Chihuahua
Chihuahua Dog Breed Information
The Chihuahua (pronounced chuh-WAH-wah) is the world's smallest dog breed. There is no larger version, such as with the poodle, where there is a Standard, Miniature, and Toy. All Chihuahua dogs are Toy-sized. Chihuahuas are easily identified by their large round eyes, "apple dome" head, and pointed ears. Chihuahuas are popular dogs and are especially good pets for apartment dwellers. Some people claim that a Chihuahua in the house will cure or alleviate asthma.
Description
- Weight: 2 - 6 pounds (1 - 3 kg) though some get up to 10 pounds
- Height: 6 - 9 inches (15 - 23 cm) to the tops of the shoulders (the withers)
- Colors: black, gray, white, brown, or tan. Some have spots or streaks
- Coat: smooth or long hair
- Lifespan: 12 - 15 years with some living 20 years
History
Chihuahuas originate from Mexico. The breed may come from the Techichi dogs of the Toltec Indians. The Toltecs lived in central Mexico from about 900 to 1150 A.D. The Toltecs had carvings of dogs that looked very similar to the Chihuahua. Techichi remains are found in nearly every Toltec grave. Apparently the Toltec believed that the dogs would lead them into the afterlife. The Techichi was a bit larger than the Chihuahua, but was still too small to work or be anything but a pet. The Aztecs followed the Toltecs in central Mexico; and, they had the same beliefs about their dogs.
In the 1850s, some United States citizens were visiting the Mexican state of Chihuahua, just south of western Texas and New Mexico, when they saw some of the smallest dogs they had ever seen. They brought some back to the U.S. and were showing them at dog shows by the late 1800s. The first Chihuahua registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) was in 1904. Now the AKC registers about 35,000 a year.
Traits
Chihuahuas keep themselves very clean, and even lick their paws to clean their faces like a cat. This cleanliness is part of what makes them good pets. They can be friendly with their own breed, but generally are not friendly toward other breeds. Do not own a Chihuahua if you have dogs of other breeds.
They become cold easily and often shiver. Be sure your Chihuahua is kept warm. They may shiver from excitement or anxiety as well. Unlike many other breeds, there are no discernable behavior differences between the smooth and long hairs, different colors, or male and female.
With proper training, a Chihuahua dog can be a great addition to your family.