The history of this breed goes back thousands of years. And, without any exaggeration, the first breeders of Chihuahuas were the Mayan Indians. There are many known images of these dogs carved on pre-Columbian artifacts. This miniature creature can fully consider itself a real native of America.
True, in those distant times, the life of this baby could hardly be called carefree. The fact is that, according to Mayan beliefs, the dog must follow its master everywhere, including into another life. Wealthy Indians allowed them to keep a large number of playful and loyal four-legged friends.
And they all mercilessly followed their owner into the afterlife. With the arrival of the conquistadors, the lot of the Chihuahua did not become easier. The warriors of Hernano Cortes, who often suffered from a lack of provisions, began to eat them. But, despite such cruel trials that the breed endured in those distant years, these dogs, which came to us from the depths of hoary antiquity, retained a sense of insane attachment to humans.
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Representatives of Chihuahuas appeared on the territory of the former Soviet Union quite recently. Strange as it may seem, we have to thank the Cuban Revolution and Fidel Castro for this. It was he who, in the sixties of the last century, as a sign of friendship between the peoples of Liberty Island and the USSR, gave the then General Secretary of the CPSU Nikita Khrushchev two miniature puppies.
We bet you've probably seen one of them - after all, he became a real movie star. Remember the movie "The Elusive Avengers"? Buba Kastorsky gallantly walks through the city streets with a gift from the “Cuban bearded man”!
When a couple of these dogs gave birth, Nikita Sergeevich, in turn, gave one baby to the President of the United States Kennedy. This is what it is - a small means of great diplomacy.
Longhaired Chihuahua puppies
Representatives of this breed are the only dogs in the world that are born with an unformed skull. The bones of the head will be fully developed only at four months. During this period of life, you should especially avoid possible injuries, since careless movement can lead to the development of hydrocephalus in your pet.
Although, in fairness, it must be said that due to the diminutive size of the pet, dislocations, fractures and bruises will have to be feared in adult life. Please remember that these puppies are not toys for small children.
Chihuahuas are very attached to their owner. If you close it alone in the house and leave it for a long time, then in this small lump you will discover a voice of remarkable power. He can bark loudly and without interruption for a very long time, calling for his owner. If you don’t wean him off this as a puppy, then in the future the dog will simply love to yelp endlessly for any reason, which can grow into a serious problem for neighbors and family members.
In the first days when you have a puppy, it is better to maintain the diet and diet to which he is accustomed. Over the course of a week, you can gradually change the baby’s menu, introducing the food that you considered most suitable for your ward.
Your little friend can be fed with both natural food and special dry mixtures, which can be seen in great abundance on the counter of any pet store.
If you are inclined to choose natural foods, then you need to include in your diet foods such as meat (preferably chicken), fish, kefir or yogurt, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Chihuahuas are very susceptible to food allergies. It is necessary to monitor your pet’s reaction to food and, in case of an allergic reaction, immediately exclude the irritant from the list of dishes.
During the first months, the baby needs to be provided with food five to six times a day. In the future, gradually reducing the number of feedings, you need to switch to twice a day. It is very important not to overfeed dogs of this breed. Under no circumstances should you train your pet to beg for handouts from the master's table. The dog must know that he will be fed at a strictly defined time and in a strictly designated place.
Newfoundland
Once upon a time, these intelligent dogs of gigantic size were fishermen's helpers. They still amaze us with their impeccable working qualities, ability to dive and swim. It is for this reason that Newfoundlands are often used as rescue dogs.
Dogs have a balanced temperament, good nature, ability to learn and a calm disposition. Thanks to these character traits, they make excellent companions, faithful and reliable guards, kind nannies who tenderly adore and protect children.
Separation from loved ones is difficult for them, so you should not leave your Newfoundland alone. By the way, dogs can easily travel and accompany their owner with pleasure.
Raising Longhaired Chihuahuas
Many people mistakenly believe that small breed dogs should not be trained. A characteristic feature of a Chihuahua is the desire to fool around, frolic, and play. This little whirlwind can turn everything around upside down.
You can establish order in the house only by following the simplest commands by the dog. Usually training does not cause problems - Chihuahuas are quite intelligent. Of course, this is not a watchdog or a service dog, so the list of commands in your case will be very short.
It is enough for the puppy to learn where his place is, the command “No”, “Sit”. The Teeth team will be quite important. These dogs are very brave and are always ready to bark and attack another, much larger four-legged animal. Therefore, taking into account the dimensions and weight of the “hero”, it would be useful to learn the command “Come to me”.
If there are small children in the house, then you need to remember that during the game the child can unknowingly hurt the dog. A natural defensive reaction is a bite, which, it should be noted, is very sensitive. From an early age, the puppy must be made to understand that such actions are unacceptable.
Despite his miniature size, your ward is truly tireless. It can easily withstand any long walk. You should not pick him up again - he is not tired, he simply requires additional attention.
The inventive nature of Chihuahuas allows them to come up with more and more new ways to receive affection and warmth from their owner. This dog will never leave his adored person alone; he is able to lie motionless next to him for hours, waiting for attention. And this with innate playfulness and playfulness!
Small long-haired dog breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to catch rats. Several centuries later they became small lap dogs. Now they are popular among millions of people, they have the talent to please, to win the attention and love of others.
Miniature dogs boast straight, long, soft and shiny hair. This means that special care is required: frequent visits to the groomer, regular combing, weekly water treatments. They love long walks, active games, and are constantly looking for adventure.
Dogs do not require much space, can be calm with other pets, and adore their owners. They are excellent at learning commands and have a perky, playful character. They loudly announce the presence of strangers. Terriers are suitable for active, calm families or single people. They do not shed and are perfect for allergy sufferers.
Pomeranian Spitz
The breed originated from large, hardy northern dogs, so the ancestors of modern Spitz were much larger. At the end of the 19th century, it gained popularity and spread throughout America, where breeders were able to breed small representatives of the breed.
Although in appearance the dogs look more like a soft fluffy ball, at heart they are brave dogs, eager for adventure, exploring new territories and protecting their owner. They need active walks, games and training.
They have long outer coat and thick undercoat on the neck, shoulders and paws, the rest of the body is covered with short hair. The Spitz's tail looks like a lush bush of thick wool. There are a variety of colors, the most common: black, white, red, cream, spotted. Coat care requires special attention: combing, cutting, water treatments with special shampoos and conditioners.
Pekingese
The oldest Chinese representatives of the long-haired dog were considered imperial dogs for a long time, this influenced their character. They love to attract attention, are not afraid of the cold, and become attached to their owners, although they look independent. They are wary of other animals and strangers, so barking is guaranteed when strangers appear. However, regular training and good upbringing can create obedient and kind dogs.
The Pekingese can be proud of its thick, long and fluffy fur, but the care of such a lion cub must be appropriate, especially during the molting period. Demanding for long walks and games. Ideal for families without children, lovers of luxurious dog hair and people in need of a sonorous dog.
Chihuahua
Quite a popular miniature dog. Ideal option for living in an apartment. Although she is small, she is distinguished by her individuality and perseverance. Loves affection and attention from the owner. Despite its tiny size, it can become an excellent guard due to its loud bark. It is also a good helper for people with poor hearing.
Education is considered an integral part of Chihuahua life. This helps to raise a kind, well-mannered, socialized dog. She is a fragile representative of the long-haired breed, so she needs gentle treatment and care.
The Chihuahua will be a good companion for:
- single or family people;
- families with a growing child;
- those who want to acquire a small security guard.
Maltese
The owner of a stunning fur coat is also called the Maltese Bichon or Maltese. One of the oldest breeds of miniature dogs in Europe. Previously used to catch rats and cats, now they act as pets, welcome guests at exhibitions and any other events.
The Maltese is an intelligent and kind dog, gets along well with children and becomes attached to its owners. It is necessary from a young age to teach them to stay alone at home, to be independent from their owners, so that they can feel free and comfortable.
The lapdog has a chic woolen mantle flowing throughout the body. The coat is white or ivory in color. It needs to be trimmed and combed regularly, bathed, maintained to show standard if desired, or simply taken care of in good appearance. The advantage of this breed is that it does not shed and is suitable for people prone to allergies.
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Caring for your pet
Like any other long-haired breed, the Chihuahua's coat is prone to matting. Therefore, your pet needs to be brushed regularly - it is better to do this daily and use a special brush. You will have to bathe your ward quite often - about once every two months. Representatives of this breed calmly accept water procedures.
The most important thing is not to scare the puppy the first time, then he gets used to it and gladly gives the opportunity to wash his luxurious fur coat. To do this, it is better to use special shampoos for long-haired dogs. After bathing the baby, you need to dry it - a wet dog, shivering from the cold, runs the risk of catching rheumatism.
If the animal is not afraid of a hair dryer, then make sure that the air flow is not scalding. Do not overuse the shower - too frequent bathing can lead to the development of dandruff, which is quite difficult to combat . In addition to the above, the complex of hair care must include periodic haircuts, and if your Chihuahua plans to participate in an exhibition, then grooming.
Also, it is imperative to clean your ears of accumulated dirt and wax to avoid inflammatory processes. Clean your pet's eyes once or twice a week.
This breed has a slightly increased tearfulness, which leads to the formation of streaks on the fur in the eye area. Regular procedure will help relieve this problem. You can use special solutions that are sold in veterinary pharmacies.
In addition to fur, special attention should be paid to the condition of the teeth and gums of your four-legged friend, who has some tendency to form plaque and inflammation of the oral mucosa. You can regularly give him beef bones as a treat - this is an excellent way to clean his teeth. If this does not help, then it is possible to use special pastes that are offered in specialized pet stores. That's when the "Teeth" command comes in handy!
Due to his low weight and lifestyle (mostly living in apartment conditions), your friend is not able to grind off his fast-growing claws on his own. A loving owner should help cope with this task. It is recommended to trim claws at least once a month using a special tool - a nail clipper. We must make sure that this procedure becomes familiar to the baby and does not cause fear.
Remember that this creature is very fragile and vulnerable. Do not allow him to jump from great heights under any circumstances. In the center of your pet’s skull there is a “fontanel” area, it is soft. This creates an additional risk of injury for the dog.
Your little friend is very thermophilic; in the cold season, be sure to dress him warmly before going for a walk. This will help reduce the risk of colds and rheumatic joint pain in your dog.
Many owners elevate the dressing of their charge into a kind of cult - some four-legged fashionistas can boast of simply a chic wardrobe.
Little ones
A small dog with long hair looks like a toy. Tiny pets not only have an attractive appearance, but also have a friendly character. Miniature pets are so small that they can be kept in an apartment.
Australian Silky Terrier
The Silkie Terrier is an Australian toy breed of dog that was bred for home keeping.
There are pets with gray-blue fur with pronounced tan, and pure blue, sandy and red representatives of the family are no exception. The wool is soft, flowing, and pleasant to stroke.
The Terrier is a carefree, active and cheerful dog with a hot temperament and a gentle character. It is important to train puppies from birth, since spoiled pets will be difficult to retrain.
Bolognese
The Italian lapdog is a decorative breed, a companion dog. The cute pets received another name - French lapdogs.
The dogs have dark, expressive eyes, a gentle look, a charming muzzle, a huge cloud of white fur and a tail curled onto the back with an amazing hook. It is easy to travel with a lapdog, as it is miniature in size. The angelic appearance matches the inner character.
The representative is suitable for keeping in city apartments. Requires regular grooming.
Yorkshire Terrier
At the very beginning of the discovery of the breed, Yorkshire terriers were designed to catch rats. Then they began to be bred as pets.
Yorkies have a talent for charming and winning the attention of others. The dogs are easy to train and adore their owners. Their character is playful and perky.
The coat does not shed, making Yorkies ideal pets for people with allergies.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Another name is English Toy Spaniel.
The royal companion is a very cheerful, smart, beautiful, friendly dog. Representatives of the family become strongly attached to the owner.
The ancestors of the King Charles Spaniel were used only for hunting. A little later, the English nobility began to breed the breed for home keeping.
Pekingese
China is considered the homeland of the Pekingese. These miniature creatures, up to 23 cm tall, weigh only 3-6 kg.
Originally, the royal breed was intended to decorate the knees of the king and queen during a feast. And even now Pekingese do not want to acquire a different status, so they are bred as decorative dogs, although many of them are conscientious guards.
The miniature bundle combines such traits as self-esteem, high intelligence, and pride. Dogs are sure that they are irresistible.
The only drawback of the breed is considered to be loud, constant sneezing and yapping.
Pomeranian Spitz
The breed was bred in Germany. Representatives have straight, long, harsh hair. There are black, chocolate, red, cream, blue, sand, dark brown, and white coat colors.
It looks like an attractive, soft and fluffy toy. Pomeranians are affectionate, smart, self-confident, and sometimes daring animals.
The pet needs constant attention, so people who spend most of their time working are not recommended to have a Pomeranian as a pet.
Chihuahua
At first glance, she is a timid dog, but she is only taking a closer look at the new environment in order to show her owners who is boss. Sometimes the dog is called a “little tyrant” who imagines himself to be a huge dog.
The Chihuahua is a friendly pet, prefers friendly company, and cannot stand loneliness. However, children need to be careful with the animal, as it does not understand jokes and can seriously scratch.
You shouldn’t shower the dog all the time and carry it in your arms – it is quite capable of covering long distances while walking with its owner.
Read more about the Chihuahua breed
Shih Tzu
The oldest decorative breed bred in China.
The “toy” appearance attracts attention. The luxurious and cute face of the Shih Tzu causes a lot of delight in children. The character is balanced, kids love to frolic, they are very mischievous.
Shih Tzus can get along with everyone: both their owners and other pets, since they are friendly by nature. Due to its small stature, it is suitable for keeping in urban environments.
The coat requires daily care. To keep long hair out of your Shih Tzu's eyes, it is important to tie bows on it. Read on: the pros and cons of the Shih Tzu breed.
Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie
Homeland: Shetland Islands. The Sheltie is a herding breed. Thick wool helps to withstand harsh climates. Long and hard wool is dyed in 3 colors:
- black and white;
- blue merle;
- red-black.
The silhouette of a strong, agile Sheltie is symmetrical, the body is proportional. They are not prone to wandering, so they will always be around. It is noteworthy that the Shetland Sheepdog is a sports representative; it is recommended to participate in the following sports with the Sheltie, such as flyball and agility.
Latest Notes
Dogs of the long-haired Chihuahua breed are very sociable and attached to their owners. A sweet, playful and playful little girl who makes many people want to take a photo with your Chihuahua. They do not cause any difficulties in maintenance, caring for them is quite simple.
These four-legged animals feel great in a small city apartment, although they are also very curious and love to walk. When left alone for a long time, they begin to feel sad. This dog is ideal for people who spend a lot of time at home - pensioners, housewives, people with disabilities.
Her devotion borders on jealousy. The Chihuahua will treat all strangers with distrust and will try to never let the owner out of his sight. She has one clear purpose - to be a person’s friend and companion. However, in return, your pet will require no less dedication and love from you.
Medium size
Among the representatives of medium-sized dog breeds, you can find both active and cheerful animals, as well as passive ones leading a sedentary lifestyle.
For representatives of medium-sized dogs, the only common indicator is weight, hair length, and height have differences.
What are the remarkable breeds?
American Cocker Spaniel
This is the standard of a companion dog.
His character is calm, but there is no timidity in his eyes. The pet is obedient, loves to play games, and leads an active lifestyle. He gets along well with children and is friendly with all animals in the house. The Cocker Spaniel's luxurious coat requires regular grooming, especially its long ears.
It is recommended for keeping in an apartment, however, owners should often walk the dog for a long time, since a sedentary lifestyle can cause the Cocker Spaniel to gain excess weight.
English Spinger Spaniel
Dog-athlete.
The spaniel never gets tired of running, jumping and other exercises; he persistently overcomes obstacles and achieves his goal. He loves to fool around with children and follows their lead.
When kept in an apartment, it gets tired quickly and cannot tolerate four walls, so it is recommended to keep the breed in an area near the house. Need space. Needs constant cleaning of the coat, as regular walks pollute it.
Longhaired dachshund
Hunting dog breed.
The Dachshund is considered an amazing breed because it is constantly on the move and is characterized by excessive playfulness and activity. Quickly gets used to a person.
Character loyal, even. The breed was bred for the purpose of hunting beavers, foxes, otters, and badgers in burrows. A dachshund, hunting in the forest, keeps animals in a hole until the hunter arrives. Particularly daring dachshunds grab their prey by the scruff of the neck and pull it out of the hole.
According to the standard, the weight of a dachshund is equal to 9 kg, while its height is 25-28 cm.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is a calm, affectionate and loving pet, making an excellent family companion.
A distinctive feature of the Keeshond is the ability to smile. The dog does not like loneliness and may become depressed. She is accommodating and friendly, easily finding a common language with other pets.
The dog must be constantly in motion to have a good shape, medium build. The Keeshond loves to play with children and prefers to constantly run and frolic rather than sit or lie down.
Collie or Scottish Sheepdog
The first mention of a dog was in the 14th century. Distributed in Scotland and England.
Adult pets are of medium height and light build. Males are taller than females and reach a height of 60 cm, females - 55 cm. Adult representatives weigh approximately 30 kg.
The rich, luxurious wool comes in three colors: red, light sable and marble. In a pure breed, the tip of the tail, paws and collar are painted white.
Collie is a smart dog, listens carefully to the requests of its owners, family is the main thing for it. Often used as a guide for blind people.
Lhasa apso
Stubborn, but independent, extremely energetic, hardy and courageous breed.
Does not trust strangers, so it is advisable to protect visitors from contact with the pet. A sensitive watchman, has a keen sense of smell and a loud, impressive voice. Gets along easily with other animals, but shows clear superiority.
The Lhasa Apso loves to be brushed. It is recommended to trim the coat to keep the dog looking charming. The pet needs constant walking and vigorous training.
Schapendus
Long-haired breed of light build. During the Second World War it was on the verge of extinction. Now the numbers have been restored and the breed has become very popular in European countries. Her homeland is the Netherlands.
Schapendus is a tall, fast and jumping dog. Such characteristics correspond to its purpose - it is a herding and herding dog.
Pets of this breed are devoid of aggression, therefore they are considered docile companions when playing with children and walking along the street. Animals love affectionate treatment and do not tolerate rudeness. The more kindly you treat them, the more loyal the dog behaves and the faster it learns commands.
Chow chow
The history of the appearance of the breed goes back 3000 years. Our ancestors considered the Chow Chow to be a sacred dog, so pets were used to guard temples. Later they went hunting with Chow Chows and sometimes used them as draft dogs.
Distinctive features of the Chow Chow:
- unnatural, original gait;
- the tongue is colored blue;
- the wool looks like a bear fur coat;
- lionlike appearance.
The Chow Chow is a passive and teddy bear, so the presented breed is recommended for breeding and keeping in city apartments.
Puli or Hungarian Shepherd
A herding breed of dog with an unusual appearance. Its fur is original and looks like cords intertwined.
Initially, the Hungarian Shepherd was intended for herding sheep, but is now bred for home keeping. As a result of numerous selections, it was still possible to preserve endurance, hard work and ingenuity.
Puli is of medium size, strong build, slightly lean but well muscled. There are black, fawn with a black mask, white representatives and animals with red fur.
Puli is an inquisitive and sociable dog, easily attached to people.
