Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison

Chihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

The name Mackenzie River Husky was given to these huskies by those wanting to name the freight huskies of a certain area. The name took hold in the 1960’s, but the dog began to disappear with the introduction of snow machines.

They’re a mixture of native sled dogs - Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Staghounds and Wolf. As a mixed breed, they have always been regarded as classic sled dogs.

Chihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

The beautiful Mackenzie River Husky stands at 66 to 74cm in height and weighs between 29 and 47kg.

This deep chested dog has a long, straight coat with the colors being typically wolf-like – white, cream, black, tan, blonde and red. He has erect ears, long legs and a long, bushy tail.

Temperament:

This wolf-type dog is strong willed and independent and was always a pack dog. They wouldn’t be described as a good choice for the first time dog owner as they do seem to have some wolf traits and will require a strong, firm, level headed owner.

Children friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

Your MacKenzie River Husky is such a likeable pet to have. True, he does tend to be a bit stubborn and independent but there is nothing that training and socialization won’t do for him. You’ll find him much more obedient and amicable, and he gets on well with children and pets in the home.

He is an intelligent dog too and very energetic so will require an owner who is active, firm and consistent. He thrives on human company and just wants to be around his owner all the time, ready to join in with any activity happening in his life.

He is therefore far more suited to life in the countryside than to the city. Loyal, devoted and loving, a MacKenzie River Husky isn’t only a beautiful dog to own, he promises to offer everything you want in a 4-legged friend.

Chihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

Your MacKenzie River Husky, regardless of how healthy he is, can suffer with some common health problems that all dogs are prone to.

Perhaps one of the more common health problems that this particular dog breed has to contend with is cataracts, hip dyslasia and hypothyroidism.

Cataracts:

Many people associate cataracts in dogs with age, little realizing that there are many medical reasons as to why our pets develop cataracts. Cataracts can start as early as 6 months of age, although this is unlikely. They come about because of a disease which affects the lens of the eye, causing the lens to lose its transparency.

You’ll notice a whitish/grey shade in your dog’s eye and this can actually impair vision. Cataracts are particularly the lot of diabetic dogs. It can certainly help to have your dog’s eyes checked by a vet regularly.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another fairly common problem with Huskies. It’s almost like a death sentence if your MacKenzie is a working dog because it can lead to lameness. The disease can lead to problems in the hip joint which cab be debilitating ad give your dog a lot of pain.

It doesn’t strike old dogs only, but can be the lot of young dogs too. Sometimes treatment will require surgery but there are non-invasive options too. You want to make sure that you don’t allow your pet to become overweight as this can contribute to developing hip dysplasia.

1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

Exercise:

Huskies like this one will require a good deal of exercise every single day. These are working dogs who have always had a job to do and you can certainly count him in when you do your hiking walks, swimming – you name it. The only thing he will object to is that he doesn’t do well in hot weather. Strong-willed, you’ll want your MacKenzie River Husky trained and socialized if you want him to be a companionable dog.

Diet:

Dogs need to be fed according to the size, their age and their lifestyle. If your MacKenzie River Husky is an active working dog, his food must be the very best and contain enough calories to cover the daily caloric expenses.

Quality and the amount of vitamins and minerals in the food is most important for a dog like this. If you feed him commercially manufactured food, make sure its high quality and not made up of fillers, and other bad stuff. Read the label and understand exactly what’s going into your dog’s stomach.

Simplicity with feeding is best for your pet. Treat him occasionally to cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and cooked or raw vegetables which can be added into his dry kibble. A dog like this will require some raw meat as well to ensure his coat and eyes are always shiny and bright.

Grooming:

Grooming of the MacKenzie River Husky must be done at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs.