Meet the Chihuahua E-Book

American Kennel Club

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: AKC Meet the Breed Series
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 170

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

The American Kennel Club's Meet the Chihuahua, an official publication of the American Kennel Club (AKC) prepared in collaboration with the Chihuahua Club of America, serves as the go-to resource for new and experienced owners of the world's tiniest dog. With his saucy personality, childlike intelligence, and perfect diminutive stature, the Chihuahua is the favorite of millions of dog lovers in America and around the world. Meet the Chihuahua begins with a discussion about who makes the right owner for such a tiny wonder as the Chihuahuas, and the parent-like responsibilities that accompany owning this long-lived canine tot. Equally important is the selection of the right breeder, a topic covered in a chapter on puppy selection that includes a list of questions to ask the breeder and the answers new owners are looking for. The book addresses the health of the Chi and alerts new owners to potential problems in the breed. The chapter on health discusses the importance of finding the right veterinarian for this breed as well as how to embark on a preventive-healthcare regimen with your vet. New owners will profit from the chapters dedicated to selecting the right merchandise for a new puppy and how to make the home and yard safe for the inquisitive Chi puppy. House-training and obedience training are presented in individual chapters, topics that all Chi owners need to consider seriously. The AKC's stance on positive training methods shines through as owners are enlightened to the power of praise and rewards. Additionally, Meet the Chihuahua offers info about grooming both coat varieties, exercise, dental health, and feeding. The final chapter presents a fun-filled chapter on participating in dog sports—from participating in AKC performance events like dog shows, obedience and agility trials to becoming certified as a therapy dog and visiting nursing homes and retirement homes with your ready-to-love Chihuahua. The chapters also offer advice on how to pursue the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, both ideal for young dogs getting their start in organized dog events and therapy work. The Resources section of the book includes excellent recommendations for websites, periodicals, books, and programs that owners will find informative and helpful.

Leseprobe

Brought to you by The American Kennel Club and The Chihuahua Club of America.

Lead Editor: Karen Julian

Art Director: Cindy Kassebaum

Production Manager: Laurie Panaggio

Production Supervisor: Jessica Jaensch

Production Coordinator: Leah Rosalez

Vice President, Chief Content Officer: June Kikuchi

Vice President, Kennel Club Books: Andrew DePrisco

I-5 Press: Jennifer Calvert, Amy Deputato, Karen Julian, Jarelle S. Stein

Photographs by: Blackhawk Productions (Dwight Dyke): 117; Cheryl Ertelt: 4, 14-15, 30, 40, 50, 54, 58-59, 85, 121; Christopher Appoldt Photography: 56; Close Encounters of the Furry Kind (Jeannie Harrison): 3, 22, 23, 43, 44, 55, 71, 109; Fox Hill Photo: Daniel Johnson, 53, 77; Paulette Johnson, 27, 39, 63, 78-79, 86, 90, 92, 97, 100; Connie Summers/Paulette Johnson, 38, 82, 83; Gina Cioli/I-5 Studio: 4, 68, 80, 91; José Alberto Christiansen: Cover insets, 4, 9, 10, 16, 18-19, 26, 33, 34, 60, 62, 64, 65, 72, 73, 75, 84, 113, 115, 118; LMEimages (Laurie Meehan-Elmer): 42, 46, 81, 93, 94, 102, 107, 110-111; Mark Raycroft Photography: Cover insets, 1, 4, 6-7, 11, 13, 17, 20, 21, 24-25, 29, 32, 35, 36-37, 41, 47, 48-49, 51, 52, 57, 61, 66-67, 69, 76, 88-89, 98-99, 103, 104, 108, 114; Shutterstock: Cover, Back cover, 12, 70, 87, 95, 96, 116, 119, 120, 124; Sporthorse Photography (Tara Gregg): 101, 112

Copyright © 2012 The American Kennel Club and I-5 Press

I-5 Press™

A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC™

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of I-5 Press™, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The American Kennel Club’s meet the Chihuahua : the responsible dog owner’s handbook.

p. cm. -- (AKC’s meet the breeds series)

“Brought to you by The American Kennel Club and The Chihuahua Club of America.”

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-937049-97-3

eISBN 978-1-620080-33-7

1. Chihuahua (Dog breed) I. American Kennel Club. II. Chihuahua Club of America. III. Title: Meet the Chihuahua.

SF429.C45A44 2012

636.76--dc23

2012017881

Printed and bound in the United States

15 14 13 12        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Meet Your New Dog

Welcome to Meet the Chihuahua. Whether you’re a long-time Chihuahua owner, or you’ve just gotten your first puppy, we wish you a lifetime of happiness and enjoyment with your new pet.

In this book, you’ll learn about the history of the breed, receive tips on feeding, grooming, and training, and learn about all the fun you can have with your dog. The American Kennel Club and I-5 Press hope that this book serves as a useful guide on the lifelong journey you’ll take with your canine companion.

Owned and cherished by millions across America, Chihuahuas make wonderful companions and also enjoy taking part in a variety of dog sports, including Conformation (dog shows), Obedience, Rally®, and Agility.

Thousands of Chihuahuas have also earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen® certification by demonstrating their good manners at home and in the community. We hope that you and your Chihuahua will become involved in AKC events, too! Learn how to get involved at www.akc.org/events or find a training club in your area at www.akc.org/events/trainingclubs.cfm.

We encourage you to connect with other Chihuahua owners on the AKC website (www.akc.org), Facebook (www.facebook.com/americankennelclub), and Twitter (@akcdoglovers). Also visit the website for the Chihuahua Club of America (www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com), the national parent club for the Chihuahua, to learn about the breed from reputable exhibitors and breeders.

Enjoy Meet the Chihuahua!

Sincerely,

Dennis B. Sprung

AKC President and CEO

Contents

1 SMALL DOG, BIG HEART

2 CHIHUAHUA ESSENTIALS

3 A CHI OF YOUR VERY OWN

4 A CHIHUAHUA IN THE HOUSE

5 CHIHUAHUA EDUCATION

6 HOUSE-TRAINING YOUR CHI

7 BUILDING YOUR CHIHUAHUA’S SKILLS

8 CHOW FOR YOUR CHI

9 SMALL AND STUNNING

10 STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY

11 ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHI

RESOURCES

There is mucho machismo in this little puppy! The pint-sized Chihuahua is popular around the world for his spirited, intelligent, and loving personality. The AKC breed standard refers to his ineffable expression as “saucy,” an adjective that Merriam-Webster defines as “impertinently bold and impudent” and “amusingly forward and flippant.” In other words, the Chihuahua is confident like no other dog. Despite his six pounds (or less), he will stand up to any dog, no matter the height or weight, completely unaware of his diminutive stature.

Chihuahua, Chihuahua

The Mexican state of Chihuahua, officially named El Estado Librey Soberano de Chihuahua, is the largest state in our neighbor to the south. Chihuahua is located in the northwestern part of Mexico, bordering Texas and New Mexico. Founded in the early sixteenth century, the capital city is also called Chihuahua. The breed derives its name from the Mexican state, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found.

In fact, adult Chihuahuas can weigh as little as one pound, making the Chihuahua the smallest breed in the world. The AKC standard states “weight not to exceed 6 pounds,” while European standards say that weight can be between 500 grams and 3 kilograms (1–6 pounds), with a preference for 1–2 kilograms (2–4 pounds). In both Europe and America, dogs weighing over 3 kilograms (6 pounds) are disqualified from competition in the show ring.

Chihuahuas come in two coat varieties, long and smooth. Long-coated Chihuahuas have soft, flat, or slightly wavy hair with excess feathering on the ears, tail, and legs. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have glossy, short, straight hair. And both long and smooth Chihuahuas come in almost every color.

PEOPLE OF THE CHI

Were you born to be a Chihuahuan? The only thing small about the Chihuahua is his size—not his personality, attitude, ego, or heart. He’s an active little dog with a big story to tell. He is tremendously loyal and always wants to be close to his owner. Your life won’t be your own anymore, and there will be little privacy!

Chihuahuas never fully outgrow their puppy mischief, often tearing up magazines, digging up flowers, and chasing the family cat well into their adult years. The breed’s saucy personality and unquenchable curiosity will provide years of amusement for its keepers. Most owners accept the Chi’s inventive naughtiness and welcome their games and clowning. Chihuahuas are often compared to a small terrier for their feisty tendencies and their enjoyment of digging. Also like terriers, Chihuahuas have big opinions and don’t hesitate to share them. If you live in close proximity to your neighbors, they may not appreciate your barky pooch. Extra training and socialization can keep the Chihuahua’s vociferous inclinations in check.

Get to Know the AKC

The country’s leading canine organization, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the betterment and promotion of purebred dogs as family companions. The AKC is the largest and most prestigious dog registry in the United States. It was founded in 1884 with the mission of “upholding its registry and promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.” Supporting everything from health and wellness to breed standards to fun activities for the whole family, the AKC thrives on the participation of dog lovers like you.

Help continue the legacy by registering your purebred Chihuahua with the AKC. It’s as simple as filling out the Dog Registration Application you received when you bought your puppy and mailing it to the AKC in North Carolina, or register online at www.akc.org/reg.

SMALL PACKAGES

Owners find the Chihuahua’s diminutive size enormously convenient. If you travel frequently, he can easily fit into a pet carrier or your carry-on bag—just make sure to check the airline’s policies on traveling with animals. The Chi is an ideal travel companion, never hogging the arm rests or your complimentary peanuts! Undeniably one of the breed’s most alluring traits is its portability, but the Chihuahua is anything but an attractive accessory. If this is your main reason for wanting a Chihuahua, you’d be wiser to buy a silk scarf or a designer handbag.

While the Chihuahua doesn’t mind the soft interior of a luxurious Fendi bag, toting your Chi around town with you encourages strangers to reach out unexpectedly and pet your dog. Make sure that you thoroughly socialize your Chihuahua so that this does not scare him or lead to a fear of strangers. Most Chihuahuas will quickly get comfortable in your handbag and doze off for an hour or two. But his siesta won’t last forever! Be aware that a bored Chihuahua may simply hop out of the bag whenever he likes. Leaping from your bag to the floor could be a fatal fall, like jumping off the roof of a two-story house. Never leave your Chihuahua unattended when your bag is open or sitting in a high place. The Chihuahua’s fear is as diminutive as he is. It is safer (and healthier!) for your Chihuahua to walk at your side on a leash. He’ll get more exercise and be able to explore the world more fully by using all of his canine senses.

Did You Know?

The Chihuahua is considered “clannish,” meaning that the breed prefers the company of other Chihuahuas over other breeds and pets. If you are interested in getting another pet, your social Chihuahua may appreciate the company of another Chi around the house.

Chihuahuas enjoy and need exercise and outdoor play as much as any other breed. Take your Chi for a short walk every day to keep him physically and mentally in shape.

ONE, TWO, MAYBE THREE?

Chihuahua owners enjoy taking their dogs for walks around the neighborhood. In fact, experienced Chihuahua fanciers say it’s just as easy to walk two or three Chihuahuas as it is to walk one. A brisk walk (always on leash, of course) around your neighborhood, a ten-minute break in the backyard, or even an indoor romp around your living room or down your hallway will suffice for the Chihuahua’s daily exercise regimen. Most important to the Chihuahua is that you spend quality playtime with him, inside or out.

Doting dog-lovers who live alone make great Chihuahua parents. The playful Chi will return the love and dedication of his devoted owners tenfold. Some owners even say that Chihuahuas are not dogs at all—they’re four-legged babies! Now, what more cherished baby could you possibly have?

SUMMER LOVIN’

Chihuahuas are derived from the warm climate of Mexico, where summer temperatures can easily climb over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Sun-worshipers adore the Chihuahua, who will happily laze in the afternoon sun for hours alongside you. On less sunny days, your Chi will seek out even the tiniest ray to take his siesta beneath. But take care that neither of you gets overheated nor sunburned! Even though the breed is from a desert region, any dog can get heatstroke.

On the other hand, winter is not the Chihuahua’s favorite season. The breed can easily lose body heat, so invest in a doggy sweater for the cooler months. In very cold weather, your Chi (long- or smooth-coated) may not even want to venture outside.

A WORD OF CAUTION

Owners of the world’s smallest dog have the biggest responsibilities keeping their Chihuahuas safe and out of harm’s way. Because they’re fearless and unknowingly reckless, Chihuahuas will jump from heights many times their own. Owners must be mindful whenever their high-flying dogs are on tabletops, chairs, beds, and so forth. Broken legs and head injuries are not uncommon; and remember that the Chihuahua’s skull is very fragile, especially as a young dog.

Chihuahuas are decidedly familial, meaning they like to hang out with their own kind. They may not do well with larger dogs that can unintentionally hurt them while playing or roughhousing. The Chi’s bravery can also get the breed into fights with larger dogs (which is pretty much all other dogs) and cats, too. Owners have to be protective of their dogs for their safety.

Likewise, owners must be cautious when walking their Chis so that their pets aren’t mistaken as prey by other dogs. Never allow your Chihuahua off leash when on a walk or even when spending time on your own front lawn. Chihuahuas run fast, but not fast enough. A Greyhound or Whippet running toward your Chihuahua may not recognize him as another dog, but rather may mistake him for a rabbit or a cat.

Also be wary of two-footed predators, aka children! Boisterous kids who are unfamiliar with dogs or who have larger dogs of their own can easily injure the small Chihuahua. Young children can grab at a Chi or accidentally drop him, so supervision is always mandatory.

Protect your Chihuahua from curious children, rambunctious dogs, and most importantly, himself! Chihuahuas often see themselves as larger-than-life, and they won’t hesitate to leap into harm’s way.

What’s in a Name!

The name Chihuahua derives from an Uto-Aztecan word, either Nahuatl or Tarahumaran, meaning, “between two waters” or “place where rivers meet,” namely the Rio Grande and the Conchos River. There are thirty Native American languages in the Uto-Aztecan family and many of them are still spoken today.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Getting a dog is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on all that is involved in being a good pet owner. As a part of the Canine Good Citizen® test, the AKC has a “Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge,” which states:

I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs.

I will provide routine veterinary care, including check-ups and vaccines.

I will offer adequate nutrition through proper diet and clean water at all times.

I will give daily exercise and regularly bathe and groom.

I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.

I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, by not letting my dog run loose, and by using a leash in public.

I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip identification).

I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.

I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.

I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas, such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, in parks, etc.

I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, on campgrounds, and in off-leash parks.

I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.

I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.

I will give my dog attention and playtime.

I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

The Chihuahua comes in two coat types—smooth and long. Long-coated Chis require a little more grooming time, but because of the breed’s tiny size, coat care takes just a few minutes daily.

A BIG HEART

What outweighs all of the Chihuahua’s naughtiness and haughtiness is a quality that no breeder or lover of the Chihuahua would deny: unabashed sweetness. He is a very sweet little dog, and his heart is many times his size. The Chihuahua loves his owner completely, and his eyes say so. They glisten with tenderness and a genuine quality that no other dog possesses. Chihuahuas love big: his love for you knows no bounds, and he expects you to love him even more in return.

At a Glance …

The warm, loving eyes of a Chihuahua will melt your heart. Though the breed is the smallest in the world, the Chihuahua’s personality is anything but tiny. Chihuahuas are treasured for their larger-than-life personas and unending devotion to their owners.

Chihuahuas are small, dainty dogs with big superman complexes. As such, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your Chihuahua to make sure that he doesn’t try to jump from heights—or pick fights with other dogs—more than twice his size.

Due to the breed’s small size and devoted personalities, it’s hard not to want more than one Chihuahua! Luckily, the breed thrives in multi-Chi households. Consider your own lifestyle and habits before purchasing a second (or third!) Chihuahua. Make sure that you have the time and finances necessary to dedicate to each and every one of your canine kids.

A popular member of the Toy Group, the Chihuahua has been highly regarded as a companion for centuries. Its direct ancestor, the Techichi, was a small, heavy-boned dog breed that served as a popular companion in early Central America, dating back to the 9th century AD. The compact, graceful modern Chihuahua, coated in a smooth, soft, glossy coat or a long, slightly wavy coat, continues to win hearts in homes and show rings around the world.

The modern Chihuahua is quite different from its ancient Central American ancestor, the Techichi. Today’s Chis are more petite, with larger ears and shorter muzzles.

The official breed standard, written by the Chihuahua Club of America, the breed’s parent club, and approved by the American Kennel Club, describes the ideal Chihuahua, detailing physical traits, character, and movement. It is this standard that judges use in the show ring and breeders use as they plan their litters. Chihuahuas that win in the show ring have a veritable “stamp of approval” from judges that they are worthy of breeding future generations.

THE IDEAL CHIHUAHUA

Let’s take a look at the characteristics of the ideal Chihuahua. The head of the Chihuahua is regarded as its most distinguishing feature. Its skull is “apple-domed,” its cheeks and jaws lean, and its muzzle fairly short and pointed. There may or may not be a molera, a cranial gap in the skull that has not closed with maturity. The dog’s large round eyes do not protrude, and they are set well apart, their center on a line with the lowest point of the large, flaring ears and the base of the muzzle, which joins with the head in a definite stop. Eyes can vary in color, as can pigment, according to the color of the dog.

A PIECE OF HISTORY

The American Kennel Club’s stud book makes reference to four unregistered Chihuahuas in 1890 named Anno, Bob, Eyah, and Pepity. Those four are followed by Chihuahueria and Nita, recorded in 1894. The Chihuahua breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1904, and the first dog registered was a long coat aptly named Midget!

The head is set on a slightly arched, medium-length neck, sloping gracefully into laid-back and lean shoulders. The topline is level, the ribs well sprung but not barreled, and the lower chest deep. The Chihuahua is slightly longer from his shoulder to the buttocks than he is in height at the withers (shoulders), with somewhat shorter bodies seen on males.

Although this is a tiny and dainty breed, the Chihuahua has muscular hind-quarters, giving drive from behind and helping the dog to move with brisk, forceful action. A high-stepping or hackney action, as seen in the Italian Greyhound, is not characteristic. The feet should turn neither in nor out, and, when viewed on the move, the legs should be neither too wide nor too close. Forelegs are flexible and the feet small and dainty; the toes are well divided but not spread.

The tail of the Chihuahua is rather special. It is of medium length, set high and carried up and over the back in sickle fashion. The Chihuahua breed standard states that the tail is “carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back, with tip just touching the back.” Ideally it is flat, broadening slightly in the center and tapering to a point.