Fun Facts About Chihuahuas
5/08/2019
Chihuahuas are small, affordable, fun, loyal and easy to care for pets. Check out these 10 reasons why Chihuahuas make a great pet!
With their small heads, big eyes and perky ears, Chihuahuas are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a Chihuahua:
How Do I Help My Dog Who Is Struggling To Breathe
Dogs with severe difficulty breathing difficulties may require supplemental oxygen, which will involve a stay at a veterinary hospital. Medication to help your dog breathe may be given. Heart medications may be needed if your dog has a heart condition.
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Pets Can Double As Asthma Antidote
HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Nov. 16, 2018 — The “hygiene hypothesis” holds that early exposure to a variety of microorganisms may decrease the risk for chronic inflammatory diseases, like .
Two Swedish studies that tracked 650,000 children found that exposure to farm animals and even dogs can have this kind of beneficial effect. Living on a farm cut kids’ rate by half. Just having a dog in ‘s first year was linked to a 13 percent lower risk of later on, the researchers reported.
Most Americans don’t live on farms, but these findings show that raising a baby in a household with a dog might have benefits beyond love and companionship. Early exposure to cats as well as dogs may offer some protection from developing allergies and asthma, health experts suggest.
Other steps can also help prevent childhood asthma.
First, don’t smoke or allow anyone else in your household to smoke. Smoking when pregnant increases the chances of your baby wheezing during infancy. And continued exposure to secondhand smoke has a direct tie to asthma and other respiratory illnesses in kids.
Also, try to breastfeed baby for at least four to six months to strengthen his or her immune system and help avoid infections that start in the lungs, common asthma triggers.
Other suggestions:
#14 Chihuahuas Are Light Shedders
With the exception of certain hairless breeds, all dogs . The Chihuahua, however, is considered one of the lightest shedders in the canine kingdom. According to a survey of 249 veterinary professionals conducted by , Chihuahuas rank #7 among breeds that shed the least amount of hair. Surprisingly, however, many owners find smooth-coat Chihuahuas shed more than long-coats.
Do Dogs With Collapsed Trachea Suffer
The condition causes mild to severe obstruction of a dogs airway that results in coughing and other symptoms. Tracheal collapse can progress to become life-threatening, so its important to get your dog checked out by a vet right away if you suspect they are showing symptoms of a collapsed trachea.
#18: Dont Allow Your Chi To Go Onto Furniture
Its hard to resist cuddling with your Chi on the sofa. But its for the best if youre allergic.
To not feel overly-guilty because you dont let your Chi jump on the couch, you can simply get them a dog bed.
This is how youll ensure theyre not missing out on the comfort of the furniture. And besides, their dog bed will be fully theirs as they wont have to share it with other family members.
#16: Have Yourself Tested For Allergies And Food Intolerance
You can do an experiment for yourself of how you feel without dairy products.
After that you can test yourself to see whether you have food sensitivity and intolerance or not. Or, you could directly opt in for this. However you prefer.
The point is to get to the bottom of whats causing your allergic reaction.
If you havent done this already, a skin allergy test can definitely shed light on the subject.
#28 The Chihuahuas Is One Of The Oldest Breeds Recognized By The Akc
First recognized in 1903, the Chihuahua is one of the AKC’s oldest official dog breeds. Since then, the AKC has added dozens more to its list, including the Affenpinscher, Alaskan Malamute, Belgian Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Lhasa Apso and many others.
Best: The Bichon Frise And Labradoodle Are Great Hypoallergenic Dogs
Both the labradoodle and the bichon frise are often recommended for people with dog allergies because of their easy-to-maintain coats. Labradoodles with wool-like hair may not pick up as many outdoor allergens as other breeds. The curly coat of a bichon frise produces little dander, making it another great hypoallergenic dog.
Can Chihuahuas Cure Asthma
There is a rumor that is surprisingly widespread, that the Chihuahua dog can cure Asthma. There seem to be two versions of this rumor. One being that something unique about these dogs kills asthma. The other is that somehow Chihuahuas act in regards to Asthma the way a sponge acts in regards to water. Namely, that it pulls out the illness in some fashion and transfer it to themselves. As a result, many families of asthmatic children have purchased these little dogs as family pets. It is said that for this cure to work, the sick child must sleep with the Chihuahua. Others stating that the dog must actually lie on the childs chest.
Can Chihuahuas cure Asthma? Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the bronchial tubes that affects more than 17 million Americans and causes more than 5,000 deaths per year. It is also the most common chronic childhood disorder, affecting 6.3 million children . How did the idea that a dog could cure this serious disorder come to be?
A more common explanation of the rumor may stem from the fact that many Chihuahuas appear to wheeze and honk while breathing and it sounds like the definitive wheeze some an Asthmatic trying to catch his breath. For the superstitious or for those desperate to help a loved one, the belief that the dog is drawing the asthma out of their family member and taking it on himself might have been very comforting.
#7: Asthma Sufferers Can Still Get Pets
There are several dog breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. These dogs are less likely to cause allergic reactions or increase your asthma symptoms.
The breeds are easily found online and are listed by AKC or UKC breeds.
Chihuahuas are actually not on this list of hypoallergenic dogs, but they may not harm you.
Since the pups are so small, they do not affect many individuals. There are both short and longhaired Chihuahuas, which may also affect you differently.
It is important to remember that no dogs are considered completely . The only bad part of this is that you often will not know your reaction until you own the pet.
How Chihuahuas Can Help You
This little and charming canine friend may not really cure your asthma, but that doesnt mean you can no longer enjoy its presence. In fact, its company alone is a good enough reason to give you loads of joy and positive returns. Chihuahuas are a beautiful breed, and they can be a fantastic addition to your household. Because they are tiny, they will adjust well to small spacesperfect for your tiny apartment.
Please Dont Abandon The Dog
The worst thing is that many people get Chihuahuas for the sole purpose of curing their childs asthma only to find out that the said therapy does not work.
They then abandon these poor dogs since they dont have the time or effort to spend on training them. Many Chis end up in the shelters due to this.
Hundreds of dogs are then put down as they are deemed untrainable or aggressive. All this for no fault of the dog.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean
Before we go further into the topic, lets make sure were on the same page here.
When someone says something is hypoallergenic, they mean it has little likelihood of causing an allergic reaction.
And while there are smaller chances, the possibility that it leads to an allergic reaction is still there.
Do Chihuahuas Help With Asthma The Truth Behind This Myth
First, let us again address this question/myth: Chihuahuas do NOT help people with asthma.
However, it is also important to note that, for asthma sufferers with no known pet hair or dander allergies, the presence of this animal in the home will usually not make the condition any worse.
So where and how did this myth originate in the first place?
Most historians agree that this rumor/myth began with the ancient Aztecs in what is now Mexico.
The Aztecs, like many early people, were a very superstitious bunch, believing certain animals could cure different diseases and afflictions.
The chihuahua was a very important part of Aztec life, thought to be heralded for its healing properties, in addition to its role as a companionand sometimes a food source.
The Aztecs believed the chihuahua was a sort of spiritual guidea messenger to the Gods.
As a result, many myths have prospered over the yearsespecially in Mexicoabout this tiny dog breed.
But this myth is not limited to the Aztecs.
Even today, you can find literature that highlights the belief that chihuahuas can cure the asthma of their owner.
So just how do they do it, according to these myths?
Well, according to one thesis in a 1956 medical journal, it was thought that the chihuahua could gradually take the asthma from a child through a process of absorption.
In other words, the asthma would leave the body of the child to instead reside in the dog.
#54 Chihuahuas Have A High Risk Of Adverse Reaction To Vaccination
While is an important preventative measure to protect Chihuahuas from potentially fatal diseases, owners should use caution to avoid unnecessary vaccination. According to a study conducted by researchers from Purdue University, Chihuahuas have a greater risk of adverse reaction to vaccination than other dogs, presumably because of their small size.
What Colors Do Chihuahuas Come In
According to the Chihuahua Standard, Chihuahuas can be any color solid, marked, or splashed.
- Solid includes fawn, cream, gold, red, white, black, chocolate, silver, and blue .
- Marked means a solid color combined with a few white and/or brownish markings on the face, chest and stomach, legs, and tail. Brownish markings can themselves be solid, or can be sabled or brindled .
- Splashed means patches or spots of color on a white body, like a pinto pony.
A problematic color in Chihuahuas blue
Blue is not a normal color in dogs, like black or brown or white. There isn’t a blue gene. Instead, a blue Chihuahua has inherited a normal black gene… plus a dilution gene that washes the black into a grayish shade that dog fanciers call blue.
Dark blue Chihuahua. Blue ranges from light silver to dark charcoal.
I guess it kind of looks blue.
Unfortunately, there is a skin problem associated with dilution genes. The symptoms are a gradual thinning or loss of the blue hair, plus nodules on the skin, and repeated bacterial infections.
If you have a blue Chihuahua or are thinking of getting one, read more about color dilution alopecia on my Chihuahua Health page.
A controversial color in Chihuahuas merle
Merle is both striking and attractive: a swirled/patched/mottled pattern, usually gray-blue, black, tan, and white. Often one or both eyes is blue. You’ve probably seen this color in Australian Shepherds, Shelties, or Collies.
Merle Long Coat Chihuahua
#25 The World’s Smallest Dog By Length Is Also A Chihuahua
Miracle Milly may hold the title of being the world’s smallest dog by height, but another Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog by length. Born on New Year’s Eve 2003, Heaven Sent Brandy is a long-coat female Chihuahua that measures just 6 inches from the tip of her nose to the back of her tail. In 2005, Guinness World Records awarded Brandy with the title of being the world’s smallest dog by length.
#4: Get An Air Purifier With A Hepa Filter
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air.
The good news is that HEPA filters can be found in most air purifiers.
shows that childrens asthma and allergy symptoms to dogs reduced when having an air purifier with a HEPA filter in their bedroom.
HEPA filters trap pet dander which is tiny and sticky.
Note: Air purifiers with HEPA filters are more expensive but especially suitable for capturing pet allergens.
Video Of A Chihuahua Reverse Sneezing
Check out the video above for an accurate demonstration of what a reverse sneezing/wheezing episode looks like in a Chihuahua. As you can see, the Chihuahua stops in their tracks and begins to cough and hack like they are gasping for air. Unless you know otherwise, one might assume that the Chihuahua is suffocating, but thankfully this isn’t the case. Most Chihuahuas will begin to breathe and act normal again after 15-30 seconds.
References:
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Some Long Coat Chihuahuas have a bushy coat, while with others , you can only tell they’re longhaired by the tufts of hair near their ears.
What To Watch For
Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Chihuahua needs help.
#3: Chihuahuas Sound As If They Have Asthma
Another reason many believe this is because Chihuahuas often sound like asthma sufferers.
The dogs do something referred to as reverse sneezing or wheezing. These sounds are similar to someone who is struggling to breathe with asthma.
This can make it even more believable that the dog has taken on the condition. However, there is no real proof that the reverse wheezing is asthma. Instead, it is a genetically common sign of the breed.
Though it sounds nose related, this condition is actually related to a Chihuahuas mouth. The soft palate or roof of the mouth can become irritated.
If your dog is suffering from an irritated or misaligned soft palate, it can lead to these issues.
#24 The World’s Smallest Dog By Height Is A Chihuahua
A female Chihuahua named Miracle Milly holds the title of being the world’s smallest living dog by height. Born December 1, 2011, Milly is a 1-pound apple-head Chihuahua owned by Vanesa Semler of Dorado, Puerto Rico. When officials from the Guinness World Records measured her on February 21, 2013, she stood just 3.8 inches tall. That’s one miracle-sized Chihuahua!
“To get an idea of just how petite she is, when she was first born she received milk from an eyedropper,” said Semler when talking about Miracle Milly.
Chihuahua Wheezing And Hacking Sounds
Have you noticed your Chihuahua wheezing, gasping or making similar hacking-like sounds? A lot of owners automatically assume the worst when their Chihuahua begins to experience one of these episodes, and as a result, they may hastily rush them to a nearby emergency veterinarian where they rack up bills in excess of $1,000. The fact is, however, that wheezing is an all-too-common occurrence in the Chihuahua breed.
Even if your Chihuahua hasn’t experienced one of these episodes yet, it’s still important to educate and familiarize yourself with this condition, as it’s one of the most common health problems associated with the breed. As their owner, it’s your responsibility to know how to treat any health problems that may arise in your Chihuahua, and reverse sneezing is one of these conditions. Only then can you rest assured knowing that you have the ability to keep your Chihuahua safe and comfortable when they begin wheezing.
#39 Chihuahuas Are Popular Among Celebrities
Countless celebrities throughout history have owned Chihuahuas. The 19th-century Italian-French opera singer Adelina Patti owned a small Chihuahua named Benito, whom she received as a gift from Mexico’s President Porfirio Diaz. Patti brought Benito on several tours, introducing the small and lovable dog to many people for the first time. The Spanish-American bandleader Xavier Cugat owned several Chihuahuas, one of whom became the subject of a 1979 children’s book titled “Pepito the Little Dancing Dog: The Story of Xavier Cugat’s Chihuahua.”
Other celebrities who’ve owned or currently own a Chihuahua include Adrian Brody, Anne Heche, Ashton Kutcher, Billie Holiday, Cesar Millan, Christina Ricci, Demi Moore, Enrico Caruso, George Lopez, Hilary Duff, Jayne Mansfield, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Katharine McPhee, Lupe Velez, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Rourke, Paula Abdul, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, Scarlett Johansson and Sharon Osbourne.
Chihuahuas Have Saved Lives Before
Although chihuahuas are not the best guard dogs out there, their loyalty prevails for its master and protected many lives in the past. For instance, a female chihuahua once attacked a rattlesnake that threatened its owners 1-year-old grandson in Masonville, Colorado. As a result, the bit the chihuahua instead of the 1-year old kid. Fortunately, after the medical treatment, the female chihuahua survived.
Worst: Pekingese Are Hard To House
You may not have thought about one surprising dog-related allergy trigger: urine. Some breeds of dogs, such as the Pekingese, are more difficult to house-train than other types of dogs. This makes them a poor choice for someone with a dog allergy. If your pet has an accident, clean the area as soon as you see it. Wear gloves, and use bleach or an enzyme cleaner from a local pet store to sanitize the area and to remove all signs of urine.
What Causes Dog Allergy
A protein contained in the dogs hair, saliva, urine and dead skin flakes .
Different type of dog breeds produce different amounts of dander. This explains why you might suffer an allergic reaction to one dog but not to another.
What happens during an allergic reaction is that the immune system reacts abnormally. It produces antibodies which identify the allergens as harmful .
And as soon as you inhale the allergen, your nasal passages and lungs get irritated and inflamed.
To add to that, the more you expose yourself to the allergen, the likelier it is to develop chronic airway inflammation connected to asthma.
The allergens could lead to an asthma attack in some people who have this health condition.
Routine Care Diet And Exercise
Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Chi live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.
- Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
- Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly to prevent mats and keep her coat shiny.
- Chihuahuas generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
- Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
- Chis are very sensitive to cold, so a warm winter wardrobe is necessary.
- She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play.
- Due to her assertive nature and small size, she is not recommended for homes with small children.
- Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
- Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.
Can I Use My Inhaler On My Dog
Just as inhaled medication is used to treat respiratory disease in humans, inhaled medication is used to treat respiratory disease in dogs. Although it may seem difficult to give an inhaler to a dog, administering these medications is simple if you have the right equipment and a little bit of patience!
Proper Training Is The Key To A Smooth Relationship With Chihuahuas
Nevertheless, pet lovers who plan to own a chihuahua should not be discouraged by the chihuahuas potential unpredictability. Chihuahuas are loyal pets by nature. Proper training, responsible ownership, and discipline is the key to a smooth relationship with chihuahuas.
Read also: 30 Strange Flamingo Facts That You Never Knew About
Which Dog Breeds Are Worst For Asthma Sufferers
There is no single dog breed that is worst for asthma sufferers, however, some dog breeds are prone to developing skin issues like dry skin more than the others.
Dry skin leads to more dander and shedding which is what causes pet allergy symptoms in most humans.
Also, some dog breeds shed a lot all through the year. These are definitely not a good choice for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
We recommend staying away from the double-coated dog breeds like German Shepherd, Huskies, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, etc.
Also, you may want to rethink your decision of getting breeds that are most prone to skin issues: Dalmatians, Shar Pei, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and spaniels.
#9 Chihuahuas Were Originally Bred To Be Smaller
During the breed’s early days, the AKC encouraged selective breeding to produce smaller Chihuahuas. The original AKC standards state Chihuahuas should weigh “Two to six pounds. The more diminutive, the more desirable.” The AKC later revised its breed standards, no longer giving preference to smaller Chihuahuas.
#11: Pets Can Have Other Health Benefits For Humans
Chihuahuas may not rid you of asthma, but they can give you a variety of other benefits.
For example, they are truly good for your heart.
The American Journal of Cardiology has done a study on heart attack patients that were provided with a pet. The survival rate of pet owners was much higher than those without pets.
In other words, the bond between humans and dogs can truly heal the heart.
In fact, it has been proven that dogs lower stress. Stress is a major cause of heart problems. When you bring a dog into your home, it can help keep stress under control.
These heart benefits are just one of many health benefits Chihuahuas can offer. Some other health benefits are:
Dogs can actually be trained to detect prostate cancer
There have been recent studies that show dogs can alert this issue. Early detection can lead to quicker treatment and essentially save lives.
Dogs can also be trained to smell allergies
If someone in your family has a deadly allergy, such as those to peanuts. You can have a dog trained to detect these ingredients in foods and alert the owner.
Dogs can be trained to alert diabetics to low blood sugar levels
They are often used to help diabetic patients.
Dogs will make you feel less lonely
Many who are suffering from depression can see a reduction of these symptoms with pet ownership. They serve as a forever friend to their owner.
Going hand in hand, they lead to more socialization
When you have a dog, you are bound to meet more dog owners.
#23 The Chihuahua Has Never Won Best In Show
Held annually in New York City, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a conformation show in which purebred dogs are judged based on how well they conform to their respective breed’s standards. Since its first show in 1877, however, the Chihuahua has never won Best in Show — and it’s only won Best in Group once.
The Chihuahua isn’t the only breed to have never won Best in Show. Others include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, dachshund, Shih Tzu, Shetland Sheepdog , and Miniature Schnauzer.
Taking Care Of Your Chihuahua At Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Chihuahuas. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.