How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed

How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed
Although they are small, Chihuahua dog's intelligence and braveness should not be underestimated. Besides that, their big shinning dark eyes and large erect ears have captured the hearts of many dog owners. These characteristics of Chi dogs are believed to be inherited from their ancestor - Fennec Fox.


These foxy looking dogs are popular companion dogs with alert and terrier-like qualities.

Chihuahuas are good family dogs but not great with children. These small dogs are also very protective of family, so, strangers are advised to keep a distance away from these dogs. The best thing about Chiwawas is they are city dogs which require less exercise compare to other dog breeds. So, you are expecting your Chi dog to be comfortable easily with living in an apartment or a condominium.


In general, Smooth-coated Chi dogs have short and straight hair while Long-coated Chi dogs have long and wave-like hair.


Some books suggests that long-coated Chihuahuas are product from the crossing between smooth-coated and Papillon dog breed or Yorkshire Terrier dog breed. Thus, some long-coated Chi dogs show very obvious butterfly-like ears (Papillon).


Like any other dog breeds, Chihuahua needs to learn how to behave. You should learn how to train a Chihuahua by house training your chihuahua puppy and also puppy obedience training.


Chihuahua and Human
Chihuahua is the smallest of all the dog breeds in the world. It is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico and is very popular breed, particularly in America.


These small dogs were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904. They are also called by people with the name Chiwawas and Chi Dogs.


History and Origins
The History of Chiwawa is very hard to trace, but there is sufficient evidence to prove that it is originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico.


The most common theory is that Chiwawas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favored by the Toltecs and that the modern dog developed through breeding with miniaturized Chinese dogs brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors.


Compare with their ancestors, present day Chi Dogs are much smaller. Genetic tests have placed Chiwawas originating in the 1800s.


Group
If you are going to enter your dog for the dog show competition, it is especially important to know what group your dog belongs to in the Kennel Club of your country.


Chi Dog Breed is recognized as Toy Group under both American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (UK).


If you are like me, just want to have a good time with your dog, this information is not so important for you.


Living Condition
In general, Chihuahua does not like cold weather. So, put on a sweater on your dog during a chill weather. Since they are the smallest dogs in the world, they are suitable to live in an apartment or a condominium.


Exercise
Before you learn how to train a Chihuahua, it is important to know that Chihuahua training should come together with exercise. Chi's body is tiny, but it still needs to exercise.


I suggest exercising with you dog for 45 minutes daily. The lack of exercise might turn him becoming a frustrated dog which will release his energy into biting, barking and other dog behavior problems.


Remember that all dogs are NOT meant to be confined in a location. Even if you have a big backyard, your dog still needs to go out and explores the outside world.


Shedding
All dogs shed. Smooth-coated Chi dogs shed more frequently than long-coated. Long-coated Chi dogs shed seasonally, about twice yearly.


Chihuahua Physical Appearance, Characteristics, Temperaments and Average Life Span Information


General Appearance
The two basic body types of purebred these small dogs are Apple headed or Deer headed.


Apple-headed Chi Dogs have short noses, an apple shaped head, and close-set eyes, while Deer-headed Chi Dogs have an elongated nose that resembles Doberman Pinschers. They both have the same chance of being teacup or miniature.


An in depth comparison about these two body types of Chihuahua will be discussed below this page. With the information, you are able to recognize instantly the advantages and disadvantages of that particular Chi Dog.


Nose
Color can be in Black, Pink or Chocolate.


Coat and Color
Chiwawa basically has only 2 varieties as shown on the pictures below:-


A detailed comparison is done below this page; you may use the information to help you make the right choice.


a) Long-coated (long-haired)          




b) Smooth-coated (short-haired).


Size
Height: 6.0 - 10.0 inches (15.0 - 25.0 cm)


Weight: 3.3 - 6.6 pounds (1.5 - 3.0 kg)


Average Life Span
10 - 15 years


Average Litter Size
1 - 4 puppies


Characteristics/Temperaments and Energy level
As per AKC definition, Chihuahuas are graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression. They are projecting the 'terrier-like' attitudes of self importance, confidence, and self-reliance.


Chiwawa is one of the highest energy levels of any purebred dog. This is the reason why some owners always has problem on how to train a Chihuahua. The secret is Chihuahua training should come together with exercise.


Chi dogs like to give affection to their owners and also acts friendly to other pets. Long-coated Chi tend to be a little reserved and cautious when meeting with strangers for the first time.


Chihuahua Training Information and Tips
The Chi dog is a special breed of dog that always wants to get your attention and will try his best to make you happy. But to make him a well-balanced dog, you need to teach him how to behave with puppy training.


The first sixteen weeks of your Chihuahua's life is crucial. Chi is a long life span dog that could live until eighteen years old. So, what you do in the beginning can shape them into either a well behaved companion or a dominant little dog.


Dogs are creatures that live in packs and every pack has a pack leader. It is a MUST for you to learn how to train a Chihuahua and recognize you as the pack leader. If you do not, your Chi will take the role as the pack leader and he will be in charge of the house.


You can begin with potty training, and encourage the behavior with treats. Remember that you should reward only when an order is obeyed. Once your Chihuahua potty training goal has been reached, move on to the next which is crate training. Crate training is important in establishing their territory and when praised and rewarded, your dog will look forward to learning a new lesson.


That's How To Train Your Chihuahua or Chiwawa Dog Breed, hopefully it could help you chihuahua dog lovers out there, even just a little bit. ^_^