Millie: The smallest dog in the world and its 49 clones

What is it called: Chihuahua. |Country of origin: Mexico.

Height: up to 23 cm at the withers.| Weight: from 0.9 to 2.7 kg.

Mischievous big eyes, large pointed ears, irrepressible energy and a pronounced ego, tens of times larger than the size of a miniature body - these are the main features of the smallest dog breed in the world.

The miniature size of the animal allows you to take them with you to shopping, social parties, and travel. They feel ideal in the owner's pocket or hands, as well as in a bag for pets, and tolerate flights and long trips well. This explains their popularity among cinema and pop stars.

Demanding and brave little Chihuahuas are now at the peak of popularity among pets. However, when buying them, people often pay attention only to the touching appearance, without learning anything about their needs and temperament.

History of the ancient breed

The Chihuahua was named after the Mexican state of the same name, where these tiny dogs were discovered in 1850. Their ancestor was the ancient Techichi breed, domesticated by the Indian Toltec people. According to research, Techichi were slightly larger than modern Chihuahuas, had a strong skeleton and long, thick hair.

After the conquest of the Toltecs by the Aztecs, small dogs were equated with holy creatures. They were credited with supernatural power, so they were used in religious ceremonies to atone for sins. Also, these animals were often buried along with people, so that they would become a guide for the deceased person in the kingdom of the dead.

The modern appearance of the Chihuahua was obtained after crossing Techichi with Chinese hairless dogs, which came to the continent via a land bridge in the place of the current Bering Strait. In 1904, the Chihuahua breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club.

Characteristics

The dogs have a confident gait, with a wide stride and a strong lunge. Pets push off the ground powerfully. The dog's head is always raised and looks in the direction the movement is directed. The Chihuahua walks confidently, freely, and elegantly.

Dogs quickly adapt to changing conditions, are undemanding in everyday life and are able to ignore minor inconveniences. Pets are psychologically stable, especially when compared with other miniature dogs.

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Appearance of miniature dogs

The Chihuahua is the smallest officially registered dog breed. Its weight is in the range of 0.9–2.7 kg , this weight can be exceeded by up to 3 kg. The average height of a Chihuahua at the withers is 12–13 cm. Moreover, the length of the body is slightly greater than the height of the animal.

The dog's body is graceful and sinewy. A specific feature of the breed is its apple-shaped head with pronounced eyes and ears. When a Chihuahua is alarmed, its ears point up, and when at rest, they point out to the sides at an angle of 45º.

The muzzle is moderately short, with an even or scissor bite. The neck of this breed is weakly defined, so it blends smoothly into the body. The chest, with rounded ribs, when viewed from the side, should reach the elbows. The tail is of medium length and has the shape of a sickle or hook with an obligatory slope towards the back.

According to the type of fur, Chihuahuas can be smooth-haired or long-haired. Smooth-haired individuals have a short and shiny coat that fits tightly to the body. The fur on the head and ears is much shorter than on the rest of the body. The presence of a receding hairline is unacceptable according to the breed standard and indicates serious health problems. Long-haired dogs boast beautiful straight or wavy hair. Thanks to her, Chihuahuas have a chic collar and a touching feather tail. There is no standard for the color of dogs, so they come in both solid colors and different patterns.

Classifications

Miniature Chihuahuas come in two sizes:

1. Mini Chihuahua. These dogs are slightly smaller in size than standard Chihuahuas. Height is usually 14 - 17 cm, and weight is from 1 to 1.5 kg.
2. Super - mini Chihuahua (micro). Their height at the withers is no more than 14 cm, and their weight should be from 0.5 to 1 kg.

According to the breed standard, Chihuahuas are not classified by size. There are no mini or, especially, super-mini as officially recognized breed varieties.

Unofficially, the division of Chihuahuas into mini and super-mini is dictated by the fact that this classification is convenient for both breeders and potential buyers.

Temperament of the smallest breed

Active and playful Chihuahuas are constantly on the move. To attract attention to their person or warn of danger, they bark loudly. These tiny brave animals are ready to the last to defend themselves and their owner from any attacks.

But quite often, due to flaws in upbringing, some individuals grow up impudent, arrogant and grumpy. Not receiving enough love and care, animals become nervous and provoke constant conflicts with surrounding people and animals.

At the genetic level, the breed has a wary attitude towards all strangers. The reason for this was the fact that for a whole century people had been catching dogs for food. To survive, Chihuahuas hid in holes and learned to use their small, sharp teeth.

Fans of the smallest dog breed in the world value them for their loyalty, boundless love, intelligence, curiosity and cheerful disposition. Animals always strive to be the center of attention and really do not like to be left alone. Therefore, think twice before buying a fashionable dog, whether you can devote enough time to him.

Training

The mini Chihuahua does not require any special training methods. But it is necessary to start raising her from childhood. She needs to be taught some behavioral points:

• Teach your dog not to climb on furniture, chew or spoil things.
• Teach him to be restrained and more obedient so that the pet does not rush to fiercely defend the owner.
• Teach your dog the basic commands “no”, “fu”, “stop”, this will help him not to run away and be less pugnacious. But any command will require many repetitions.

Chihuahua health

Cute Chihuahuas are long-lived breeds that often reach 16-18 years of age. However, some genetic characteristics of pets lead to a number of health problems.

Due to the short length of the Chihuahua's muzzle, it is susceptible to trocheal diseases. Brittle bones and joints become a prerequisite for hip or patella dislocations and multiple fractures. Animals are also susceptible to dental and gum diseases, eye infections and heart disease. Some individuals are born with a soft fontanelle that does not close completely throughout their lives. Therefore, a blow to this area can be fatal to the animal.

To preserve the baby’s health, do not allow them to jump off high furniture or your hands on their own to prevent dislocations and fractures. For the same reason, protect the Chihuahua from playing with small children, and prohibit the dog from staying in the owner's bed at night.

When very excited or stressed, the Chihuahua begins to tremble. This is not at all an indicator of illness. It’s just that a miniature animal has a higher metabolic rate, so heat loss during nervous tension occurs faster than in large dogs. To maintain body temperature at the desired level, the animal replenishes lost heat by shivering.

What risks exist when buying and how to choose a puppy

When buying a baby, it is difficult to guess how much it will weigh in the future, and this is fraught with external deviations from the standard. It is recommended to purchase an animal 4–5 months old and ask the breeder for documents indicating this parameter. Remember that mini dogs live shorter than standard dogs.

Do not believe that puppies from champion parents will necessarily turn out to be the same. Purchasing a pet at a low price means buying an animal with deviations from the standard and diseases. It’s a good idea to take your own scales so you don’t buy an underweight dog, like a supermini. Study the external characteristics of the breed so as not to get a low-quality baby.

Features of care

Despite its miniature size, the Chihuahua needs regular daily walks. This is a good way to keep the animal in good shape. In order not to injure the dog, it is better to use not a simple collar with a leash, but special harnesses. In cold climates, you need to take care of insulating the baby before going outside. Fortunately, it is now easy to get clothes for Chihuahuas of any style.

It is recommended to feed these small dogs a small amount of food twice a day. The presence of human food in their diet is highly undesirable. The ideal choice would be special balanced food for tiny breeds. Provide your pet with constant access to water; it is no less important than proper nutrition.

Chihuahua fur care is minimal. For short-haired dogs, it is enough to brush them once a week with a soft brush or wipe with a damp cloth. Long-haired babies need daily combing of their fur coat to prevent the appearance of tangles. Animals need to be bathed once every 4-6 weeks.

To prevent problems with ears, you should clean them of wax and protect them from water. Systematic trimming of nails will help prevent overgrowth and cracks in them. Keep in mind that a Chihuahua's nail has a blood vessel running through it, so don't cut it too short to avoid bleeding.

For the health of small teeth, you need to buy soft and medium-hard chewing toys for your pet. This will help strengthen the gums and remove tartar. By the way, if you decide to save money on purchasing such a toy, be prepared for the fact that the animal will begin to sharpen its teeth on your valuables.

Brussels Griffon

Weight: 3-6 kg Height: 14-20 cm Life expectancy: 12-14 years Puppy cost: from 10,000 rubles

A small dog with a bright appearance. He likes to consider himself the master of the house, but deep down he is a soft and good-natured animal that needs care and attention. He will not forgive a rude and mocking attitude towards himself.

The breed was developed in Brussels (Belgium) about 200 years ago, as the name suggests. The current appearance is the result of selection work on crossing with a pug, English toy spaniel, and German terrier. Griffons were originally bred as terriers that were kept in stables to control rodents. However, today griffons make attractive pets.

Brussels Griffon dogs are usually about 14-20 cm tall and weigh 3-6 kg. There are two types of wool: hard and smooth. Small selection of colors. The coat needs to be brushed at least 2 times a week. Due to their dense coat, they have difficulty withstanding high temperatures.

By temperament they can be cocky, mischievous, active, reserved, shy. They love to play, dig up the ground and spend time with their owner. Lack of attention is shown by hooligan actions. An overturned trash can, torn toilet paper and laundry scattered throughout the apartment will remind the owner of the little mischief-maker.

Dogs are smart, but prone to stubbornness. Training will be a real test for the owner, but the “carrot” method works flawlessly. They will make worthy competition in sports and intellectual dog competitions. In relationships with other animals they prefer to occupy a dominant position.

Potential outdoor hazards

Due to its miniature size and low weight, the Chihuahua is an easy prey for birds of prey. Therefore, you should not leave your pet unattended in the open air, even in the backyard of your own home.

The indomitable spirit of the Chihuahua is also sometimes dangerous. Their courage, bordering on recklessness, encourages them to get involved in fights with large and strong dogs that can injure and even kill their pet. To prevent this situation, walk your dog on a harness and pick it up when large animals appear.

How do Chihuahuas behave at home?

Funny Chihuahuas are great for older couples or single people. The pet's boundless devotion to its owner sometimes becomes a problem when small children appear in the family. Chihuahuas are very jealous and painfully tolerate a decrease in attention to their own person. They become nervous and the animal may begin to deliberately commit mischief in retaliation for the owner’s indifference. Also, Chihuahuas will not tolerate bullying from a child and will respond to insults with bites. Therefore, it is important to monitor the play of young children with a pet.

In order for a dog to have a gentle disposition and be calmer towards guests at home, you need to slightly expand its social circle from childhood. Moreover, it should include both strangers and animals.

The smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua. Puppies.

The Chihuahua never ceases to amaze its owners with its mischievous and playful disposition. Don't be surprised if, leaving your pet alone, he decorates the whole house with an unwound roll of toilet paper or makes confetti from leftover newspapers.

Dogs are highly trainable due to their high intelligence. But it is important in the learning process to use not carrots and sticks, but only incentives. Then the animal will not get angry and will learn the basics of behavior and commands much better.

Initially, it is necessary for the animal to strictly outline the boundaries of what is permitted and adhere to these limits. Since Chihuahuas are skilled manipulators, they will seek immediate fulfillment of all their whims. And if you follow their lead several times, your pet’s whims will become a constant problem.

Dogs get along well with representatives of their breed. But getting used to other animals takes a long time and is painful. If you already have a pet, most likely, taking a tiny Chihuahua into your home is not the best decision.

Success, popularity, behavior and character of the dog

Millie is very active, so the owner watches her very closely. Her fragile small bones may not withstand heavy loads and break, so she needs close monitoring and attention.

Tiny Chihuahua Millie enjoys her success and popularity. She takes part in advertising campaigns for dog clothing brands, and the proceeds from the dog go to support animal shelters.

Interesting Facts:

• The title of the smallest dog breed in the world is also supported by the smallest representative of the same breed. Baby Millie weighs 450g and is only 9.65cm tall.
• In proportion to total body volume, the Chihuahua has the largest brain of any dog.
• Tiny animals, due to their short muzzles, tend to make funny sounds such as sneezing, grunting and snoring.
• The largest litter of this breed consisted of 12 puppies.
• Christopher Columbus, in his letters to the Spanish king, mentioned unusual small dogs discovered on the shores of modern Cuba. The main feature of the Techichi breed was their muteness.
• The Aztecs used animals in their rituals depending on their color. Blue dogs were untouchable, and red dogs were used as sacrifices to the gods.
• For some time, dogs were used for medical purposes as a heating pad.
• Representatives of the Chihuahua breed first left South America as a souvenir of a trip to Mexico.
• In these dogs, the color of the nose depends on the color of the coat. So the nose can be black, chocolate, blue and even pink in blond individuals.
• "Chi" means dog in the Mayan language.
• At birth, their cubs weigh from 85 to 170 grams.
• The smallest police dog in the world, named Metis, is also a representative of this breed. Weighing 3kg, she works valiantly to find drugs from criminals.
• There can be both long-haired and short-haired pets in one litter.
• This breed came to Russia in 1959 as a gift from Fidel Castro to Nikita Khrushchev.
• Chihuahuas have proven themselves to be excellent actors. A separate film, “Chihuahua from Beverly Hills,” was even made about their life. .

Temperament

Although this is a decorative breed, it is still an accessory. Few dogs are so attached to their owners.

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The nature of the reaction to a stranger depends entirely on the temperament of the particular dog; the majority, of course, will greet him with noisy barking.

Reviews

1. “I thought for a long time about purchasing a Chihuahua. Or rather, I decided on the breed right away, but it was the opinions of others that stopped me. Like, useless, evil, always barking. I made my decision a year ago and I don’t regret it one bit. My girl is very homely, affectionate, and loves to soak up the sofa with me. On average, the breed has no more problems caring for than other pets. I recommend it to anyone who still doubts.”
2. “I’m happy with my pet, he’s sociable, interesting, and takes up almost no space. Our Chihuahua Max is smooth-haired, specially chosen so that he sheds less. In vain. If you don't brush your dog regularly, you'll get prickly, hard hairs everywhere. Removing them from the sofa and carpet is somewhat difficult. Otherwise there are no complaints."
3. “We were unlucky with the dog. We bought a puppy, but six months later we gave the pet away to good hands for free. A very vocal dog was caught. He barked at the sounds from the entrance, a car passing under the window, dogs barking in the distance. The Chihuahua also whined often. If noise doesn’t bother you, then this option is quite suitable.”

Nutrition

Chihuahuas eat little, so feeding the dogs is easy and inexpensive. A balanced diet is necessary, otherwise the pet will get sick.

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From 7 months, puppies are switched to two meals a day. Until this age, pets are given food 4-5 times a day in small portions, gradually reducing the number of feedings and increasing their volume.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Healthy foods for a mini dog are: eggs, rice and buckwheat porridge, boiled and fresh vegetables, fruits, sea fish, veal, chicken. Fried and smoked foods, fatty meats, sweets, flour products, and pickles should be avoided in the diet.