This little dogs history is a bit of a mystery. Several hypotheses have been suggested as to the origin of the breed. He might have
originated in China & was brought to Mexico by the Chinese, But it is more
likely that he descended from various Toltec or Aztec ancestors.Some people think that it dates back to the era of the Toltecs (9th century), who selectively bred them from the Techichi, a native Indian dog and one of the oldest known dog breeds.
Other sources believe that it dates from the Aztec era (the civilization that supplanted the Toltec civilization in the 14th century). The Chihuahua occupied an important role in the spiritual life of the people of this period.
The Chihuahua was a sacred animal and bones & pottery
similar to the tiny dogs have been found in ancient Aztec tombs. He was
considered sacred, so were often sacrificed to the gods & consumed as Holy
food.
The Chihuahua derives its name from a town in northern Mexico
where the first sketches of small dogs resembling those reared in Chihuahua State have been found.
It is also said that the Chihuahua brings good luck to its masters
home.
There are a variety of types of this little dog from the Traditional "Deer
Face" (like the Taco Bell dog), which is most popular & people are familiar with . And the more modern Apple head dog, which is the kind you will see in the show ring today.
Or a blend of the two.
Everyone seems to have their own idea of the "perfect" Chihuahua.
The size of a show Chihuahua can range from 1 lb to 6 lbs. this is
the standard weights for the show bred dogs, but weights as well as type vary
greatly.
The ideal weight for most Chihuahuas is 4 to 6 lbs.
But of course they can be larger or smaller.
There are 2 coat types, the short coat, and the more rare long
coat.
The full coat of a long coated Chihuahua can take up to 2 years to develop.
Most are not fully coated such as a Pomeranian.
The coat is more moderate.
It can be wavy or straight.
With feathering on the
tail, feet, main, ears & on the backs of their legs.
They are more rare & have a very wonderful, sweet & loving personality,
they also shed less than a short coated Chihuahua.
The colour of the dogs vary. And they come in all colours.
The most popular colours are Fawn, Tan, White, Cream,
Black, Black & Tan, or a mix of colours.
More rare colours are Chocolate,
Chocolate & Tan, Brindle, Blue, Blue & Tan & Mearl coloured pups.
The lively little Chihuahua is quite independent, proud, courageous, and can be strong willed.
He can be possessive of his owner, but with proper socialization is a friendly & out going little dog.
They are not considered the best dog
for small children.
( As Chi puppies are fragile.)
Because of his small size he does not need a lot of space and is a wonderful choice for apartment or condo dwellers.
The initial cost of the little dog may seem high to some,
but when you take into consideration the shots, vet check, litter registration charges, health care & upkeep of the parents etc. etc.
Not to mention the average litter is only 3,
not 8 or more as with some much more costly breeds.
Plus the fact that his small size alone, will save you an enormous amount of money on dog food alone!
& just about everything else you get for them as well.
So all considered they are actually VERY inexpensive!
A new puppy is very small and must be kept warm. His mom & siblings are no longer around for him to snuggle up with.
A small heating
pad is a great way to make sure of this and will give you peace of mind that he
is not getting cold when you are not around.
Of course there are always sweaters & such.
Make sure he has kibble and fresh water at ALL times when he
is young!
For he can not retain enough energy to keep him going for very long if
food & water is not
AVAILABLE!
The Chihuahua is a wonderful little dog, Smart, Loyal & VERY Affectionate.
The Aztec word for
AVAILABLE PAGE
