Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are tiny little dogs that look solid with a big round head that feature huge round dark eyes with a short pointy nose and alert ears. This is the smallest of all the dog breeds and comes in two different coat types.

The Chihuahua finds its origins in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The Aztecs and Toltecs developed the breed for many purposes, including ceremonial sacrifices. The Mexican state of Chihuahua gave its name to the dog breed.

The Chihuahua is, therefore, quite an ancient breed, whose ancestors were likely the Toltec companion dog breed, the Techichi. Today’s breed combined that dog with some breeds of Chinese dog which came over to the Americas with Spanish traders and colonists. The Chihuahua received its first AKC recognition in 1904.

General Appearance - the smallest dog breed in the world is contained within the tiny form of the Chihuahua, which has a very small body, a big round head featuring big round eyes, triangular ears, and a pointed muzzle. The eyes can be either luminous or dark ruby colored. It should be noted that while Chihuahuas are puppies, they have a spot on their head between their ears that is soft, but the skull does harden with age. The body is not tall, but it is long, ending in a full-length crescent-shaped tail which can either be held to the side or up and over the back of the dog. There are two different kinds of coat: short haired and long haired. Common colors include chestnut, sand, fawn, silver, and steel blue, though any color, including parti-color or black and tan, is acceptable. The dog should look sturdy, solid, and compact.

Typical Temperament - Chihuahuas are bright and aware dogs that can function as terrific watchdogs. They can live in a family, but prefer a single owner with whom they can form a very special bond. They prefer dogs of their own breed.

Grooming - As there are two types of coats, there are also two types of grooming requirements. For the short coated variety, a rubber grooming comb or brush should be carefully run over the dog’s smooth coat every few days to keep it clean and distribute natural oils throughout the coat.

On the other hand, the Chihuahua with the long coat requires a brushing or combing every one to two days to keep it clean and free of knots. The ruff of the coat should also receive an occasional washing to remove bits of food and other dirt that can become lodged there.

Exercise - Though the Chihuahua is small and dainty-seeming, the risk of stumbling over and harming this dog is actually quite small. The first reason for this is that the dog is actually much more sturdy than it appears. The second is that it is actually quite agile as well and it will steer out of the way so that it isn’t kicked or crushed.

It is common to see these dogs carried around in arms or fashionable bags, but they actually do very well walking about on a leash even with their tiny little legs. They have enough energy to keep going and should receive a good walk every day. If this dog isn’t exercised enough, the odds of misbehavior increase dramatically.

It is much better for the Chihuahua to wear a harness instead of a collar when being walked on a leash. Though a collar should be worn for identification purposes, the leash should be attached to a harness as this will not put pressure on the delicate windpipe of the dog.

Chihuahuas also like to run off the leash, so a well fenced in yard that doesn’t have any escape holes will provide a great opportunity for this.

Approximate Food Cost - Depending on many factors including the weight, health, and activity level of the dog, a Chihuahua will eat around ½ cup of average dry dog food every day. Monthly, this should cost around $5 per month.

Like almost all smaller dog breeds, limb problems called subluxating patellas are a risk - likely from continually jumping up and down from furniture. The wind pipe (trachea) of the Chihuahua is also very weak and should be protected from damage by using a harness attached to the leash instead of a collar. Chihuahuas also have a predisposition to cleft palate, eye issues, hypoplasia of the dens (an irregular development in the second vertebrae which can lead to instability of the head), and hydrocephalus (too much water on the brain). Chihuahuas males are at risk of hemophilia, where the blood does not clot properly.

Common Illnesses include: heart valve disorder, pulmonic stenosis, hypoglycemia, shoulder luxation, and hypoplasia of dens.

Living conditions - Due to the tiny size of the dog and the fact that the Chihuahua wants to be around his or her owner all the time, just about any home is perfect for the dog permitted that he or she gets out for a daily walk.

Training - Though the Chihuahua may be willful, it is also an intelligent breed and, with patience and consistency, training can be very successful. Positive reinforcement, used gently, is the most effective technique to use with this breed. Crate training can help in making housetraining much easier on both the dog and the owner. The Chihuahua does also require a great deal of socialization in order to keep dominance problems under control as well as minimizing suspicion of strangers.

Common Problems - The Chihuahua has a very delicate windpipe and should not have a leash connected to its collar. Though tiny, the dog does require exercise on a daily basis, instead of being carried around everywhere all day long. This likely is not a good dog for children or in families with other dogs cats, or other larger pets as it increases the risk of injury to the dogs.

Chihuahuas are a breed that love the one-on-one bond that can be established with a human companion. Each Chihuahua as his or her own very unique personality and will make his or her individual characteristics quite clear from early on.

The Chihuahua, though very small, is also very graceful, bubbly, and full of energy. They feel emotions quite strongly and show them very clearly in their human-like facial expressions.

These are not high maintenance dogs, with easy grooming and a very basic amount of daily exercise required. The bath every one to two months is likely the largest regular event in the care of a Chihuahua.

Keep in mind that this is an exceptionally long-lived breed, so if you are getting a Chihuahua, you may have a new family member for up to two decades. This is not a short-term commitment, living longer than most breeds.

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Chinese Shar Pei

The Chinese Shar Pei, commonly known as the Shar Pei, is an ancient breed of dog that originated 2,000 years ago in China. He has a very distinct appearance, as his face and body are covered in deep wrinkles, and he has a rather unique hippopotamus-like head shape.

Shar Peis are independent canines who have a strong bond with their family and can develop unwavering loyalty to their owner. He is intelligent, confident, dignified, sensible and always ready for anything. He is very protective of his home and is wary and cautious of outsiders, making him a very good watchdog, guard dog, and a brave companion.

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRADogs – 55 - 65 lbs. (25 - 30 kg.)
Bitches – 40 - 55 lbs (18 - 25 kg)Dogs - 18 - 20 in. (46 - 51 cm)
Bitches – 18 - 20 in. (46 - 51 cm)12 years (average of 9 - 15 years)

The Chinese Shar Pei is an ancient Chinese dog that is believed to have existed since as far back as 206 BC. Though their ancestry is uncertain, some researchers think that the breed may be a descendant of the Chow Chow, but the only obvious link between the two breeds is their purple tongue. The name "Shar Pei" means sandy coat. The Chinese believed that the wrinkles and black pigmented scowling mouth of the dog would scare off evil spirits.

Originally, these pooches were used as farm dogs for multipurpose work, including tracking, hunting, ratting, herding, protecting live stock, as well as to guard the family and home. They were sometimes used in dog fighting events as their prickly coat gave them a good advantage.

Though they were a popular breed in China for many years, their population dramatically declined during the Communist Revolution. In an effort to save the bred, Matgo Law, a Hong Kong business man, introduced the breed to the United States, and there was plenty of interest in the Shar Pei. It was not long before this canine became a favorite among American dog lovers. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.

General Appearance - Shar Peis are medium sized dogs. They feature a square profile and have a broad and flat head that has a hippopotamus shape to it. They have a padded, full and wide muzzle with a moderate stop. Their tongues are a blue-black (or purple) color. Their eyes are dark (sometimes lighter if the coat is a diluted color), almond-shaped, small and sunken. Their ears are set high, are very small and slightly rounded at the tips, giving them a triangular look. The tail has a thick base and tapers to a slim point, and is carried incredibly high.

The skin on the body of the Shar Pei is very wrinkly when they are puppies, but they lose many of their wrinkles as they age. Adult Shar Peis may be heavily wrinkled with large heads, or may have tighter skin with very few crinkles and smaller heads.

The Shar Pei has three coat varieties - Horse Coat, Brush Coat and a Bear Coat (very rare and not recognized by the AKC). The coat is very harsh and rough to the touch. The fur is completely straight and off standing and does not exceed 1 inch. The Horse Coat is the shortest and feels rather prickly, while the Brush Coat hair is slightly longer and feels smoother. The Bear Coat consists of an undercoat and topcoat that is longer than 1 inch. Shar Pei coats can be all solid colors and sables. Solid color dogs may have darker shading on their ears and down their back, and may have a dark muzzle.

Typical Temperament - Shar Peis are brave, intelligent, dignified, regal and alert. They are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, highly protective of their family and home. They are slightly standoffish and reserved with strangers, but should not be naturally aggressive towards people. He is very devoted to his pack, enjoys their company, but is also independent.

This breed can be very good with children if they are properly socialized with kids at a young age. The same is true of cats. However, this pooch does not always get along well with other dogs and can be very aggressive towards his fellow canines. In many situations the compatibility with other pets is dependant on the individual dog. Nevertheless, early socialization, obedience training, and a confident owner is key to the overall success of a Shar Pei achieving a good temperament.

Grooming - A naturally clean dog, the Shar-Pei should be brushed daily to move natural oils through the coat to help keep it shiny, healthy and free of excess hair and dirt. Their coat does not require trimming and sheds very little year round. They should only be bathed every few months to avoid drying out the skin.

The folds of the skin on the face and body need to be cleaned on a regular basis and should be checked and wiped with a damp wash cloth to remove any dirt to prevent infection. Wrinkles should also be kept dry to avoid trapped moisture, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, eyes should be checked everyday for discharge, nails need to be trimmed on a monthly basis and teeth brushed every few days.

Exercise - Shar Peis require a minimum of a daily walk that is 10 -20 minutes long. They will happily engage in just about any form of exercise and should be given the freedom to run off leash whenever possible. This breed does not like water and will not typically enjoy swimming. They are also sensitive to heat and should not be over-exercised in extreme temperatures.

Approximate Food Cost - The Shar Pei will, on average, eat about 3 to 3 ½ cups of regular dry dog food every day, depending on the recommendation of the veterinarian who will take into account weight, age, activity level, health, and other elements of the dog’s condition. On a monthly basis, this quantity of food should cost around $25 to $30, depending on the brand of dog food and the store at which it is purchased.

The Shar Pei is prone to certain illnesses including eye problems (i.e. entropion), skin issues, hip dysplasia and kidney failure (renal amlyoidosis), which can cause fever, as well as swollen hocks syndrome. It is important to note that while many people are under the impression that Shar Peis are prone to skin problems because of their winkles, this is not always true. In fact, in most cases, dogs that have skin issues have developed them due to a hereditary condition. Thus, it is important that you obtain your pet from a reputable breeder who tests for genetic illnesses and breeds healthy lines.

Common Illnesses include: Entropion, skin problems, heat sensitivity, hip dysplasia and renal amlyoidosis.

Living conditions - The Shar-Pei is relatively active indoors and does not need a yard to be happy, as long as he is sufficiently exercised and taken on a daily walk. Therefore, this breed is suitable to apartment living when provided with the necessary exercise and the occasional freedom to run around off lead in a safe environment.

Note: remember that he is sensitive to hot temperatures (wrinkles can hold in heat) and needs to be provided with cool shaded areas and water when outdoors.

Training - A very smart dog, the Chinese Shar Pei needs a confident handler. Owners cannot be perceived by the dog to be inconsistent, uncertain, meek or mild, or their pet will attempt to take over the role as leader of the pack, which can lead to many behavioral problems. This pooch responds well to firm and consistent training, and needs to be clearly shown his place in your pack. He is a very independent breed and can be bold and stubborn if not given clear instructions. He must be well socialized as a puppy and provided with solid obedience training. Shar Peis excel at conformation, obedience, tracking and agility.

Common Problems - The Shar Pei has a strong personality and a stubborn protective nature. Owners who do not know how to treat the breed will find themselves with a very bossy pet that will attempt to rule his family. Socialization, obedience and a daily walk is a must to help prevent negative behavioral issues from developing. Some Shar Peis are prone to slobbering.

A noble, bold and often stubborn breed of dog, the Shar Pei is not a mild canine. He is intelligent, alert and incredibly loyal to his family. His wrinkles must be well looked after. He requires a strong and self-assured owner who knows how to handle him, and provide him with the training and socialization he needs to develop into the beautiful dog that has managed to survive for thousands of years.

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