Origins

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world. This name comes from a region in the north of Mexico. This race was found by an American archaeologist in the 1850's and is said to be a descendant of the ( techichis). Some say that the Chihuahua is a cross bread between the techichi and the tapeitzcuintle (Mexico's naked dog).

This race is very ancient and dates back to the Toltèque‘s time. When they where beaten by the Aztèque's in the 14th century, these dogs became a much needed companion and also played an important role in the religious life. Afterwards the Mexican Payson started a business aming at the north-American travellers.

In 1904 they where recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since then the Chihuahua has conquered the hearts and we can now find them all over the world even though its small size, it has made its place in the canine world.

Aspect

The Chihuahua is a dog with a small body; the head is the shape of an apple

with or without a frontal that is much recognized, the tail is of medium length held up high and curled or in a half circle these are just some of the particularities of this race. The height is a little bit over the (garrot), but as for the female the body is longer because they produce offspring.

The skull is nice and round, the nose is short, the eyes are round of dark colour and very expressive but light coloured eyes are possible. The ears are tall and straight, large at the base and slightly rounded at the extremities. The neck slightly raised up and of medium length. The chest is large and the stomach is raised up. The back legs are very muscular.

It exists 2 types, one with short hair more commonly known and one with long hair becoming more and more popular. All colours are accepted and the weight varies between 2 and 6 pounds.

Caracter

The Chihuahua is very intelligent. He quickly understands what you expect of him. It is devoted to its master and is reserved when it comes to strangers... It is a good guard dog and will warn you in case of any emergency. It is required to socialise at an early age to prevent doubt. It is the perfect companion seeing its small size, you can take him anywhere you go and he will be pleased.

You should avoid leaving him with young children because of its size, it can become a vulnerable victim and a fall could be fatal.

The Chihuahua is sufficiently independent to stay home alone. He loves to hide under the blankets even in the summer. Quick, attentive, loyal, and naughty and courage's are the perfect way to describe its qualities. It loves to cuddle in your arms and get affection. It is a loyal and great companion. It is a small playful dog whom will become a friend to the cat or dog of the house. Even though it's small size, it is robust and will take its place and will make itself respected.

Wieght Chart

Birth	2½ oz.	2¾ oz.	3 oz.	3½ oz.	4 oz.	4¼ oz.	4½ oz.	5 oz.	5½ oz.
1 week	3¾	4	5	5½	6½	7	8	9	9½
2 weeks	5	5½	6½	7	9	10	11	12½	13½
3 weeks	6	7	8	9	11	13	14	16	17½
4 weeks	7	8	9½	11	13	15	17	19½	21
5 weeks	8	9	11	13	15	17	19½	22	24
6 weeks	9	11	12½	15	17½	20	22	24	27
7 weeks	10	12	14½	17	19½	22	24½	27	30
8 weeks	11	13	16	19	21½	24	27	29	33
9 weeks	12	15	17½	20	23	26	29	32	35
10 weeks	13	16	19	22	25	28	31	34	38
11 weeks	14	17	21	24	27	31	34	37	42
12 weeks	15	19	22	26	30	33	37	41	45
13 weeks	16	20	24	28	32	36	40	44	49
14 weeks	17	22	26	30	34	39	43	47	52
15 weeks	19	23	28	32	37	41	46	51	56
16 weeks	20	25	30	34	39	44	49	54	59
17 weeks	21	26	31	36	41	46	51	57	62
18 weeks	22	28	33	37	43	48	54	60	65
19 weeks	23	29	34	39	44	50	56	62	67
20 weeks	24	30	35	41	46	52	58	64	70
21 weeks	25	31	36	42	48	54	60	66	72
22 weeks	25	32	37	43	49	56	62	68	74
23 weeks	26	33	38	44	50	57	64	70	76
24 weeks	26	33	39	45	51	58	65	71	78
25 weeks	27	34	40	46	52	59	66	72	79
26 weeks	27	34	40	47	53	60	67	73	80
18 months (full grown)	2 lb.	2½ lb.	3 lb.	3½ lb.	4 lb.	4½ lb.	5 lb.	5 ½ lb.	6

Most frequent illness

Most frequent illnesses

Many illnesses can occur in your Chihuahua; this is why we recommend that you vaccinate them every year .

If your Chihuahua‘s behaviour is abnormal , refuses to eat or shows signs of illness ,

It is important to communicate with your veterinarian or the emergencies clinic as soon as possible. The sooner the diagnostic, the faster you can start to heal them .

Waiting until tomorrow sometimes can aggravate the situation and put your dog at risk . Remember your dog cannot talk but can feel it.

It is recommended to give your puppies the basic vaccination as soon as he has reached 8 weeks . The type of vaccination is to be repeated ; also the one for the rage can be added . With the exception of rage almost all of the dog's illnesses are safe for man, but prudence is required with parasites, like (ascarides and tenis ).

Tics, flees and (acariens) can be transmitted .

illnesses	Causes	Symptoms	Visit to the veterinarian ?
Distemper	viral Infection, contagious	fever , vomiting , diarrhea , inflammations of the eyes , cold, sometimes even the distemper of the nerves with sharp pains feeling like cramps	absolutely to the veterinarian .
Contagious inflammation of the liver ( hepatitis )	viral Infection, contagious	Fever , inflammation of the pharynx, diarrhea , modifications in the eyes , problems of coordination, stomach pains	absolutely to the veterinarian .
Leptospirose	Bacterial infection	Fever , weakening , vomiting , diarrhea , modifications of eyes , eventual . failing kidney / hepatitis	Absolutely to the veterinarian .
Caterpillar cough	viral Infection, contagious	Runny nose , strong cough , eventual . general deregulation going to an inflammation of the lungs	absolutely to the veterinarian .
Parvovirus	viral Infection, contagious	Fever or hypothermia , fatigue, vomiting , especially diarrhea liquid to bleeding	absolutely to the veterinarian .
Rabies	Viruses , transmittable by all animals	Changes in behavior , salivation immeasurable , aggressively , biting	While contact with suspect, go straight to the veterinarian
Perturbations of the stomach and of the intestines	Varies, for example . infections, parasites intestinal, kidney and hepatitis diseases	While diarrhea , take away food for a period of 24h with enough water , give food in little portions, usually rice and cooked chicken meat	If there is no improvement after 2 to 3 days consult a veterinarian
Worms	Especially les ascarides and solitary worms	No specifics , weight-loss , diarrhea , bloated stomach , dull fur	Give regularly vermifuge
Infestation of tics	Tics can transmit diseases	Blood drinking tics, like bloating , brown and white spots, the size of a pea	Remove the surroundings and disinfect
Infestation of flea's	Flea's	Irritations caused by an itch , inflammations, infection, solitary worm infested tics	Collars , powders , pills , while infestation disinfect the pillow and his bed
Acariens	Varies, for example , scabs and acariens in the ears	Irritations caused by an itch , inflammations, infection, solitary worm infested tics	Visit your veterinarian

The owner of the puppy can have at his disposition medication to treat the ears , flea infestation, small soars , diarrhea and other types of illnesses like them . Only a small amount of medication is required . In most cases you can give the treatments yourself . Your veterinarian can help and give you some information on the subject and can show you how to administer the liquids and pills , change the bandages, take the temperature and other small useful things to help you economies . If you have taught your puppie to accept manipulations, you will then not have any problems giving him syrup or pills .

For liquid form medication , a syringe will be of great help, not just to measure but to administer to your little protégée. It would be easier if you slide the syringe in the back of the canine tooth , while lifting lightly the nose to make him take his medication .

For pills , while lightly lifting his nose and with your thumb and index pressing delicately the back superior canine he will open up his mouth and you will only have to push the pill far in the back and then close his mouth and rub his throat to help and make sure he has swallowed the medication . An injured dog must be brought to the veterinarian clinic right away . In case of fracture you must manipulate carefully . Careful , a hurt dog can bite you, even his master.

Sources:

Maladies :
http://www.protection-animaux.ch/tierhaltung/krankheiten/hund.html