| The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named for the Chihuahua State in Mexico. |
The Molera
| Copyright © 2005-2012 BK's Chihuahuas. All rights reserved. |
A molera is a "hole" in a Chihuahua's head; it is the same as a fontanelle in human babies.
Historically, the Chihuahua as developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a "hole in the
head". In times past, this has been accepted as a mark of purity for this dog breed, and it is still
mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over. The bones of the head in all foetuses
are not firmly knitted together, but in most mammals, the different bones of the skull join with
cartilaginous sutures as the animal matures. The Chihuahuas' moleras vary in size and shape,
occurring on the top of the head where the parietal and frontal bones come together.
The simple fact that a Chihuahua has a domed head with an open molera does not predispose it to
hydrocephalus as found by a study done by Greene and Braund in 1989, which concluded that "Many
clinically normal toy breeds and brachycephalic (short faced) breeds also may have open fontanelles
without associated hydrocephalus." Also, "There did not appear to be any relationship between the
presence or size of the fontanelle and the concomitant presence of hydrocephalus." When the dog
seems normal but displays enlarged ventricles of the brain (under ultrasound), its hydrocephalus is
termed "occult" (having no clinical signs).
Historically, the Chihuahua as developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a "hole in the
head". In times past, this has been accepted as a mark of purity for this dog breed, and it is still
mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over. The bones of the head in all foetuses
are not firmly knitted together, but in most mammals, the different bones of the skull join with
cartilaginous sutures as the animal matures. The Chihuahuas' moleras vary in size and shape,
occurring on the top of the head where the parietal and frontal bones come together.
The simple fact that a Chihuahua has a domed head with an open molera does not predispose it to
hydrocephalus as found by a study done by Greene and Braund in 1989, which concluded that "Many
clinically normal toy breeds and brachycephalic (short faced) breeds also may have open fontanelles
without associated hydrocephalus." Also, "There did not appear to be any relationship between the
presence or size of the fontanelle and the concomitant presence of hydrocephalus." When the dog
seems normal but displays enlarged ventricles of the brain (under ultrasound), its hydrocephalus is
termed "occult" (having no clinical signs).
| Chihuahua Health & Temperament |
This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas
are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure
disorders.
Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are also prone to the sometimes painful condition known as patella
luxation and collapsing trachea.
Another genetic abnormality in Chihuahuas and toy breeds is hydrocephalus, or water on the brain.
This condition surfaces in young puppies and often results in the death of a puppy by the time that it
reaches six months of age. It is thought that this disease is often diagnosed by the pup having an
abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more
noticeable (since "a large head" is such a broad description). Chihuahua puppies exhibiting
hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically are lethargic
and do not grow at the same pace as their siblings. A true case of hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by a
veterinarian, though the prognosis is grim.
Chihuahuas are also known for their moleras, a soft spot in their skulls. Chihuahuas are the only
breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs
to be taken during the first six months until the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are not
familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus. The
Chihuahua Club of America has issued a statement regarding this often deadly misdiagnosis.
Chihuahuas can also be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Left unattended, hypoglycemia
can lead to coma. Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding
eyes and their relatively low ground clearance. Chihuahuas also have a tendency to tremble but this is
not a health issue, rather it takes place when the dog is stressed or excited. One reason for this may
because small dogs have a higher metabolism than larger dogs and therefore dissipate heat faster.
Although figures often vary, as with any breed, the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately
8 to 18 years of age.
are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure
disorders.
Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are also prone to the sometimes painful condition known as patella
luxation and collapsing trachea.
Another genetic abnormality in Chihuahuas and toy breeds is hydrocephalus, or water on the brain.
This condition surfaces in young puppies and often results in the death of a puppy by the time that it
reaches six months of age. It is thought that this disease is often diagnosed by the pup having an
abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more
noticeable (since "a large head" is such a broad description). Chihuahua puppies exhibiting
hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically are lethargic
and do not grow at the same pace as their siblings. A true case of hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by a
veterinarian, though the prognosis is grim.
Chihuahuas are also known for their moleras, a soft spot in their skulls. Chihuahuas are the only
breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs
to be taken during the first six months until the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are not
familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus. The
Chihuahua Club of America has issued a statement regarding this often deadly misdiagnosis.
Chihuahuas can also be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Left unattended, hypoglycemia
can lead to coma. Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding
eyes and their relatively low ground clearance. Chihuahuas also have a tendency to tremble but this is
not a health issue, rather it takes place when the dog is stressed or excited. One reason for this may
because small dogs have a higher metabolism than larger dogs and therefore dissipate heat faster.
Although figures often vary, as with any breed, the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately
8 to 18 years of age.
Health
Nutrition
Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care must be taken to provide them with adequate
nutrition. At the same time, care must be exercised not to overfeed this tiny breed. Overweight
Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.
nutrition. At the same time, care must be exercised not to overfeed this tiny breed. Overweight
Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.
Famous Chihuhauas
□ Bruiser (real name: Moonie), Elle Woods' companion in the Legally Blonde movies.
□ Coco, pet of Cesar Millan, actor/dog behaviorist of "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic
Channel.
□ Gidget, the Taco Bell mascot.
□ Lou, a chihuahua featured on the television show The Soup.
□ Martini, Sharon Osbourne's chihuahua.
□ Miyu, the chihuahua who is taken everywhere by Shinya, drummer of the Japanese band Dir en
grey.
□ Pancho, the "heart-broken" dog of the Fullers in the movie Big Momma's House 2.
□ Pepito, Xavier Cugat's chihuahua immortalized in the children's book Pepito the Little Dancing Dog:
The Story of Xavier Cugat's Chihuahua.
□ Ren Höek, of Ren and Stimpy fame.
□ Madame Shirley the Medium is an old-fortune teller chihuahua featured in a TV Show Cartoon,
Courage the Cowardly Dog.
□ Shisshin, ending in Absolute Boy.
□ The Spooky Chihuahua from Invader Zim.
□ Taquito, the University of Puerto Rico's School of Medicine volleyball mascot.
□ Tinkerbell Hilton and Bambi, companions of Paris Hilton. Tinkerbell is the "author" of "Tinkerbell
Hilton Diaries".
□ Tito from Oliver & Company.
□ Wheely Willy, a motivational "speaker".
□ Coco, pet of Cesar Millan, actor/dog behaviorist of "The Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic
Channel.
□ Gidget, the Taco Bell mascot.
□ Lou, a chihuahua featured on the television show The Soup.
□ Martini, Sharon Osbourne's chihuahua.
□ Miyu, the chihuahua who is taken everywhere by Shinya, drummer of the Japanese band Dir en
grey.
□ Pancho, the "heart-broken" dog of the Fullers in the movie Big Momma's House 2.
□ Pepito, Xavier Cugat's chihuahua immortalized in the children's book Pepito the Little Dancing Dog:
The Story of Xavier Cugat's Chihuahua.
□ Ren Höek, of Ren and Stimpy fame.
□ Madame Shirley the Medium is an old-fortune teller chihuahua featured in a TV Show Cartoon,
Courage the Cowardly Dog.
□ Shisshin, ending in Absolute Boy.
□ The Spooky Chihuahua from Invader Zim.
□ Taquito, the University of Puerto Rico's School of Medicine volleyball mascot.
□ Tinkerbell Hilton and Bambi, companions of Paris Hilton. Tinkerbell is the "author" of "Tinkerbell
Hilton Diaries".
□ Tito from Oliver & Company.
□ Wheely Willy, a motivational "speaker".
Appearance
Chihuahuas are best known for their large eyes; small size; and large, erect ears. The AKC (American
Kennel Club) recognizes two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat. Many
long-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair, but other long coats have a very dense, thick coat. Breed
standards for this dog do not generally specify a height, only a weight and a description of their
overall proportions. As a result, height varies more than within many other breeds. Generally, the
height ranges between six and ten inches at the withers. However, some dogs grow as tall as twelve to
fifteen inches. AKC show dogs must weigh no more than six lb (2.7 kg); the FCI standard calls for dogs
ideally between 1.5 and three kg (3.3 to 6.6 lb), although smaller ones are acceptable in the show ring.
However, pet-quality Chihuahuas (that is, those bred or purchased as companions rather than show
dogs) can, and do, range above these weights, to ten pounds or even more if they have large bone
structures or are allowed to become overweight. This does not mean they are not purebred
Chihuahuas, it only means that they do not meet the requirements to enter a conformation show.
Oversize Chihuahuas are seen in some of the best, and worst, bloodlines.
The AKC Chihuahua standard lists under color: "Any color-Solid, marked or splashed". This allows for
all colors from solid blacks to solid whites, spotted, or a variety of other colors and patterns. A few
examples are Fawn, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Blue, and Black. Patterns include Sable, Irish spotting,
Piebald spotting, Extreme white spotting, Brindle, Masks, Merle, and Tan points, all with or with out
white markings. Chihuahua colors can get complicated due to the vast number of possibilities.
Examples would be a Blue Brindle or a Chocolate and Tan. Colors and patterns can combine and effect
each other for an almost infinite rainbow of possibilities. That said, the classic Chihuahua color
remains Fawn. No color or pattern is considered rare or more valuable than the others, it is all just a
matter of personal preferences.
Kennel Club) recognizes two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat. Many
long-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair, but other long coats have a very dense, thick coat. Breed
standards for this dog do not generally specify a height, only a weight and a description of their
overall proportions. As a result, height varies more than within many other breeds. Generally, the
height ranges between six and ten inches at the withers. However, some dogs grow as tall as twelve to
fifteen inches. AKC show dogs must weigh no more than six lb (2.7 kg); the FCI standard calls for dogs
ideally between 1.5 and three kg (3.3 to 6.6 lb), although smaller ones are acceptable in the show ring.
However, pet-quality Chihuahuas (that is, those bred or purchased as companions rather than show
dogs) can, and do, range above these weights, to ten pounds or even more if they have large bone
structures or are allowed to become overweight. This does not mean they are not purebred
Chihuahuas, it only means that they do not meet the requirements to enter a conformation show.
Oversize Chihuahuas are seen in some of the best, and worst, bloodlines.
The AKC Chihuahua standard lists under color: "Any color-Solid, marked or splashed". This allows for
all colors from solid blacks to solid whites, spotted, or a variety of other colors and patterns. A few
examples are Fawn, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Blue, and Black. Patterns include Sable, Irish spotting,
Piebald spotting, Extreme white spotting, Brindle, Masks, Merle, and Tan points, all with or with out
white markings. Chihuahua colors can get complicated due to the vast number of possibilities.
Examples would be a Blue Brindle or a Chocolate and Tan. Colors and patterns can combine and effect
each other for an almost infinite rainbow of possibilities. That said, the classic Chihuahua color
remains Fawn. No color or pattern is considered rare or more valuable than the others, it is all just a
matter of personal preferences.
Temperament
Chihuahuas are prized for their devotion, ferocity and personality. Their curious nature and small
size make them easily adaptable to a variety of environments, including the city and small
apartments. Chihuahuas are often stereotyped as high-strung, though it has been shown that correct
training and socialization can result in an outstanding companion animal.
Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size, temperament and
tendency to bite when frightened. Also, many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person,
becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships. This can be mitigated through
socialization. Chihuahuas also tend to have a "clannish" nature, often preferring the companionship
of other Chihuahuas over other dogs. Chihuahuas also seem to have no concept of their own size and
may fearlessly confront larger animals, which can result in injury. Chihuahuas are sensitive to the
cold due to their small body size. Chihuahua owners often dress their dogs in sweaters or coats in cold
weather. However, longer-haired chihuahuas may be fine without additional protection and in the
summer may still be known to pant.
size make them easily adaptable to a variety of environments, including the city and small
apartments. Chihuahuas are often stereotyped as high-strung, though it has been shown that correct
training and socialization can result in an outstanding companion animal.
Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size, temperament and
tendency to bite when frightened. Also, many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person,
becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships. This can be mitigated through
socialization. Chihuahuas also tend to have a "clannish" nature, often preferring the companionship
of other Chihuahuas over other dogs. Chihuahuas also seem to have no concept of their own size and
may fearlessly confront larger animals, which can result in injury. Chihuahuas are sensitive to the
cold due to their small body size. Chihuahua owners often dress their dogs in sweaters or coats in cold
weather. However, longer-haired chihuahuas may be fine without additional protection and in the
summer may still be known to pant.