs.
3. Coat:
The coat can be long or short. Long coats are soft and slightly wavy. Shorter coats are dense but equally soft to touch.
4. Head & Muzzle:
It has an apple shaped head and the muzzle in short but pointed.
5.
Body:
The body is peculiarly longer than its height. It is a stout and small dog with a sickle shaped tail. It has a leveled back and straight legs.
6. Colors:
Colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue. Also seen in black and shades of tan.
7. Life Expectancy:
About 15 or more years.
8. Popularity:
It is a very popular dog.
9. Habitat:
Even though it is a great apartment dog, it will enjoy the outdoors completely. It cannot tolerate cold weather. Warmer climates are more suitable for this breed of dog.
AKC Tiny Chihuahuas - Origins
1. Country of Origin:
Mexico
2. Lineage:
The actual origin of this breed remains to be unknown. It is said that Tiny Chihuahuas are bred from small dogs known as Toltecs found in 9th century Mexico.
3. Date Admitted to AKC:
1904
4. Historical Information:
Mythically, Chihuahuas are considered to be the sacred dogs of the Aztec civilization. They may have also been found in Egypt.
AKC Tiny Chihuahua - Defining Characteristics
1. Training Ease:
Sometimes it might be difficult to train them because of their suspicious nature but they respond well to gentle and positive training.
2. Temperament:
AKC Tiny Chihuahuas are a courageous, proud, and extremely lively breed. They are also bold and enterprising.
3. Child Friendly:
These dogs will be affectionate towards children if the children are well behaved. Not recommended for small children.
4. Behavior:
Will snap back if it is agitated. This dog can be noisy with persistent barking and requires a lot of patience on the part of its owner to tackle it. They are also aggressive towards other breeds of dogs.
5. Habits:
They like to lick their owners face. Might also wheeze and snore.
AKC Tiny Chihuahua - Concerns
1. Health Issues:
Eye problems, collapsing trachea, and even knee dislocation are common health problems in these dogs.
2. Feeding:
Keep in mind to feed it lightly as it gains weight easily.
3. Exercise Needs:
Regular walks will keep the dog healthy.
4. Grooming Needs:
The short coat should be brushed occasionally or simply wiped with a damp cloth.
5. Special Household Needs:
Do not confine the dog to a small space just because of its size.
6. Travel Needs:
It can run out of reach easily so it should be leashed or carried securely while traveling.
7. Getting Along With Other Pets:
Mostly aggressive towards other dogs. It has to be trained from its puppy days in order to mix well with other pets.
AKC Tiny Chihuahua -- How to Choose
1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:
Large ears that should
be held erect. Eyes are round, dark, and large. The puppies have a small gap in
their skull that is soft. It is known as the molera.
2. What you will need for a New Puppy:
A body harness is much better suited for this breed rather than a collar.
3. Puppy-Proofing you House:
Keep things out of the way so that it does not stumble upon anything.
4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:
Don't leave it unattended especially with visitors or new pets.
