Chihuahuas are toy sized dogs and among the smallest of domestic dog breeds. Their bodies are longer across than they are tall, and their head is often well rounded with an apple shape. A typical Chihuahua is anywhere from six to ten inches. In order to receive confirmation as a purebred Chihuahua, the dog must not weight over six pounds.

According to Dog Breed Info, these dogs have large round eyes that are set apart and come in a variety of colors. Normally, a Chihuahua has upright ears and a short coat. There are some dogs in this breed that have longer, wavy coats as well. Chihuahuas can be black, tan, sable, chestnut sand, silver, steel blue, or a variety of other shades. Because Chihuahua colors are so varied, there is not one color that is more valuable then another. The only color that is distinguished is the merle coat pattern. Chihuahuas with this coloring are not traditionally considered a part of the breed standard. In May of 2007, the Kennel Club determined that they would not register puppies with merle coloration because there are so many health risks associated with the responsible gene.

Chihuahuas can be friendly or hostile, depending on how they are raised. The temperament of a Chihuahua’s owner has a direct effect on the dog, so you will want to choose your pup carefully and train him with even more caution. Ill-tempered Chihuahuas are prone to attack strangers. Chihuahuas must be trained to be friendly, especially with children. They are not typically a good first god for a young child. The dogs tend to be very possessive of their owner, which can result in a desire to attack any unrecognizable people in the home. Chihuahuas prefer company with other dogs of their breed over dogs of other breeds. In fact, they do not tend to be friendly with other dogs in social settings, unless the dog is small like they are. Like cats, Chihuahuas tend to burrow themselves into small places to relax.

Because of Chihuahua’s small and fragile size, they are prone to a number of illnesses. You will want an excellent veterinarian on call to help your pet if he or she falls ill. Also, Chihuahuas often need aid in the area of dental care. These dogs are prone to genetic anomalies like epilepsy and seizures. Like other toy dogs, Chihuahuas run the risk of obtaining hydrocephalus. This is a deadly illness that occurs in puppies with patchy skull plates. Puppies with hydrocephalus will normally have less energy than their siblings. Chihuahuas are also at risk to moleras. This occurs when the dog is born without a complete skull, and the bone never develops. Sometimes moleras will fill with age, but the puppy needs to be very careful. One severe knock to the head could be fatal for a dog without any skull protection.

Chihuahuas are often diagnosed with hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. This can be dangerous for little puppies, as it can lead to coma and death. If you make sure to feed your pup frequently and use special diet foods that are recommended by a doctor, then chances are that you will be able to avoid severe hypoglycemia. You should have a sugar supplement like honey on hand for emergencies. If your pet becomes lethargic, or starts having spasms in the neck muscles, then rub honey or Karo syrup on the roof of his mouth to raise his blood sugar level. While you want to feed your pet enough to eliminate the possibility of hypoglycemia, be careful not to feed your dog too much. Chihuahuas can easily gain weight if their diet is not regulated and if they are not exercised frequently. This can lead to back and hip problems in the future as the dog struggles to carry the excess weight on his or her tiny frame.

Because Chihuahua’s eyes protrude so far from their head, and because they are so low to the ground, they are at a risk to eye diseases and illnesses. Your Chihuahua’s eyes will probably water frequently as he tries to remove the dust and allergens from his eyes. You should wipe them frequently to avoid tear stains. These pets also have the tendency to die of a collapsed trachea. This is a serious medical emergency, and you will want to have a veterinarian on hand in case this happens. Chihuahuas often tremble, but it’s important to note that this isn’t necessarily a health issue. In a lot of cases, you dog may just be excited, stressed, or cold. If you can care for your Chihuahua and make sure to heed to its needs, then your dog can live up to 18 years on average. Make sure to find a local vet today so that you will know who to call when you have health concerns regarding your pet!