Pets Information


Applehead Chihuahua


The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a baby Chihuahua's head. The dome of the skull is broader than the jaw, giving rise to the description "applehead". It takes into account that the top of the head has a slight depression. This depression is called a molera (Spanish for fontanel) and corresponds to the "soft spot" on a baby's head. Some Chis have it--some don't.

There was disagreement for a while over whether the presence of a molera on an applehead Chihuahua was a bad thing and should be considered a demerit for lineage assessment. Recently, this has been seen as totally discountable. The presence or absence of a molera has NO bearing on a Chihuahua's pedigree.

On October 30, 1990, the American Kennel Club adopted a set of standards for the Chihuahua as a breed. It did not differ from the prior April 14, 1943, standard. Listed under "Head" is the following description: "A well rounded "apple dome" skull, with or without molera." So although the official description of the applehead Chihuahua is "apple dome", there's no disputing the AKC Official Breed Standard for "Expression": Saucy!

The AKC Breed Standard weight limit for a Chi is 6 pounds. If your young applehead Chihuahua gains too much weight, the "appleheaded-ness" will disappear earlier than through simple aging. As in humans, too much weight puts a strain on all systems, especially the heart. Be nice to your pet and don't feed it huge meals or table scraps.

Additionally, the tiny legs of an applehead Chihuahua cannot easily support gross extra weight. They will develop a condition called slipped stifles, which is an injury of the knee caused by patella fracturing. It can be fixed with an operation, but that is an expense and pain that you do not need to incur. Be sure to get your applehead Chihuahua from a breeder that has carefully checked its breeding stock for inheritable weaknesses. And for sure, don't let your Chi jump down from your arms or other high places. Their joints just cannot take the stress.

You'll keep your applehead Chihuahua healthy for as much of the 15 year lifespan as possible if you limit its food and correctly provide the exercise it--and YOU--demand!

Stephanie Hetu
Chihuahua Chic
Exquisite designer chihuahua products. 'Cause your Chi deserves the best, just like you.


MORE RESOURCES:

Dogpile raises money for pets in need
CNET News, CA - 22 hours ago
Metasearch engine Dogpile announced Tuesday that it has raised $100000 toward its goal of raising $1 million to help pets in need. ...
Dogpile.com Users Raise First $100000 for ASPCA MarketWatch
Dogpile.com Users Raise First $100000 for ASPCA Consumer Electronics Net
all 14 news articles


Pet-centric Retail Site Muttropolis.com Included in Internet ...
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
Featured alongside some of the world's most highly regarded brands, Muttropolis is one of only three pet related sites to be included among the honorees and ...
ToolKing.com Makes Internet Retailer’s Hot 100 Retail Web Site List WebWire (press release)
all 6 news articles


Outrageous hotel perks for pets
MSNBC - 1 hour ago
“Like their owners, pets should have a chance to get away from their normal routine,” said the hotel’s chef concierge, James Little. ...


Homeless pets still need to eat
Reuters - 1 hour ago
With foreclosures of homes on the rise, so are stories of pet abandonment, but pet food maker Del Monte says sales of dog and cat food and treats hasn’t ...


Allergic and wheezing, but still keeping pets
CNN - Dec 2, 2008
Like the 10 million American pet owners with allergies, the Coronados faced a dilemma: Can human and dog co-exist in the same house? ...


Pets need a home for the holidays
Ponte Vedra Recorder, FL - 4 hours ago
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is hosting its third annual pet adoption event, "A Home for the Holidays," on Saturday, Dec. ...
Mango: Be Aware of the Holiday Let Down Edge
all 2 news articles


Holidays bring safety challenges for family pets
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA - 6 hours ago
By DENISE FLAIM Cooked turkey and chicken bones are an oft-warned-about danger, as they splinter easily, creating the potential for perforation or choking. ...


Pets can pose a health threat to children
Buffalo News,  United States - Dec 2, 2008
So says the American Academy of Pediatrics, which warns parents that many of the “easy” pets — the ones that don’t shed, don’t need to be walked, ...
Be careful which pets you choose for your children, say pediatricians KLTV
all 2 news articles


Providence Journal

Protecting pets during the holidays
Charleston Gazette,  USA - 14 hours ago
Here are tips from PetSource.org to ensure your pets remain safe this holiday season. Don't feed your pet human food. Human foods such as turkey, ...
Smiling all the way Providence Journal
Area animal shelters need holiday help Kentucky.com
all 4 news articles


Growing number of owners in Montgomery giving up pets
Business Gazette, MD - 11 hours ago
The number of times owners cited "cost" as the reason for giving up pets went from six in June and July 2007 to 33 in June and July 2008.

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2007