Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison

Tea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico but Gran Mastin de Borinquen is originated from United States. Tea Cup Chihuahua may grow 33 cm / 12 inches shorter than Gran Mastin de Borinquen. Tea Cup Chihuahua may weigh 65 kg / 143 pounds lesser than Gran Mastin de Borinquen. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Gran Mastin de Borinquen has almost same life span. Tea Cup Chihuahua may have less litter size than Gran Mastin de Borinquen. Tea Cup Chihuahua requires Moderate maintenance. But Gran Mastin de Borinquen requires Low maintenance

History

tea cup chihuahua - historyChihuahua 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 Gran Mastín de Borinquen is also referred to as the Puerto Rican Mastiff or the Mastín Borincano and is actually native to Puerto Rico.

The dog seems to have originated long ago already during the 16th century. Its a dog that descends from a number of dogs, and the dog from these crosses became a huge, ferocious dog.

For centuries the Gran Mastin de Borinquen was used to protect the estates of the Spanish nobility. Today the breed is considered rare and it isn't recognized by any major kennel club as a standardized breed.

Description

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas 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 Gran Mastin de Borinquen is a large dog. He stands roughly between 56 and 71cm and weighs in at between 41 and 68kg.

He is well muscled with a large head and short floppy ears but until recently the ears have always been cropped. The nose is black, the eyes dark brown and small and he has an alert, intelligent look to him.

These days the tail is kept long and it is held low. The coat is short in length and harsh with the colour being fawn, black, cream or brindle. You'll also find some small inclusions of white on the coat.

Temperament:

Loyal and protective, the Gran Mastin de Borinquen forms a strong bond with his master, becoming aggressive with any stranger who comes too close to his owner.Its a dog that has been taught to be aggressive so he isn't the best pet to choose if you have children in the home. He isn't the best dog either for first time dog owners, particularly if the person isn't a strong, firm person around him, showing who is boss.

However there are people who have had their pet trained and socialized and who claim he makes a wonderful family pet. The way a dog is brought up can play a large role in the way he turns out.

Train and socialize your Gran Mastin de Borinquen because he is inclined to be strong-willed and for a large, aggressive type of dog, you want him to be obeying you.

Characteristics

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren 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.

Noble, courageous and loyal, a trained, socialized Gran Mastin de Borinquen who has learned simple commands such as sit, down, come, stay, lie-down and heel will be an absolute pleasure to have around and be a well behaved, obedient companion for you.

Your Gran Masin is a dignified, loving animal, but because of his size and his origin, bred to be aggressive, he isn’t looked upon as the first choice when you’ve got small children in the home. With the right owner – fair, firm and loving - he makes a splendid pet.

Health Problems

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas 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 Gran Mastin de Borinquen can get to 12 years of age with good care. Mastiff-type dogs like this can be prone to eye problems as well as having to tackle joint problems such as hip dysplasia.

Other issues that can appear in this breed, but are unlikely be cancer, bloat, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand’s Disease which is a bleeding disorder.

Remember to do daily inspections of your Gran Mastin de Borinquen for fleas and ticks, particularly during the Summer month. Toxins introduced into the body by a tick bite for instance can make your pet seriously ill so that veterinary intervention is required.

Caring The Pet

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. 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.

Grooming:

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen, with his short coat, is a relatively low maintenance breed. Brush him at least twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs. Other grooming requirements are keeping his ears clean and dry. You can ask about alcohol wipes at your local pet shop to use in his ears. Check the nails too and remember to brush his teeth a couple of times a week to avoid dental decay.

Exercise:

You won't find the Gran Mastin de Borinquen being a particularly high energy dog but he also isn't a couch potato. If you enjoy a walk every day for your own good health, include him in these walks and give him a game of ball every now and again.

Diet:

This Mastiff -type dog is large, and they tend to be fairly lazy, not using up great deals of energy. Young dogs however use up more energy and will require a diet with good quality protein.

Dogs that have been spayed or neutered as well as senior dogs will require less calories. If you buy commercially manufactured food, check the labels carefully and buy high quality food for a large breed.

Don't just feed your Gran Mastin kibble everyday but alternate it sometimes, mixing in some raw meat into his kibble or mixing in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Mexico
United States
Height Male:
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
41 - 57 kg
90 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
2 - 12
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Toy Chihuahuas
Mastín Borincano, Puerto Rican Mastiff
Colors Available:
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
cream, black, brindle., Fawn
Coat:
long haired and short dense coarse hair
Short and harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Toy Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Perro de Presa Canario vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  27. Molossus vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  28. Sage Koochee vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  29. Perro Cimarron vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  30. Perro de Toro vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  31. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  32. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  33. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison
  35. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Danish Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  36. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  38. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  39. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  40. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  41. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cordoba Fighting Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Korean Mastiff vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  43. Samoyed vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  44. Labradoodle vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  46. Great Pyrenees vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  47. Old English Sheepdog vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  48. Presa Canario vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  49. Labrador Husky vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds