Long-haired chihuahua - the most miniature representatives of animals of this species. It is also the only type of dog that can not be bred to give them even smaller sizes. Chihuahua has surprisingly soft hair, which can have a variety of colors, from white, to black-brown or pale yellow.
History of the appearance of the Chihuahua mini longhair species
The name of the breed coincides with the name of the largest state of the Republic of Mexico. There is an opinion that the Chihuahuas lived in the desert even in the time of the existence of the Toltec civilization, whose representatives caught and domesticated them. Much later, figures whose silhouettes remotely resembled this dog, were found in ancient ornaments adorning the homes of wealthy people of Tula.
What does the Chihuahuas look like today?
The body of the animal is compact, an important nuance is the shape of the skull, which should be apple-shaped. The height of the tail should also be moderate, it is possible that a bend or semicircle is present, the tip of which is directed towards the waist.
When purchasing an animal of this species, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of the following breed standards:
- the length of the body is somewhat higher than the height of the dog at the withers;
- for males, the square format of the addition of the body is preferred;
- the movements of the dog are fast, the activity is high, the character is fearless;
- apple-shaped head;
- a deep, wide and clearly marked transition from forehead to muzzle;
- nose slightly upturned and short;
- short muzzle with dry and tightly closed lips, malignant cheekbones, large, almost round eyes, whose color must be dark;
- Ears are erect, large, with slightly rounded tips and broad at the base;
- the neck has an average length, in males it is slightly thicker than in the bitches;
- characteristic tight skin;
- short and strong back passes into the loin, which has a well-defined musculature;
- The chest is wide and deep, the abdomen is perfectly pulled up;
- limbs have well-developed muscles, their feet are oval and small.
Particular attention when buying long-haired puppies chihuahua is paid precisely to their wool cover. It must be slightly wavy, smooth and silky to the touch. The hairs are thin, and the undercoat is almost completely absent. The wool is slightly elongated in the neck, ears, the inside of the hind and forelegs, on the legs and tail. It is inadmissible shaggy wool throughout the body. Color can be any shade, color or combination of them. The maximum weight of a representative of this species should not be more than 3 kilograms.
Contents of the Chihuahua
This breed of dogs equally comfortably feels like in a private house, and in a city apartment. For such a pet is extremely important properly organized diet, which must consist of the following products:
- low-fat meat ;
- porridge with butter;
- dairy and sour-milk products;
- steamed or boiled vegetables.
The sight of his small weight, the dog eats a very small amount of food, about 80 grams per 1 kg of pet weight.
Long-haired Chihuahuas need periodic brushing several times a month. Claws are trimmed as needed, if they interfere with the normal movement of the pet.
A lot of attention will have to be given to the education of the Chihuahua, encouraging his successes with a smile and caress. Blunders should be labeled with a terrible tone of voice and an expression of discontent on the face. Physical punishment is unacceptable because of the fragility and delicacy of the animal.