Click Below to Skip Ahead Characteristics Temperament Intelligence Food & Diet Exercise Health Training Grooming Fun Facts The Hairless Chihuahua is a genetic variation of the breed, giving the animal a unique appearance. The origin of this pup is unclear. The scientific literature provides excellent information on how the trait may have occurred and spread within the breed. Hairlessness is not specific to the Chihuahua. It exists with many dogs to varying degrees, but the Chihuahua gives it a different twist. Breed Overview Height:5–8 inches Weight:Up to 6 pounds Lifespan:14–16 years Colors:Pink, brown, gray, black Suitable for:Families with older children looking for a playful and loyal dog Temperament:Loving, feisty, protective The Chihuahua is a delicate animal. However, don’t let their small size fool you. This pup has a feisty, independent streak but is, at the same time, charming and irresistible. They have prominent personalities to make up for their little bodies. Chihuahuas have always been companion animals with a history of being worshipped in some societies. Hairless Chihuahua Puppies Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock True Hairless Chihuahua puppies are rare, and the trait occurs from a genetic mutation. The parents contribute one copy or allele of the specific gene. It is a dominant trait, so puppies only need one allele from one parent for it to be present. This physical expression or phenotype is called canine ectodermal dysplasia (CED). It also occurs in Chinese Crested Dogs and Mexical Hairless Dogs or Xoloitzcuintlis. Sadly, research has shown being hairless is a vulnerability in Hairless Chihuahuas; they have a higher mortality rate than those with hair.1 Hairless Chihuahua Breed Origin & History Charles Darwin reported the existence of hairless dogs. The hairless gene is also present in the American Hairless Terrier and Scottish Deerhound, albeit with different genetic origins. It’s unclear whether breeders propagated the Hairless Chihuahua or any other dogs, except for the handful of recognized breeds we’ve mentioned. It’s worth noting that the hairless trait isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the parent club’s official breed standard. The AKC only considers the short- and long-haired variants of the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua Club of America also believes the teacup size is “…incorrect and misleading.” That raises a red flag for would-be buyers without the protection of the animal’s legitimacy. Offspring of the Hairless Chihuahua with a pup with hair would likely be a 1:1 ratio of having or not having the trait. Any puppy inheriting the allele from both parents would perish. That’s partly due to other conditions a hairless dog may inherit, which can adversely affect the animal’s quality of life and longevity. Temperament & Intelligence of the Hairless Chihuahua The Hairless Chihuahua is just as feisty and sassy as the dog’s namesake. This attitude is typical in small breeds, and scientists theorize the pups compensate for their size with this temperament. They may be more defensive and reactive. However, you must also consider the pup’s role as an animal companion. The Chihuahua defends their space and caregiver, and they’re known for their protective nature. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Hairless Chihuahua can make an excellent family pet in households with older children. Parents should instruct the little ones not to pick up their dogs and must supervise playtime. Research has shown the Chihuahua can be aggressive, making early socialization and training imperative.2 They are sensitive and not tolerant of being alone, and when they’re left alone for long periods, they can suffer from separation anxiety. Image Credit: Linas T, Shutterstock Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? The Hairless Chihuahua can get along with other pets if introduced to other dogs when young. Nevertheless, you should monitor playtime if that includes time with bigger pups. An active social life is an excellent way to prevent fearfulness, which can spur aggression when meeting other animals. Exposing your Chihuahua to cats and dogs when they are young and taking them on short trips to meet friends will reduce the chance they suffer from stress or fear in unfamiliar situations. The Chihuahua has a moderate prey drive and may chase small animals, but they can get along with cats if they grow up with them. Things to Know When Owning a Hairless Chihuahua: The Hairless Chihuahua isn’t cold-tolerant, which is a primary concern for pet owners. It can be an issue if you want to housebreak your dog and you live in a northern climate. Booties and clothing are essential for the hairless Chihuahua if you take them outside in frigid weather. Below, we’ll discuss the factors to keep in mind when you want to adopt a hairless Chihuahua. Food & Diet Requirements Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is an issue with the Chihuahua. You should feed your puppy four times daily with a high-quality commercial formula. Royal Canine produces a breed-specific formula suitable for these pups. You should transition your dog to a twice-a-day schedule when they reach adulthood. Hairless Chihuahua has a moderate tendency to gain weight, and it’s vital to portion their meals carefully and monitor their weight. Exercise The Hairless Chihuahua is moderately active. A couple of walks and a few play sessions will provide adequate exercise and opportunities for mental stimulation. This pup is intelligent and undoubtedly nurtured by the time they spend with people. You can use this time to hone your pet’s leash manners and meet new human and canine friends for additional enrichment. If you adopt a puppy, keep the exercise light and don’t let them jump from high places. They have a delicate frame, but they can be energetic, and you have to be more careful when they’re young. Training Positive reinforcement is the best approach for training the Hairless Chihuahua because of their sensitive nature. They are eager to please and will shun harsh words and punishment. We recommend using treats as training aids for added motivation. Due to their intelligence, hairless Chihuahuas are relatively simple to train, but they can be stubborn at times. Image Credit: Rosa Jay, Shutterstock Grooming Grooming the Hairless Chihuahua is much easier than other breeds. You can bathe the dog monthly, but in between baths, you can wipe down their fur with doggy wipes to keep it healthy and clean. They’re unlikely to wear down their nails quickly, and you’ll have to trim them every 4 to 6 weeks. You should also brush your Chihuahua’s teeth, and your vet can show you how to do so. Chihuahuas are vulnerable to dental problems, and it’s crucial to maintain veterinary appointments and dental cleanings to protect their teeth and gums. Manufacturers make palatable toothpaste to make your task easier. Your pup may even beg to get their teeth brushed! Health and Conditions The hairless Chihuahua is relatively healthy, but a few issues, like dental disease, are more likely to affect them. Reputable breeders conduct the recommended pre-breeding health screening to prevent them from passing health conditions on to the offspring. We strongly urge you to buy from sellers who offer a guarantee. Some conditions may not show up until later in the animal’s life. Breeders should provide a medical history, including vaccinations and deworming. Minor Conditions Epilepsy Molera Heart murmur Hypoglycemia Serious Conditions Dental disease Luxating patella Heart disease Male vs. Female The size difference between male and female Hairless Chihuahua is minimal. We can say the same about the animal’s temperament. The environment and how they’re raised are the main drivers of a pet’s temperament instead of genetics. We suggest discussing neutering or spaying with your vet. The procedure can increase some pet’s risk of other health conditions. 3 Little-Known Facts About the Hairless Chihuahua 1. The Aztecs Worshipped Hairless Dogs. The Aztecs believed these animals were guides to the challenges of the afterlife and had to accompany their owners on their journeys. 2. The Brain Weight of the Chihuahua Is on Par With the Weight Ratio of Humans. The brain weight of a human is about 2% of their body weight. Research has shown that the Chihuahua is right up there, with the organ weighing about 3.03% of the animal’s weight. 3. The Chihuahuas Inspired the Name of a Minor League Baseball Team. El Paso saw the personality of the Chihuahua as an asset and named their minor league baseball team after them. Does the Hairless Chihuahua Make a Good Pet? If you want a dog you can cuddle, look no further than the Hairless Chihuahua. They love people! They demand attention from their owners, perhaps because of their size and cold intolerance. They can make an excellent pet for an individual or family who can give them the love they need. The hairless Chihuahua is intelligent and trainable and is a good choice for novice pet owners. However, they’re not recommended for owners who travel frequently and are rarely at home. They also aren’t suitable for families with infants since the dogs can easily be injured by rough play. Image Credit: Rosa Jay, Shutterstock Conclusion The Hairless Chihuahua is a unique canine that requires a loving owner who can spend plenty of time with them. They’re vulnerable to some health issues but are relatively healthy overall. However, they will make an ideal companion for the devoted dog owner. Regular veterinary care is vital for their health and well-being, and you must also provide adequate enrichment for the dog’s mental health. The hairless Chihuahua’s charming personality and feisty behavior are sure to win you over, and you may not be satisfied by just adopting one. Sources https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18787161/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8437436/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5182420/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6536473/ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf Featured Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock The post Hairless Chihuahua Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts appeared first on PangoVet.

Officers in Hobbs, New Mexico, responded to the 2100 block of North Rojo early Friday morning in reference to a report of breaking and entering, police said. Hobbs is located about two miles west of the Texas border and just under two hours southwest of Lubbock.Upon arrival at the scene, officers determined that 38-year-old Curtis Thames of Hobbs forced entry into a residence.The police department's news release on the incident does not include a cause of death for Thames' mother.The homeowners, armed with a gun, barricaded themselves in a bedroom, police said. Soon, one of the homeowners fired a round through the bedroom door, striking Thames, police said. Thames died at a local hospital, police said.Police also were told that Thames’ mother, Kristie Thames, resides with him in a neighboring home. Officers tried to make contact with Thames' mother but were unsuccessful, police said.To ensure her welfare, police said officers forced entry into the home and found her dead in a bedroom. The police department's news release on the incident does not include a cause of death for Thames' mother.Police said those who have information regarding the incident can call dispatch at 575-397-9265 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward, police said, adding that individuals also can message privately on Facebook.How are people reacting?Commenters on the police department's Facebook post about the incident offered a range of reactions. Here are a few of them:"This is why we have the 2nd Amendment," one commenter said."Prayers to the people who had to make the decision ... they probably didn’t want to ever have to make, the officers and other first responders who were involved, and the families and friends of those whose lives will be forever impacted," another user wrote."Hope the DA doesn't charge the homeowner with manslaughter for defending himself," another commenter opined. "She is known for charging innocent people who use self defense.""Good job for the homeowner!" another user declared. "Sounds like it was the last thing they wanted to do, but they were protecting their property and family."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Taylor Swift’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris might have received cheers from a large number of her die-hard fans — but some Swifties are speaking out against it. One fan, Mary-Logan Miske, wrote a beautiful open letter expressing her disappointment in Swift’s support for radical pro-choice politicians like Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. In her letter, Miske revealed that her mother became pregnant with her at only 22 years old and was pressured to get an abortion. Of course, she chose life. “You see, I could have been one missing bright light at nine of your concerts if my mom hadn’t chosen life,” Miske wrote, before focusing her attention on “doing your own research,” which Swift claimed led her to her decision. “If you did your research, did you know that Walz signed the ‘Protect Reproductive Options Act’? It’s abortion-ese for legalizing and codifying abortion for any reason up to nine months with zero protection for babies who survive abortion,” the disgruntled fan explained. “Taylor, at best, you haven’t actually done your research, and at worst, you’ve accepted and celebrated one of the greatest evils of our time. I hope it’s the former,” she continued. Pat Gray of “Pat Gray Unleashed” is thoroughly impressed with the young woman’s testimony. “So great,” Gray says. “That could be the script for a Preborn commercial, actually. Preborn, doing this incredible work of encouraging women who’ve been pressured into abortions.” “I hope she sees that letter,” Keith Malinak adds. Want more from Pat Gray?To enjoy more of Pat's biting analysis and signature wit as he restores common sense to a senseless world, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

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