The epitome of the "big character in a small body", the chihuahua is a popular pet dog, especially in urban environments. The numerous good points about keeping a pet chihuahua can, on occasion, become the root of some disadvantages if the dog is not trained, and its traits appreciated, properly.
Chihuahua Training
The chihuahua is naturally very loyal to its owner and makes an affectionate, playful and spirited companion. The loyalty can sometimes manifest itself as over-protection and confronted with larger dogs or apparently threatening and strange situations, this bold little dog can get itself into trouble or sometimes be frightened far too much. The solution is to ensure that the young chihuahua is well-socialized from early in its life. One aspect of this should include children, but under supervision with a clear understanding that the body of the small dog can be fragile and be put at risk if the children are too boisterous.
The important factor in chihuahua training is not to let the dog's cute appearance lead to allowances being made for any mischief. Given the opportunity, a chihuahua can become dominant in some aspects of its relationship with too forgiving an owner, so a rational, assertive and consistent approach should be adopted. If this is done and training uses a good degree of exercise and play, which works with the chihuahua's nature, then the chihuahua can be trained relatively easily and the chihuahua will quickly graduate to doing tricks and engaging in highly active play sessions with few problems.
Chihuahua Care
Chihuahuas can be of either a smooth-coated or a long-haired type. Grooming the smooth-coated type can be simply done using a soft brush around twice a week and perhaps a little more frequently when the coat is shedding to free loosening fur and shorten the shedding period. The long-haired chihuahua requires brushing every two days. Attention should be paid to mats or tangles, especially near the ears and around the tops of the legs. The best approach to untangling is to try to split tangles down progressively with a strong brush, but carefully so as not to pull the skin. If the brush is not successful, then a small pair of round-nosed scissors should be used to cut the mats out.
General chihuahua care is much the same as other dogs in principle. Bathing, nail trimming, ear and dental care should all be started from a young age to familiarise the dog with the routines and so avoid issues at an older age.
Provided due care is taken with the chihuahua, as one should take with any toy breed, to avoid injury due to its small size, the chihuahua is as robust as any other breed. Buying the dog from a reputable source should ensure that it has been tested and cleared of any genetic infirmities as far as possible, including checks on knees for patellar luxation and the back of its neck for dens hypoplasia.
Much debate has taken place over the years about the open fontanel, a soft spot in some chihuahua skulls, also termed the molera. These are often found in chihuahua puppies and usually close as the dog grows. Occasionally, one will remain open, though it is still surrounded by strong tissue rather than bone. In practice, this means that a little extra care is required to prevent bangs to the dog's head. As this is a precaution that should be taken with any dog, it need not be an area for undue concern with this amusing pet.
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