 An excerpt from Britannica.com reads
Smallest recognized dog breed, named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was first noted in the mid-19th
century. The Chihuahua is thought to have been derived from the Techichi, a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as long ago as the 9th century. Typically a saucy-looking, alert dog that is sturdier than its small build would suggest, the Chihuahua stands about 13 cm (5 inches) and weighs 0.5 to 2.7 kg (1 to 6 pounds). It has a rounded head, large, erect ears, prominent eyes, and a compact body. The coat is variable in colour and may be either smooth and glossy or long and soft.
History isn't the word to use in this section as the origins of this breed are still very much arguable. It is agreed that the dog we see and love today came directly from Mexico. Where it originated before then is only
known to God! Although this breed and its questionable predecessors can be traced back to the Aztecs and Mayan civilizations, rumors abound:1. The Chinese are famous for miniaturizing breeds [so therefore it must have come from China at SOME point] 2. The dog originated in Europe [the Spanish, you know, they MUST have brought them over when they came tramping through]
3. No, no, you can still find these dogs in Malta and they've been around for hundreds of years [well there you go ñ somewhere between China and Spain ñ must have gotten deserted on that island] Whatever the truth may be, Chihuahuas are considered to be the ONLY breed native to the Americas. What's
really funny is that it's said you can still find these guys running around in the wild! There are some interesting factoids about this breed that actually support this. First and probably the most important, is that Chihuahuas seem to be the dogs that recognize their own breed. As a survival trait, this would be absolutely necessary for pack society at their size, would it not? And speaking of pack behavior, give them the
slightest nudge and they will slip right into those wild traits! This is a breed that really hasn't been "pure" or even domesticated, in the sense that we understand, for more than 150 years or so. There are two varieties ñ smooth and long coats ñ which are shown separately. In some countries, they are
treated as different breeds. In America, we feel they are the same dog and do mix the coat types. There are even more rumors as to where the long fur came from and they include [but are probably not limited to] stories of smooth coats being bred to Papillons and Pomeranians. There are people that may very well have done so, but not in development of the breed. In fact, the very first Chihuahua registered with the AKC was a long coat. We know
that the gene for long coats is recessive so left to themselves, you'll see more smooth coats. However, since mankind has a tendency to muddle with nature, you can find long coats all over the place but just may not realize what breed you are looking at. Unfortunately, a great many of the generic "How to care for your Chi/dog" books are misinformed about the breed. Even worse, so are a great many veterinarians. For solid information on the breed, talk to long time breeders and Chihuahua Kennel Clubs. |
