The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog recognized by the KC, weighing 3 to 6 pounds. It is also regarded as the
longest lived. Many of them live 16 to 18 years and beyond. The smooth coat and the long coat are considered as the same breed,
and can even be littermates. However, you can not have a smooth coat puppy from two long coat parents.
The Chihuahua was discovered in Mexico in the mid 19th century. It is said that Montezuma, the last of the Aztec rulers,
and General Santa Ana, the Mexican dictator, both kept large numbers of Chihuahuas. The first Chihuahua officially registered
with the AKC (American Kennel Club) was Midget, in 1904. By 1915, thirty were registered. WWII took a toll on Chihuahua
breeding and by 1949, only eight were on record. After the war, the breed rose quickly in popularity and in 2004, more than
24,000 were registered.
Chihuahua litters consist, on average, of three puppies and most are born with a 'molera', or 'soft spot' (open fontanel) like
a human baby, which closes as they mature but occasionally, the fontanel remains. In this case, they are quite vulnerable
to even a light bump to the head, and owners must take special care that the dog is handled carefully.
All breeds have tendencies to certain disorders and Chihuahuas are no different. Weak knee or patellar luxation (dislocation
of the knee cap) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) seem to pick on the Chihuahua breed.
When choosing a Chihuahua, it may be wise to choose two, since they seem to recognize their own breed and enjoy the companionship
of other Chis. Although they are happy in an only dog house or smilarly they are happy also with big dogs as we ourselves
have proven with ours. So in reality they are very easy going little dogs that just enjoy being loved and cuddled. The
tiny dogs require a minimum of space, care and expense and make loving lap dogs. Where shedding is a problem, the long coat
would be preferred. These wonderful little dogs can easily be paper or litter trained in the case of an owner who is
unable to take the dog outside. Chihuahuas do not like the cold but have learnt to snuggle and love to burrow under covers
or sunbathe.
They usually, but not always, bond with one person and are quite protective, despite their small size. They tend to have
a 'big dog' personality in their tiny packaging and some have earned the reputation of being yappy and snappy with strangers,
but that's not always the case. Chihuahuas are quite intelligent and loyal and early socialization and proper training can
mold them into wonderful family dogs.
About Breeding and improving the Chihuahua breed
Over the years the Chihuahua has not changed all that much considering other breeds that have change considerably.
Three things that has changed:
- there appears to be more emphasis on shorter muzzles and more of a pronounced domed head.
- Shorter legs
- and as a result of shorter legs smaller dogs in general
Below we have a few pictures of the old type of Chihuahua and also a picture of the modern Chihuahua. Note that the old
type has more of a "deer" head with slightly long muzzle, still sporting the lovely large ears which the breed is renouned
for.
