CHIHUAHUA
COUNTRY: Mexico
WEIGHT: 1-6 pounds
COAT: Short and smooth; or long and soft with fringing
COLOR: Any color
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Southern
WEIGHT: 1-6 pounds
COAT: Short and smooth; or long and soft with fringing
COLOR: Any color
REGISTRY: FCI, ARC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Southern
The Chinese have long practiced the art of dwarfing animals, plants and fish. It is believed that Spanish traders traveled through Mexico on their returns from China and left behind some of their canine acquisitions. These, crossed with the native hairless breeds, made up the modern Chihuahua, which is the smallest dog in the world. Other cynologists have stated he is just a miniaturized version of native pariah dogs. His similarity to the small Podengo of Portugal (another dwarf pariah) is singular.
The tiny dogs may have been named for the State of Chihuahua in Mexico, and many tales lend belief of their existence there. No concrete evidence has been found to prove this theory; in fact, more recent research has provided evidence to the contrary. Explorers reporting the exis-tence of dogs called the Techichi are now believed to have described a "prairie dog" type of rodent, which the natives "raised, castrated and ate." These little "dogs" lived in holes in the ground.
Whatever their beginnings, Chihuahuas first came to prominence in Mexico City around 1895', reaching El Paso, Texas, shortly thereafter. Dog lovers in the USA refined and perfected the little dog of Mexico—and soon the breed was listed as the top toy in the States. He has maintained his appeal as a companion dog.
The long-coated version was probably produced in the USA, crossing smooth Chihuahuas with other toys like the Papillon, Pomeranian and so on.
Their tiny bodies hide large hearts, making them a favorite for the elderly and those in apartments. They are playful and graceful, with large ears emphasizing their alert appearance. Due to their tiny size (some as small as one pound!), they are not the choice for rowdy families or outdoor living. Breeding and health problems are accentuated in the tiniest specimens. The mollera, or open soft spot on the top of the skull, is usually found in the majority of Chihuahuas and is allowed by the standard.
The tiny dogs may have been named for the State of Chihuahua in Mexico, and many tales lend belief of their existence there. No concrete evidence has been found to prove this theory; in fact, more recent research has provided evidence to the contrary. Explorers reporting the exis-tence of dogs called the Techichi are now believed to have described a "prairie dog" type of rodent, which the natives "raised, castrated and ate." These little "dogs" lived in holes in the ground.
Whatever their beginnings, Chihuahuas first came to prominence in Mexico City around 1895', reaching El Paso, Texas, shortly thereafter. Dog lovers in the USA refined and perfected the little dog of Mexico—and soon the breed was listed as the top toy in the States. He has maintained his appeal as a companion dog.
The long-coated version was probably produced in the USA, crossing smooth Chihuahuas with other toys like the Papillon, Pomeranian and so on.
Their tiny bodies hide large hearts, making them a favorite for the elderly and those in apartments. They are playful and graceful, with large ears emphasizing their alert appearance. Due to their tiny size (some as small as one pound!), they are not the choice for rowdy families or outdoor living. Breeding and health problems are accentuated in the tiniest specimens. The mollera, or open soft spot on the top of the skull, is usually found in the majority of Chihuahuas and is allowed by the standard.
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