6 of 37

Write now Article Tools

History

The history of the Chihuahua is rich in folklore and shrouded in mystery. Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua in which the breed was first discovered, it is believed that this toy breed is descended from the Techichi, a domesticated dog dating all the way back to the seventh century. The Aztecs believed that their beloved Techichi had the power to lead their souls through the land of the dead, thus these tiny guardians were frequently sacrificed when their owners died, in order to escort them to their next life.

In the 1830s, enterprising Mexicans began selling Chihuahuas to Americans. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1904, at which point it quickly gained in popularity. By the 1970s, over 25,000 Chihuahuas were registered in the United States alone, and today approximately 20,000 are registered worldwide each year.

Appearance

The Chihuahua is a toy breed, and is divided into two categories according to the American Kennel Club: Long-coat and smooth-coat. These tiny dogs come in a variety of colors, including cream, fawn, black, brindle, and blue. They are known for their oversized ears and eyes, and typically measure between four and nine inches in height. While Chihuahuas may only weigh up to six pounds to be eligible for showing according to AKC standards, purebreds may weigh in excess of ten pounds.

Breeding

Because of their small size and accordingly fragile bone structure, caution must be exercised when breeding the Chihuahua. When selecting a Chihuahua puppy from a breeder, the pup's prospective guardian is advised to inspect the breeding premises, speak with others who have purchased from the breeder in the past, and check any available credentials on the breeder and both parents of the pup. The genetic disorder patellar luxation involving the joints of the knee should have been ruled out in both parents, as this can have debilitating and often fatal effects later in life.

For those considering becoming a Chihuahua breeder, it is critical to follow responsible breeding practices. The hips and bone structure of the bitch should be x-rayed to ensure she is physically able to carry pups to term, a complete history of both parents should be available, and the size of the female must be taken into consideration. For smaller Chihuahuas, the likelihood of being forced to deliver via caesarian section is high, thus increasing the level of physical trauma and recovery time following delivery. It is strongly encouraged that only

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Dog breed facts: Chihuahua?
We want to hear your view. Write now!