Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

A small dog, called a Techichi, was an important part of Toltec and Aztec cultures. Techichi were the pets of the wealthy and were cremated with the dead in order to take on the deceased's sins so that the person could enter the next world without angering the gods. The dogs were also supposed to guide the deceased through the underworld and fight off evil spirits. Some believe that the Chihuahua dog breed is the product of breeding between the Techichi and a small, hairless dog from Asia. 

The Chihuahua is a state in Mexico, and it’s from this state that the modern Chihuahua dog breed was first exported to America. Theory has it that the modern breed developed from the ancient strains of the Techichi, mixed with small dogs of Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. 

For the reasonably fit and active owner (small dogs mean a lot of bending!) the Chi can live almost anywhere, as long as you’re home most of the time and can walk twice a day and provide some training. Small dogs are at risk from many things so you’ll need to be able to keep them safely away from boisterous children, larger dogs, busy pavements etc, and a solid fenced garden is necessary as they can wiggle through the tiniest of gaps! 

The Chihuahua dog breed can adapt to however much exercise you would like to give, within reason. Chihuahuas tend to have bursts of energy where they play excitedly, but do not need a lot of walking — half an hour daily should suffice. It’s recommended that Chihuahuas wear a harness instead of a collar due to their fragile tracheas (windpipes). 

Chihuahuas are the perfect dogs for a small urban space, although they do need to have access to the outdoors for exercise and very frequent toileting. 

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients, and smaller kibble sizes, to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. 

Grooming is not a demanding chore with the Chihuahua as the Chihuahua size is very tiny. The smooth-coated variety can be groomed using a rubber grooming comb/brush now and again, while the long-haired dogs need to be groomed with a comb. Chihuahuas do shed, but, being small, there isn't that much hair to lose. It’s a good idea to brush a Chihuahua's teeth daily as, similarly to all small breeds, they are prone to a heavy tartar build-up. This may be because owners don’t give them a chance to gnaw on things that will naturally clean their teeth. 

Chihuahuas are surprisingly smart and when it comes to training, the Chihuahua should very definitely be treated as a ‘real dog’, as they really enjoy working with their owners. Chihuahuas have even been seen in the main ring at Crufts competing in Heelwork to Music! 

Just remember when you are training your Chihuahua to use the tiniest of treats as rewards. 

Like many toy dogs, Chihuahuas often find toilet training difficult and this may well be that owners are unaware of just how tiny their digestive systems are and they need to go out far more often than they expect. They will be quite mature before they can go through the night. 

While the Chihuahua can get on with everyone in the family, they are generally too small for young children and not able to cope with boisterous games. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.