| General Information |
| Group(s):
Toy |
Height: 6-8 inches |
| Weight: 6 pounds or less |
Longevity: late teens |
| Colors: all color combinations acceptable |
Coat type: Long, soft with undercoat preferred. Fringe on ears, plume to tail and feathering on legs expected. |
| Recognized Registries: FCI, UKC, AKC, NCA and others |
| Overall Appearance: Diminutive and prick eared, the Long Haired Chihuahua is just like its smooth coated littermates except for a lush long coat providing feathering over the legs around the neck and chest and a plumy tail. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: Moderate to high |
| General Nature: |
Happy and playful but often aware of their vulnerability and tend toward some fearfulness |
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with Children: Not ideal due to their fragility. |
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with other pets: Generally good but be sure that the dog is safe with the other pets! |
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with dogs: Generally good but obviously at risk even playing with bigger dogs. |
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| Socialization requirements: Very high as the breeds tends toward being over indulged and becoming |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that will allow the dog to develop confidence and independence while still protecting them from the world's obvious hazards to something so small |
| Temperament Notes: Very influenced by its care and family. May be the most courageous of dogs (to the point of foolhardiness) or the most terrified. |
| Training requirement: moderate; VERY heavy socialization and basic manners |
| Trainer notes: The greatest challenge to training the Chihuahua is in the knees. Not of the dog but of the trainer! Generally there will be quite a bit of bending over to reward and assist during the process. Try to avoid the temptation to constantly carry the dogs are this only increases their sense of vulnerability when they aren't in your arms and their aggression (because Mom wouldn't let anything happen to me) when they are in your arms! |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1850s |
| Country of Origin: Mexico |
| Original Function: Companion |
| History: A rich heritage of being companions to Aztec royalty and contributing to the development of hairless breeds. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: oversized, bug eyed, poor dentition, thin coat |
| Health Notes: slipped stifles, jawbone, eye and heart disorders, dentition issues |
| Health Testing: CERF and others |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Chihuahuas?
Will you be keeping a puppy from this litter?
How did you choose the sire for this litter?
Will you place your puppies in homes with children under the age of 12 (very few responsible breeders will)?
What titles do you seek for your breeding stock?
What health clearances do you require for your breeding stock?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
What do you consider to be the proper Chihuahua temperament?
What health problems are you aware of in the breed?
What training/socializing tips can you offer? |
| Web Sites: http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/- National Rescue and Transport Group for Chihuahuas, very well organized, excellent source of support and information for those seeking a Chihuahua |
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| Other Resources |
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