The Chihuahua

The Origin of the Chihuahua

There is no general consensus as regards the origin of the Chihuahua. Whereas some people believe that the Chihuahua must have originated from Mexico around the middle of the 19th century in the state of Chihuahua from where it might have got his name, others are of the opinion that the history of this canine breed dates farther back in history. This second opinion suggests that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi. The Techichi is a small companion dog domesticated by Native American tribes during the pre-Columbian period. Even though the Techichi is twice the size of the Chihuahua, the two, however, share a lot of physical features that are hard to dispute Furthermore, there are yet other opinions which, due to archaeological findings, believe that the Chihuahua must have originated from the Aztec, Toltec or the Maya civilizations. Some other opinion further suggests that the Chihuahua is a cross breed between the Techichi and the Chinese Created. There's yet another opinion which links the Chihuahua to the Maltese, a tiny pocket dog believed to originate from the Island of Malta.
Even though its origin is uncertain, what is important is to note that the Chihuahua is part of the toy dog breed, known for their energy, agility and tiny size.

Chihuahua

Physical features.
The Chihuahua typically has a well rounded, apple-like head with a muzzle that is small as compared to the head. A Chihuahua can weigh from 3 to 7 pounds and stands between 6 and 8 inches tall. Chihuahua puppies sometimes have a soft spot on the top of the skull. The bone usually closes as the puppy grows. The trademark ears are usually held erect most of the time, but may flare out at a 45-degree angle when relaxed. Known for their large, round and expressive eyes, Chihuahuas are said to reveal a lot about themselves just by looking into their eyes which are set well apart and very luminous in either a black or ruby color. In a Chihuahua, the nose is often blonde if he has a blonde or light-colored coat. Otherwise, the nose is black, short, and pointed. As a result of the off-square shape of the dog, a Chihuahua's body is longer than it is tall. Males will typically have shorter bodies compared to females. A slightly curved neck slopes into lean shoulders before continuing into a level topline. The Chihuahua's front legs are short, straight, and square, and the back legs are muscular and thin, with tiny, even dainty feet. A Chihuahua's tail is a sickle-shaped tail curled over its back or to the side, just barely touching its back.

Colour of the Chihuahua.

The colors of the Chihuahua can differ depending on whether it has short hair or long hair. The short haired variety is more common. These include sand or blonde, fawn, chestnut, silver, steel blue, black, and tan. Other more rare colors include spotted Chihuahuas.

The personality traits.

In general, chihuahuas are considered to be energetic, loyal, courageous and very protective of their owners. Due to its courageous personality, it is often said that they have the personality of a large dog within the body of a small dog.  He is a master in defending the house and barking at anyone or anything coming towards the door.

Why do Chihuahuas shake?
Chihuahuas shake in a variety of ways for a variety of reasons. There is no simple answer to the question why chihuahuas shake since emotional and physiological reasons can both play a role. One thing is for sure: To help your furry friend stop shaking, you need to identify its underlying causes. Below are some underlying factors that can cause Chihuahuas to shake.

1. High rate of metabolism
As a result of their small stomachs, Chihuahuas have fast metabolic rates, which means they burn calories and lose body heat much more quickly than other dogs. That's why they shake in cold conditions, when excited, or when frightened.
2. Cold weather.
Since Chihuahuas are small and don't have enough body fat to keep them warm during low temperatures, trembling and shaking are the best ways for them to maintain thermal regulation. To help their Chihuahua from the effects of cold weather, owners generally buy warm clothes and provide soft blankets for them.

3. Old age
When your Chihuahua gets old, it is not uncommon for it to tremble without any apparent reason. Luckily, this doesn't happen all the time. However, make sure you visit a Vet regularly to rule out any potential health issues.
4. Excitement.
Whenever Chihuahuas are excited, they often shake and jump. During meal times or when it sees you holding a treat or a leash, the dog may become overly excited. In any case, this attitude is normal and should not cause you any concern.
5. Nervousness.
Chihuahuas who don't have enough socialization shake with trembling when they are around bigger and more energetic dogs. It's their way of showing how traumatized and anxious they are. What is required, therefore, is to give it some kind of mental stimulation through daily physical exercises.
6. Anxiety.
Chihuahuas are one of the dogs that can not stay alone due to their high separation anxiety disorders. Therefore, anytime it notices that you are about to go out without it, it begins to shake and whine while howling about. Moreso, anytime it does something that you disapprove of, it will begin to shake as a way to escape punishment.

Underlying health reasons that cause Chihuahuas to shake

Besides the above mentioned reasons that can be responsible for causing your Chihuahua to shake, there may be some underlying health issues behind it which will be outlined below.

1. Low blood sugar.
As with humans, when their blood sugar level falls, a condition known as hypoglycaemia, Chihuahuas will begin to shake profusely. If you find out that your dog suffers from this condition, supply it with sugared water always.

2. Generalised Tremor Syndrome.
In fact, Chihuahua puppies shake for no apparent reason. Although this condition is also associated with other breeds. No one can tell the real cause of this condition and why a Chihuahua puppy shakes and for no apparent reason.

3. Infection in the ear.
An infection in the ear is one of the main reasons Chihuahuas shake and for which they need veterinary care. The main causes of ear infections can be excessive wax production, moisture in the ears, and allergies. Dogs who suffer from such ear infections will shiver and tilt their heads, rub their ears against a wall or furniture, and scratch their sore ears and may also exhibit unpleasant odor and yellowish discharge.
4. Canine Distemper.
Puppies and adults dogs that have not been vaccinated can suffer from this severe viral infection. Additional symptoms include, Coughing, Eye and nose discharge, Fever and Tremor
5. Epilepsy.
Shaking may be a result of epilepsy or some other neurological disorder. Consult your vet if you notice these symptoms: Drooling or mouth foaming, Muscle twitching, Collapsing and loss of consciousness.
6. Kidney failure.
It is common for Chihuahuas to shiver when their kidneys fail, as well as experiencing a range of other symptoms such as ulcers on the gums, shortness of breath, bloody eyes, weakness, loss of balance, and disorientation, weight loss, ammonia odor.
7. Allergy.
A Chihuahua with an allergic reaction shakes so much. If you see an unusual reaction after feeding him, seek your Vet's help as soon as possible.