Chihuahuas - Breed Introduction
The Chihuahua has the distinction of being the smallest of the dog breeds. The many stories surrounding its possible origination are colorful indeed, as is the dog’s personality. A lot of spunkiness is packed in the tiny packaging of the Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua stands only 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters) tall, and weighs between 2 and 7 pounds (1 to 3 kilograms)
History of Breed
Like that of many breeds, the ancestry of the Chihuahua is controversial. Many theories exist with regard to its ancestry. Some claim the breed’s ancestors existed in Egypt some 3,000 years ago, while others theorize that the breed originated in China and was subsequently brought to the Americas via a land bridge over the Bering Strait.
Still others claim it was introduced to the New World by Spanish traders and then crossed with small dogs native to the region. And yet another theory is that the dog is a descendant of a dog native to Mexico called the Techichi. A small, mute dog, the Techichi was sometimes sacrificed in religious ceremonies of the Toltecs.
Legend further has it that the Techichi could be more beneficial to its owner in death than in life. The dog was believed to have the power to take on the sins of the deceased, allowing their souls to enter the next world without angering the gods, and subsequently guide them through the underworld and defend them against evil spirits.
Thus, these dogs were routinely kept and sacrificed upon the deaths of their owners for that purpose. The actual origin of the Chihuahua may lie in any one or some combination of these theories.
When Cortes conquered the Aztecs in the 16th century, these dogs were thought to have been abandoned, only to be rediscovered some 300 years later in Chihuahua, Mexico.
The breed was exported to the U.S. in 1898 and achieved American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in 1904. Xavier Cugat, a Catalan-Cuban bandleader who was integral to the infusion of Latin music in the United States in the 1900s and was outwardly devoted to his own Chihuahua, is credited by some with bringing the dog into the limelight in the U.S. The breed has steadily gained in popularity.
Color and Coat
Chihuahuas may be classified as having smooth or long coats. The smooth coat is soft and glossy. The long coat is also soft, but may be slightly curly or flat, and usually has an undercoat. Chihuahuas of the long-coat variety have fringed ears, a plumed tail, feathering on the feet and legs, and sometimes a large ruff around the neck.
Both types of coats can be found in a variety of colors ranging from fawn to black, and they may be solid or marked.
Personality and Temperament
Chihuahuas are spunky, sassy, clever dogs, with a reputation for being temperamental, but they nevertheless tend to be very devoted to their owners.
The dog is quick to learn and can be trained if approached with a gentle and positive attitude. However, they can be difficult to housebreak, and some owners resort to paper training or the use of a cat litter box to avoid this obstacle.
Thanks to their tiny stature, Chihuahuas can get plenty of exercise indoors, though they do enjoy outdoor walks as well. A body harness is considered safer than a collar for this breed.
Socialization is important for this breed, as it tends to be reserved with strangers and, ironically, has a tendency to be aggressive in the company of other dogs. These traits can be overcome with early, proper socialization, and the Chihuahua can learn to get along with other pets in the home.
The breed is generally considered unsuitable for families with children, however, because the dog has a tendency to be jealous, and may snap at them if it feels antagonized.
Chihuahuas are very sensitive to cold climates, so a sweater is required in cooler environments. The breed easily adapts to small living spaces. Chihauhuas have a tendency to bond most closely with one or two people, and make especially good pets for singles and the elderly.
Show Characteristics
The Chihuahua is slightly longer than it is tall. The head has a rounded, or apple-shaped, skull. It features lean cheeks with a moderately short muzzle that is slightly pointed. The nose should be black or self-colored, but pink is acceptable in blonde dogs.
The eyes are large and wide-set, but they should not protrude. They are dark in dark-coated dogs, and ruby in lighter-coated varieties. The teeth should meet in a level bite. The tail is moderately long, and it is carried like a sickle, preferably with the tip just touching the back.
Typical Health Concerns
A soft spot in the skull is a common trait of the breed, but poses no health concerns. Chihuahuas, like most small breeds, are prone to problems with the patella and weak tracheas.
Chihuahuas in particular may suffer from excess water on the brain, a cleft palate, or a lack of development of the second vertebrae. A blood clotting disorder may also occur in this breed.
Grooming
Grooming the Chihuahua is a task that’s easily undertaken. The smooth-coated variety needs no more than an occasional brushing or wiping of the coat with a damp cloth.
The long-coat Chihuahua should be brushed several times a week with a soft-bristled brush. Both types can be bathed once a month or so as needed, but care should be taken to prevent water from getting into the ears. Chihuahuas are average shedders.
Country of Origin
The origin of the Chihuahua has been extensively debated, but the purebred we associate with the breed today is usually considered to have developed in Mexico.
Average Life Span
The Chihuahua has an exceptionally long life span, averaging between 14 to 18 years, though it’s not uncommon for them to live as long as 20 years.
|
