May 14th is International Chihuahua Appreciation Day! The official dog of our neighbors in Mexico, the chihuahua breed is becoming one of the most popular breeds for people to adopt. Pics of chihuahuas appear on ancient Mexican art, but it was the Aztecs in the 12th century that bread chihuahuas into the tiny size we know today.
Early Mexicans knew that chihuahuas made great pets because they live long and are great guard dogs, despite their size. If you’re thinking of adopting a chihuahua here’s a few things you should know:
Many people don’t think chihuahuas are as loyal as larger breeds, however they are one of the most loyal and protective breeds of dogs out there. These tiny dogs also have a long lifespan. Most are know to live in the 12 to 20 year range. It’s important to note, however that diet will be a key to longevity in your chihuahua. Most only weight 3 to 6 pounds and anything over that is considered overweight. Chihuahuas are more prone to weight issues that can lead to other medical problems that will shorten the lifespan considerably. Develop a proper diet and make sure your chihuahua gets lots of exercise! While treats are great to help train your new chihuahua, keep it very limited. Luckily chihuahuas are fast learners which will cut down on the training time!
Chihuahuas are most popular among elite Beverly Hills types, however it is a good breed for singles. Because of their small size, chihuahuas are welcome in all pet-friendly apartment complexes. Make sure that you have thick walls however, since chihuahuas can be noisy you don’t want to annoy your neighbors. Another great reason why chihuahuas are great for singles: They don’t require a ton of exercise. While they appear high energy, a little exercise goes a long way. Perfect for busy professionals who don’t have lots of time to walk pets. Chihuahuas get enough exercise with just short walks or even going around the home or apartment.
Chihuahuas have a lot of personality to them and they like to explore. They are not a great breed choice for families with small children (8 years or less) because they tend to be easy to injure. Once your child is old enough to understand how to take care of a smaller dog, feel free to adopt away! Be careful with your backyard as well. Most chihuahuas are small enough to fit in spaces most dogs can’t, making it easy for them to escape.
If you are adopting a chihuahua be sure to make an appointment with Quivira Road Animal Clinic to take care of all the shots and develop a proper health plan for your new pet! Chihuahuas are sometimes prone to illnesses specific to the breed, like idiopathic epilepsy, eye problems and loose kneecaps. We’ll work with you to ensure your new friend stays as healthy as possible for the dog’s entire lifespan!
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