Pet Guide - Chihuahua
To anyone who hasn’t owned a chihuahua, they can all look alike. But there are several distinct and defined varieties. They are very different and have specific markers that can make them easy to pick out. The reason this is important is that all different types of chihuahuas have different physical appearances. Some might have longer hair, while others might have a rounder, shorter head. It can also have a major effect on health, and as a family pet, that’s something that should be a major consideration.
Smooth Coat Chihuahua
This breed is defined by their short, smooth coat. Shocking, I know. Because it’s got such short, easy to control hair, it sheds less than longer coated breeds and requires less grooming and combing.
However, even short haired chihuahuas can shed quite a lot. So, for people with fur allergies, this is not a recommended breed.
If you’re looking for a lower maintenance breed, which requires less grooming and perhaps less bathing, this is a good choice. Smooth coated Chihuahuas come in various colors and come in both deer-headed and apple-headed varieties.
Long Coat Chihuahua
With longer, velvety hair that’s smooth to the touch as well as beautiful to look at, long coat Chihuahuas are a striking breed with a distinctive appearance.
Obviously, they have longer hair than smooth coat Chihuahuas’, and because of this, they require a whole lot more grooming. Daily brushing is probably necessary, and the occasional trim and more frequent baths are standard across this breed.
It’s no surprise that long coated Chihuahuas are a regular choice for competing in dog shows, especially once you realize that their coat can take anywhere up to three years to grow in completely. This breed also comes in apple headed and deer headed varieties.
General Factors That Affect the Temperament of a Chihuahua
There are a few things to consider about general temperament of a Chihuahua, too. Most of these things are concerned with the way the dog is raised, rather than anything gender based. However, it’s still an important consideration, especially if you’re worried about the temperament of your dog.
Every dog, like every person, has the potential for positive and negative personality traits. If a dog is treated badly, expect them to become anxious or aggressive. Also, if a dog is treated well, with a loving family and stable environment, then expect them to be calm and loving.
Chihuahua Colours
Apple Heads
Deer Heads
Besides coming in two coat types, Chihuahuas are found in a range of colors and markings. They can be solid colors such as black, white, fawn, chocolate, gray, and silver as well as tricolor (chocolate, black, or blue with tan and white, for instance), brindle, spotted, merle and a variety of other markings. Shades can be very pale to very dark for all the colors.
Unsurprisingly, this dog gets its name from its head, which is shaped like an apple.
When you imagine a chihuahua, this is probably what comes to mind. They have a round head, large against the body, with wide eyes and a smaller muzzle.
Unfortunately, because of the breeding methods used in the past, dogs of this type can suffer from hydrocephalus, or fluid on the brain. If you’re looking to purchase an apple headed chihuahua, it’s best to check if this condition runs in the family.
Slightly less usual, deer headed chihuahuas have longer, narrower heads with a longer snout. Deer headed chihuahuas also tend to be longer limbed, possibly paired with a longer body.
In almost all kennel clubs and dog societies, deer headed chihuahuas aren’t accepted as true breeds. However, they have far fewer health problems than apple headed breeds, which makes them much better pets, especially if you have children and other dogs.
Fawn Chihuahua
You might also hear about fawn Chihuahuas. This isn’t a specific type of Chihuahua or a different breed. It’s simply a chihuahua that’s colored fawn.
Fawn is a color that you can see a lot amongst chihuahuas and there’s a large variety even amongst this coat coloring. So, if you hear someone talk about fawn Chihuahua, they’re talking about its coat.
Temperament
You’ve made up your mind. You’ve got your heart set on an adorable Chihuahua. But now you’ve got to make the last important decision. Do you get a boy or a girl?
See, unlike a lot of breeds, there’s actually a pretty big difference when you’re talking about the difference in Chihuahua temperament male vs female. So knowing what you’re getting, especially with such a characterful and strong-willed breed, is essential.
Lifespan:
10 -12 Years
Pet Guide - Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are extremely friendly dogs who get along with pretty much everyone – from kids to seniors and even cats. Though they do often show their excitement by jumping up on those they find interesting, so it’s important to train them early.
With their outgoing nature, it’s very important to socialize your Golden Retriever and keep them occupied. A bored dog can be a scary thing, and your furry friend will let you know by chewing up shoes, furniture – even drywall!
Golden Retrievers are known for being as powerful and hardworking as they are loyal and sweet. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't heard of this breed, but here's what you may not know: There are actually three different kinds of Golden Retrievers. Though the differences are slight, here's what makes Canadian, British, and American Golden Retrievers distinct from one another.
Golden, light golden, and dark golden -- as well as three different types -- English, Canadian, and American. There are subtle differences between the types of Goldens, but they all fall under the same breed.
Canadian and American Golden Retrievers tend to have the same build; however, Canadians have a thinner coat than the Americans. English Golden Retrievers have a stockier build than the other types, and also tend to have a light golden to white color. To get an idea of what color coat your Golden Retriever puppy will have when it matures, take a look at its ears. The tip of the ears usually show what color the pup will be after they lose their puppy coat. No matter which type of Golden you have, they'll have an even, enjoyable temperament. Goldens are renowned for their calm, playful, and friendly disposition.
Golden Retrievers are easy to train, and they perform reliably and consistently. That's what makes them such popular guide dogs, and it's also what led the breed to take first in AKC obedience trials when they were introduced in 1977.
It's not all fame and fortune for these pets. Many Golden Retrievers work as search and rescue dogs. Their tracking abilities and strong sense of smell help them find missing people.