DogsVitalSigns

The Chihuahua is considered to be the world’s tiniest dog, weighing from 2 to 6 pounds.  He is perceptive, intelligent, intensely loyal and passionate, very affordable to keep, and extremely protective of his house - which makes him an excellent miniature guard dog.  And because he is a tiny dog, he easily gets the approval of many landlords; therefore, he is the ideal dog to own for those who live in apartments and small houses. 

The adult Chihuahua normally takes a few weeks before he shows his true personality, which keeps his owner under careful observation.  Some Chihuahuas give their owners an impression that they are shy, although what they are actually doing is sizing up their owner to see which one of them is to be the leader in the home.

Brief history:  The Chihuahua got its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico where he is believed to be the sacred dog of the Incas.  There is a theory that Chihuahuas were once fierce little dogs that lived in holes in the ground, which could well account for their inclination to huddle together in every warm nook and cranny.

Feeding:  Chihuahuas only need a small portion of food in each meal.  The requirement of a very small Chihuahua should be 2-3oz of cooked minced beef of a high-quality brand of dog food, along with a handful of puppy biscuits.  These dogs do best on 2 or 3 small meals rather than 1 large daily feeding.  Bigger sizes Chihuahuas are able to eat up to ½ can (13.3oz size) of high-quality dog food or the equivalent portion of home-made dog food, and a handful of biscuits.

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Exercise requirement:  Contrary to what many people believe, the Chihuahua is ready and able to walk as far as most owners would wish, though he will not object to an occasional ride in a shopping cart either.  He gets most of his needed exercise from running around inside the house as he is playing.  The fact that he only requires moderate exercise makes this dog a great choice of pet for the elderly. 

Grooming:  The Chihuahua should be groomed using a soft brush.  A rub down with a glove or wet towel makes his coat shine.  His nail needs to be trimmed regularly and the ears need to be kept clean.

Health care:  This dog is not as fragile as one might think, but he does not like the cold and appreciates a thick covering to keep him warm outdoors.  He is absolutely not designed for kennel living.  Be careful with his molera, a small opening on top of the skull.  His molera, unlike that of the human baby, may never fill in and a blow on the head could be fatal.  They also have the tendency to shiver...