Appearance of the Chiwoxy
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| The Chiwoxy is a small dog weighing around 4.5 kilos and generally measuring around 20 to 23 centimeters. They have a large, round head, large ears, short legs, a long tail and a short muzzle. Their large eyes are dark and they generally have a greedy expression. Their double coat is usually short but can be of medium length with a soft undercoat and a hard, wiry outer coat. They can come in almost any color, such as beige, yellow, black, brown, white and red. However, they are most often reddish gold. These little darkies have small feet and legs, and if they stay active, they're usually well-muscled. |
Temperament of the Chiwoxy
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| This breed isn't really suited to families with young children, as the Chiwoxy can have a short temper to go with its small size. Some call this the small dog syndrome. If they're not socialized when they're young, they can be fearful and lash out at other pets and strangers. In fact, if you do something they don't like, they can be aggressive towards you too. It's best to be firm and fairly strict with your Chiwoxy, but use positive reinforcement rather than physical punishment. Affection goes a long way with this little dog, who will bond and learn to control his feisty temper if treated with kindness while showing that you are the leader. This breed can be difficult to train, and many people choose to use mat training until their puppy succeeds. |
Needs and activities of the Chiwoxy
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| The lively Chiwoxy has a lot of nervous energy and a high metabolism, so it needs at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. If they're not active enough, they tend to become destructive and can be more touchy than usual. They like to curl up on the sofa with you or sit on your lap, but they certainly need exercise every day to avoid too much energy build-up. Chiwoxy get bored easily and need to be supervised in the presence of other animals, as they are brave enough to start a fight with a dog much bigger than themselves. A brisk walk, a long game of fetch or a hike in the park can prevent boredom and provide exercise. |
Maintenance of the Chiwoxy
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| The Chiwoxy needs a lot of maintenance due to its stiff coat and should be brushed at least three times a week and stripped by hand. To strip your dog by hand, hold a few hairs between your thumb and forefinger, then remove them directly from the root. You can also use a stripping knife, but hand stripping is recommended. This is done every six months to keep the hair shiny and colorful, and prevent it from falling out. You should also check your dog's ears once a week for wax or dirt build-up, and clean them if necessary. Trim his nails if necessary and brush his teeth twice a week to prevent tooth decay. |
English (United Kingdom)