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Toy breeds: Chihuahua
Origin
Legend and history are rich in tales of the ancestors of the present Chihuahua. He is described as a popular pet, as well as a religious necessity, among the ancient Toltec tribes and later among the Aztecs. The Toltecs were known to exist in Mexico, and dating back as far as the 9th century had dogs called the Techichi. Blue varieties of this breed were held sacred by the Aztecs. Christopher Columbus even took note of this breed in a letter to the King of Spain These dogs were mainly white in color, mute, and did not bark. It is from this breed that the handsome little Chihuahua comes.
General description
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, or less
Color: Colors range from snow white to jet black. No one color is preferred and can be solid, marked or splashed.
Variety
Long Coat: The coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly curly, with undercoat preferred. Ear-Fringed. Tail-Full and long (as a plume). Feathering on feet and legs, pants on hind legs and large ruff on the neck desired and preferred.
Smooth Coat: The coat should be of soft texture, close and glossy. Coat placed well over body with ruff on neck preferred, and scantier on head and ears. Hair on tail preferred furry.
Grooming requirements
Regular brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are a must. The Rough coated version of this breed should be brushed with a soft slicker biweekly. The Short coated version of this breed requires monthly brushing with a curry brush. It is quite imperative you start your Chihuahua off early when it comes to nail trims. Due to the breeds small size the more they resist the harder it makes it to cut them. It is actually harder to cut a wiggly Chihuahua's nails then it is to cut a wiggly Rottweiler's since there is less body mass to hold onto, and for fear of injuring the dog.
Health considerations
Delicate metabolism, cleft palate, hemophilia, eye problems, and collapsed trachea are common.
Breed characteristics and personality
The dog is intelligent, alert, curious, and somewhat clannish, preferring those of its own kind as companions. As a general rule, he does not like dogs of other breeds. It is a graceful, saucy little dog. He is active, hardy and adaptable, but he must live inside a house or apartment. He should not live outside. He is also nervous and discriminating of strangers and can have a low tolerance with children.
Uses
The Chihuahua was a religious sacrificial vehicle of ancient Toltecs. Today they are popular, with a patient owner leading a quiet life. They are very popular with the elderly.
Web links
AKC Chihuahua page
Chihuahua Rescue Transport
The Global Chihuahua Club
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