How to Care for Chihuahuas
Weighing less than 6 pounds when fully grown, Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog. They originated in Mexico, and are appealing to many pet lovers because of their cheerful, affectionate, cheeky temperament. These dogs don't realize how tiny they are, however, and can be quite feisty and tough when necessary. Chihuahuas often live for more than 15 years if they receive the proper care for their breed. They are available in short and long haired types, with blond, black, brown, brindle, fawn or blue coats.
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Instructions
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Train and socialize your chihuahua from a young age. This breed can be temperamental, jealous and territorial if not trained and socialized properly. Get your dog out around people and other pets. Take your Chihuahua to a dog park, pet store or to visit friends, and encourage him to interact with other people in acceptable ways. Teach basic obedience skills in short, frequent sessions, allowing no distractions. Give your pet lots of praise and treats to encourage good behavior.
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Housebreak your Chihuahua. This can be difficult due to his tiny bladder. He will need to urinate more frequently than a larger dog, so be prepared for many short walks throughout the day.
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Exercise your dog once a day for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Chihuahuas do not require a great deal of exercise, but they do enjoy a daily walk or romp around the yard, and the fresh air is good for them. If the weather is bad, however, Chihuahuas can get plenty of exercise just running around your house or apartment.
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Feed your dog 2 to 3 times a day with a good quality dog food that is made for small breeds.
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Provide extra protection. The Chihuahua can get chilled easily because of its small size and lack of a heavy winter coat. If the weather gets cold in your area, consider buying some clothes for your Chihuahua. You can find coats, sweaters, shirts and boots made especially for these tiny dogs.
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Watch your dog closely around small children and other animals. Chihuahuas are fragile and can easily be harmed by rough play. Chihuahuas have a soft spot on their heads throughout life because the bones of their skull do not grow together completely. If the dog is hit on this soft spot, it can cause great harm, or even death.
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Practice good grooming. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas should be brushed weekly, and long-haired types brushed daily. Regular brushing will keep your dog's coat healthy and free of mats and tangles. Bathe your dog at least once a month, but not more than once a week, with a mild dog shampoo. More frequent bathing will dry out your dog's skin. Be careful not to get water in your dog's ears, as this could cause infection.
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Visit the veterinarian regularly for check-ups and immunization shots. As with all breeds of dogs, there are breed specific health problems that your dog may experience. Chihuahuas often suffer from knee problems, eye abnormalities and heart murmurs. Proper health care is important to minimize the effects of these conditions. Ask your veterinarian to assess your pet's risk of suffering from these problems.
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