Micro Chihuahua: description of the breed, care and nutrition, character, photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Chihuahua is a small dog, the breed of which was recognized as the smallest in the world. These are the smallest animals among the representatives of canines. However, among the little ones (in light of fashion trends to acquire dogs that can fit in a purse), even tinier dogs appeared, which were called micro chihuahuas.

Why do people choose this particular breed, and what will the future owners of such a baby have to face?

History of the breed

In various sources, it was previously noted that the ancestors of the Chihuahua breed are dogs that lived among the most ancient Indian tribes. Wall paintings confirmed such claims. Miniature sculptures of Chihuahua dogs have also been found in ancient Mexican temples.

During the periods of archaeological excavations, remains of bones similar in structure to the skeleton with modern representatives of the breed were found. Historians have come to the conclusion that miniature dogs were held in high esteem, perhaps even considered sacred.animals, since the remains of canines were found near the burial places of the leaders.

Chihuahua appearance

When you mentally try to imagine what a Chihuahua looks like, a smile appears on your face, because tiny dogs are cute, funny and always positive.

Dogs of this breed are divided into two categories:

1. Longhair is the most common type. The coat of representatives of this type is wavy, soft to the touch, interspersed with a glossy sheen. A distinctive feature of the species is a slight elongation of the coat in the neck, along the entire length of the tail, as well as the abdomen.
2. Smooth-haired - dogs with a short and dense coat of hair.

In the article you can see a photo of a micro-chihuahua of the smooth-haired type.

Colors

The colors of the Chihuahua breed are varied: white, black, tan, tricolor or spotted. The blue merle color is considered rare, when the dog's coat has a silvery-gray tint with a bluish tint.

Bringing a blue chihuahua is extremely difficult, because the gene that is responsible for the rare color is associated with genetic mutations.

Description of breed features

Given such a "deep" history of origin, with all the formalities, the breed was recognized only at the beginning of the 19th century. Literally at once, tiny dogs received the title of "secular" favorites.

The Chihuahua breed standard was approved in 1923year. Dogs must match the following description:

• Height - an adult Chihuahua dog should not exceed 23 cm, the minimum is 15 cm.
• Weight - ranges from 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg. Only those crumbs whose weight does not exceed 1.5 kg are enrolled in the micro-chihuahua group. This type of breed is not recognized by cynological organizations, but, nevertheless, is very popular among breeders and connoisseurs.
• Head - rounded, in appearance resembles the shape of an apple. The forehead is convex, the transition from the frontal part to the muzzle is distinct. The nose is shortened and slightly upturned. The base of the muzzle is wide, and the muzzle itself is short with a pointed tip. The teeth are not very large, but strong. Crossbite or, as it is also called, scissor bite.
• Eyes - bulging, large size with a dark iris. The gaze is very expressive.
• Auricles in dogs are of impressive size, standing upright. The shape resembles a triangle with rounding at the tips of the ears.
• Torso - compact, slightly elongated. The back is strong and short with slightly pronounced withers. The neck is of medium length with a slight bend. Boys' Chihuahua dogs have stronger necks than females. The chest in adult dogs differs in depth and width, which has a pronounced bend. The abdomen is always tucked up.
• The tail is of medium length, has a wide base and landing, tapering noticeably towards the end. The bend follows a curved line or oval.
• Limbs - have well-defined shoulders and tight fittingblades. The muscles are excellently developed. The forelimbs have dense pads, the paws are set straight. Rear placed appropriately to each other, the angles of the joints are pronounced.

Different aspects are distinguished to determine the standard, but special attention is paid to the height and weight of small chihuahuas. In the article you can see a photo of an adult micro-chihuahua.

Practical recommendations for choosing a future puppy

Despite the emotions that micro-Chihuahuas evoke, breeders warn future puppy owners that the smaller the estimated size of an adult dog, the higher the risk of he alth problems for the dog.

As a rule, having decided to buy a mini-sized dog, a person agrees to overpay impressive amounts, because the smallest puppy from the litter is more expensive than his fellows. In addition to the size of the puppy, other circumstances determine the price, for example, the presence of a muzzle "baby face" or a strong body.

As noted earlier, blue-colored dogs are considered extremely rare and beautiful Chihuahuas.

But the high he alth risks are forcing breeders to cull such individuals without even considering compliance with breed standards.

When choosing a puppy from the mini category, there is no special need to focus on compliance with breed standards, since micro-chihuahuas are not allowed to show or take part in breeding. Due to their dwarf size, females frommini categories are not able to bear and produce offspring on their own. The risk of death of puppies and even more so of the dog itself is too high. Therefore, when buying a Chihuahua dog for a girl, it is better to take care of her sterilization in advance. For the procedure, it is advisable to contact a veterinary clinic, where specialists already have experience in operating on such small animals. The weight and size of mini Chihuahua dogs requires careful and careful selection of drugs and their dosages.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for puppies from the mini category to have too large a head size and an extended fontanel. These features signal the possibility of developing hydrocephalus. No one can accurately predict the manifestation of pathology in the future up to 3-5 months, even an experienced specialist, but differences in behavior in such puppies are noticeable at an early stage. Babies sleep more than other puppies, crumbs develop more slowly than their counterparts, they are often disturbed by headaches. However, all puppies should not lose their appetite and interest in the world around them.

Nobody knows how to choose from one litter of micro-chihuahua puppies. It is quite likely that both standard and micro babies will be born from one female. Nuances that can confuse an inexperienced person:

1. When a bitch has many puppies (multiple pregnancy), then all babies are born very small. Up to 3 months, such crumbs develop slowly, gain weight for a long time, and after this period there is a sharp jump in growth.
2. If there are only 1 in the litteror 2 puppies, then their size is likely to be large. Babies actively eat, grow quickly and evenly gain weight. However, if we are talking about micro babies, then their growth will slow down after 3 months.

In no case should you respond to requests and advertisements from experienced breeders about super mini chihuahua dogs. From the above nuances, it becomes clear that the puppy is actually acquired at random. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase a puppy before 3 months of age. The best option, which gives a guarantee of more than 50%, is a grown puppy that has already formed, then you can be sure of your choice.

Character of babies and dog training

Often, future owners of tiny chihuahuas ask themselves: "Why train a dog that can fit in your pocket?". But even with such a small size, the Chihuahua does not cease to be a dog.

The article presents photos of micro-chihuahuas of different colors and in different age categories.

Pros of training:

• The character of the dog becomes docile and obedient. The risks of situations when courage and recklessness take possession of a small hero are reduced.
• Chihuahuas are prone to escaping, but a well-mannered dog will never make the owner nervous.
• Often there are pugnacious individuals surrounded by representatives of this breed. Skirmishes that provoke a chihuahua often end badly for bullies. To avoid such situations, training is just what is needed.

Chihuahua is the same dog as the rest, although small, so training begins with basic skills. It is advisable to start training from puppyhood. In terms of teaching a puppy basic skills, it is necessary to rely primarily on his natural needs - food, play and sleep.

Puppy aged 2-3 months requires socialization. Acquaintance of the dog with the outside world and other representatives of the canine is necessary. Despite the fact that the dog defecates in the tray, walks are necessary for her to communicate with other animals. By eliminating the constant presence of the baby at home, the puppy will grow up independent.

Not engaging in training, the owners doom themselves to damaged furniture, things, as well as uncontrolled behavior of the dog. Someone believes that such behavior is characteristic of a young age and the pet, having crossed the puppy threshold, will stop being naughty. You should not pin high hopes on this, a chihuahua is a principled dog, growing up an ill-mannered dog will not stop playing dirty tricks.

How to maintain?

It is better to get acquainted with the features of the care and maintenance of the future pet before it appears in the house. For the first time, you will definitely need the following:

• A bowl, or better, two at once. One for water, one for food. The volume of bowls is chosen in accordance with the size of the future pet. Safe material option - metal.
• Sunbed or mattress. To whom it is convenient - it can even be a rug or pillow. The main thing is that the pet feels cozy and comfortable in the house.
• Toilet tray. Typically, breedersaccustom kids to a diaper or a tray. Of course, in the new conditions, the baby will have to get used to it again, so the owners will need a lot of patience. For successful accustoming, you need to moisten the place on which the puppy peed with paper and put it on the bottom of the tray.
• Toys for the baby. A puppy, like any child, needs games and mischief. The choice of toys should be taken responsibly. The size and material from which the toy is made is important. Small, sturdy toys without small objects are ideal.
• Special detergents for dog hygiene. Smooth-haired Chihuahuas are bathed every 3 months, and long-haired individuals are bathed more often, about every 4 weeks. After bathing, the dogs are dried with a hairdryer. To prevent water from entering the ears of the animal, they are laid with cotton balls.
• Accessories for pet hair - a brush or comb, are selected taking into account the undercoat. Long-haired Chihuahuas are brushed daily, short-haired Chihuahuas need scheduled brushing twice a week.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush designed specifically for dogs. These devices can be purchased at the pet store. Chihuahuas often develop tartar. You can reduce the risk of its formation if you brush your pet's teeth daily.

You don't have to teach your Chihuahua babies to go to the litter box. These dogs, like many others, are able to endure up to street walking. Chihuahuas should preferably be taken out at the same time at least 2-3 times a day.

To maintain he alth, Chihuahuas need to be regularly vaccinated, treatedfrom parasites, as well as anthelmintics.

Feeding

You can feed dogs of this breed both with industrial food and natural food. The diet of a pet with natural feeding should consist of the following products:

• fresh meat;
• raw eggs;
• vegetables;
• fruit;
• offal;
• fish;
• greens.

Dry food should be selected taking into account the small teeth of the dog, in which there will be pieces of small size, specialized for miniature breeds.

Feature of the breed in the tendency to gain excess weight. The task of the owners: to monitor the amount of food eaten by the pet.

Dog he alth

Any veterinarian or Chihuahua breeder will tell you that the smaller the dog, the more likely it is to have he alth problems. Future owners should mentally prepare for such a combination of circumstances.

Photos of micro-chihuahuas, which show how small they really are, are presented in the article.

It was mentioned above that in adults of the micro type, a large fontanel often remains, which is a prerequisite for the development of hydrocephalus.

Special care is required for babies weighing less than 650 g, 80% of these mini or micro-chihuahuas suffer from bouts of hypoglycemia, when blood sugar levels plummet. The pet faints and the owners must properly bring the dog to his senses.

As a rule, experienced breeders keep these babies he althyartificially:

• dogs are given glucose shots;
• let babies drink sweetened water from time to time;
• strict adherence to the feeding schedule by the hour;
• the amount of food at one time is small;
• eliminate dog overexertion by limiting play time.

If suddenly the owners are faced with a similar pathology in their pet, a consultation with a veterinarian is required.

Note: refusal to eat does not always signal the presence of a disease. It is likely that the pet protests against the food or feed that is offered to him. As a rule, a similar course of action passes when the puppy reaches 4-5 months of age.

Micro Chihuahua is not a new breed of dog, but only representatives of the main breed, which are not bred for breeding, but for the soul. If suddenly the puppy after some time has outgrown the mark of 1.5 kg, there should be no reason for frustration. This will not make the dog any less loving and devoted.

Where to buy a puppy?

Announcements for the sale of micro-chihuahua puppies in Moscow and other regions of Russia can be found on free boards on the Internet or newspapers. Today, most catteries maintain their own websites, groups in "Vkontakte" and "Odnoklassniki", there should be no problems with the search. The sale of the best puppies from leading micro-chihuahua breeders in Moscow is carried out with all the necessary documents and vaccinations at the time of sale, but not earlier than 2-3 months after birth.