The Chihuahua
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The Chihuahua (pronounced Chih-wah-waah) is the world's smallest dog. This small dog breed was named after the state of Chihuahua, in Mexico, but the origin of the breed is disputed. Did they come to Mexico from Egypt via the Mediterranean, or from China, another theory, or was it developed exclusively in Central and South America from the Techichi, a native dog? After the Spanish Conquest in 1519 the Chihuahua dog was totally ignored and almost became extinct. American tourists in 1850 returned with specimens, but attracted little notice, until decades later a popular entertainer, Xavier Cugat, "the Rhumba king" appeared everywhere with his tiny teacup Chihuahua dog. Today, this small dog breed is one of the most popular in North America. Note, serious Chihuahua dog fanciers never refer to tiny specimens as teacup Chihuahuas. Puppymill breeders however, use that popular term to obtain higher unwarranted prices.
In Mexico is believed that these dogs played a large role in the religious and mythological life of the Aztecs. They were employed in connection with the worship of deities, which the voyage of the soul in the underworld, and in relation to the human body. With the sacrifice of a dog with red skin, burning it to ashes with the corpse of the deceased, the sins of the human were supposed to be transferred to the dog, and the indignation of the deity averted. The dog was also credited with guiding the human soul through the dark regions of the underworld and fighting off the evil spirits, then leading the soul of the deceased safely to its final destination.
The Chihuahua of today is quite different from its early ancestors. Their colors range from white to jet black. In Mexico, they prefer the dogs to be jet black with tan markings. In the United States, solid colors are preferred.
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has round, large, very dark eyes, sometimes dark ruby or luminous in color. The trademark large ears should be held erect. Puppies have a soft spot or "molera" on the top of the skull. The bone usually closes the gap by adulthood. The body is cobby (stout), longer than it is tall, and the tail is sickle-shaped -- curled over the back or to the side. Besides the common short-haired variety there is also a long- haired type. Colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, but any color is accepted, including black & tan and parti-colored. The dog is more robust than he looks, with a level back, and legs coming down straight and square.
The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's are strong-willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy. They like to lick their owner's faces. It is undeniably suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, it follows its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training. This breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away. The Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self defense. It is not recommended for children. He can be noisy and may require patience to housebreak.
Be sure to socialize your Chihuahua as a pup to avoid excessive aggressiveness with other dogs as well as reserve with strangers. They tend to be fairly dog-aggressive. Chihuahuas generally recognize their own breed, but sometimes disapprove of other breeds. However, a "very" well-socialized Chihuahua can be friendly with strangers and other dogs.
Both parents should be screened for luxating patella. Check parents' teeth for soundness -- poor teeth runs through some lines. Chihuahuas are sensitive to anesthetics, vaccines, and chemicals and should never be casually medicated or sedated.
This breed trembles a lot from cold, excitement, and/or a high metabolism. They do not like cold or rain and should wear a sweater in cold conditions. Blues may have skin/coat problems.
An open molera (soft spot on the head) and honking sounds after eating or drinking are common breed traits, not health problems. Individuals under three or four pounds are more susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and a host of other health problems.
Because of his short nose, the Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore. His prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Prone to slipped stifle, gum problems, colds, stress, and rheumatism. Don't let him lick or eat toxic products, fertilizer or chocolate. Feed lightly as it tends to gain weight. Chihuahua puppies are born with large heads, frequently necessitating cesarean deliveries by a skilled veterinarian. They are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppyhood. Some of the breed have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life. This makes the dog prone to injury.
The Chihuahua is not a breed that should be handled roughly or with young children who are untstable in their movements. Chihuahua's can be injured easily just in casual play or by being stepped on/fallen on by innocent actions by youngsters.
The Chihuahua is a toy breed, however there are no "toy Chihuahua's", nor teacups or any variation of the term. A Chihuahua is a Chihuahua, and breeders who market them as being anything but a Chihuahua is most likely a tad on the shady side. There are some smaller sized Chihuahua's, however they are still a Chihuahua, and not a "tiny" version of one. Keep in mind that the smaller versions may suffer more from health issues, especially joint problems.
