A Closer Look at the Chihuahua
by Laurence Fitt-Savage

Musculature

Each forelimb is an entirely separate structure, only anchored to the main frame of the dog's skeletal structure by muscle and ligaments.  Therefore weak musculature will compound the problems of poor bone structure, or it may force sound structure into unnatural situations.  Faults of both bone and muscle must therefore both be considered important.  Equally problems evidenced in puppyhood may resolve as the adult dogs develop and harden the necessary muscle, roadwork is often the prescribed remedy for loose elbows in a young dog.  Age is not always a benefit however.  Continued muscle development on upright shoulders often results in the fully mature dog, at 2 to 3 years old, becoming overbuilt in front, characteristically 'stuffy' in neck.

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Skull :: Jaws and Cheeks :: Muzzle :: Bite :: Eyes :: Ears :: Neck :: Forequarters
Shoulder :: Movement :: Balance :: Forehand :: Foreaction :: Musculature
Hindquarters :: Hindaction :: Croup :: Angulation :: Back :: Body Shape :: Chest :: Tail

Reproduced from the British Chihuahua Club Handbook 1987