Chihuahua
History
Legend
and history are rich in tales of the ancestors of the
present Chihuahua, named after the city in Mexico. Some
research suggests 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.
Other
tales say the Techichi, companion of the ancient Toltecs,
is believed to be the
progenitor
of the Chihuahua. 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. A
historical letter written by Christopher Columbus to the
King of Spain makes reference to the tiny dog.
Dogs
approximating the Chihuahua
are found in materials
from the Pyramids of Cholula, predating 1530 and
in the ruins
of Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula. 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.
Two
distinct breed types, one with a long coat of soft texture,
the other with a short coat. Identical otherwise, both
can be whelped in the same litter. The long-coated version
was probably produced in the USA, crossing smooth Chihuahuas
with other toys like the Papillon,
Pomeranian and so on.
Adored
for his small size, the Chihuahua is a bright eyed, dainty
dog who is perfect for apartment living. Due
to their tiny size (some as small as one pound!), they
are not the choice for rowdy families and small children
may regard him as a toy. He likes to bark and scamper
around, but is mainly an indoor dog, not able to tolerate
cold weather. Chihuahuas can usually get enough exercise by
running around indoors.
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.
Although
they are usually not trained because of their small size,
Chihuahuas are eager to learn. These dogs are
intelligent and sometimes too brave for their own good.
They usually bond with only one person.
Due
to their fragile nature, most breeders recommend puppies
be at least
4 to 6 months old before
being
adopted by a new family, allowing the little guy to develop
more before being introduced into a new home. |
