History

Chihuahuas were originally thought to be descendants of an

ancient, similar, but slightly larger breed

associated with royalty in Aztec civilizations known as the

Techichi. However, because of the lack

of archaeological remains, it is now believed that Chihuahuas

were brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers.

The most current theory holds that Spanish merchants brought

Chihuahuas to Spain by way

of their trade routes with China and from there to Mexico.

The well documented practice in China

of dwarfing both plants and animals is the basis for the theory

that Chihuahuas originated there,

But another theory is that they originated in Egypt and were

traded into Spain and later Mexico.

Chihuahuas were first taken into the United States

by American visitors to Mexico.

Appearance

Chihuahuas are best known for their large eyes; small size; and

large, erect ears. The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognizes

two varieties of Chihuahua: the long-coat and the smooth-coat.

Many long-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair, but other long

coats have a very dense, thick coat. Breed standards for this dog

do not generally specify a height, only a weight and a description

of their overall proportions. As a result, height varies more

than within many other breeds. Generally, the height ranges

between six and ten inches at the withers. However, some dogs

grow as tall as twelve to fifteen inches. AKC show dogs must

weigh no more than six lb (2.7 kg); the FCI standard calls for

dogs ideally between 1.5 and three kg (3.3 to 6.6 lb), although

smaller ones are acceptable in the show ring. However,

pet-quality Chihuahuas (that is, those bred or purchased

as companions rather

than show dogs) can, and do, range above these weights, to ten

pounds or even more if they have large bone structures or are

allowed to become overweight. This does not mean they are not

purebred Chihuahuas, it only means that they do not meet the

requirements to enter a conformation show. Oversize Chihuahuas

are seen in some of the best, and worst, bloodlines.

Chihuahuas come in many colors, from solid blacks to solid

whites, spotted, or a variety of other colors like fawn

(tan), chocolate, (gray), silver, tricolored (chocolate,

blue, or black with tan and white markings), merle,

brindle, and, each of these colors varies in shades

and tones, as fawn can be a term to describe a tan

dog from a very pale cream to a deep (almost red) tan,

or any shade in between, and the chocolate coloration

can range from a milky light shade of brown, to a deep

mahogany brown, to a dark brown that is almost black.

Temperament

Their alertness, intelligence, and size make them easily

adaptable to a variety of environments, including the

city and small apartments. While Chihuahuas are often

stereotyped as high-strung, correct training and

socialization can result in an outstanding companion

animal. Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets

because of their size and physical frailty. However,

many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person,

becoming overly jealous of that person's human

relationships. This can be mitigated through

socialization. Chihuahuas also tend to have a "clannish"

nature, often preferring the companionship of other

Chihuahuas over other dogs. Also, Chihuahuas seem to

have no concept of their own size, and may fearlessly

confront larger animals, which can result in injury.

Chihuahuas are sensitive to the cold due to their

small body size. Chihuahua owners often dress their

dogs in sweaters or coats in cold weather. However

longer-haired chihuahuas may be fine without

additional protection and in the summer may still

be known to pant.

Health

areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas

are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often

neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure

disorders. Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds,

are also prone to the sometimes painful condition

known as patella luxation and collapsing trachea.

Another genetic abnormality in Chihuahuas and

toy breeds is hydrocephalus, or water on the brain.

This condition surfaces in young puppies and often

results in the death of a puppy by the time that

it reaches six months of age. It is thought that this

disease is often diagnosed by the pup having an

abnormally large head during the first several months of

life, but other symptoms are more noticeable (since

"a large head" is such a broad description). Chihuahua

puppies exhibiting hydrocephalus usually have patchy

skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically

are lethargic and do not grow at the same pace as

their siblings. A true case of hydrocephalus can be

diagnosed by a veterinarian, though the prognosis is

grim. Chihuahuas are also known for their moleras,

a soft spot in their skulls. Chihuahuas are the

only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull.

The molera does fill in with age, but great care

needs to be taken during the first six months until

the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are

not familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and

mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus.

The Chihuahua Club of America has issued a

statement regarding this often deadly

misdiagnosis. Chihuahuas can also be at

risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Left unattended, hypoglycemia can lead to coma.

Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due

to their large, round, protruding eyes and

their relatively low ground clearance.

Although figures often vary, as with any breed,

the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is

approximately 8 to 18 years of age. Chihuahua's

are very social dogs and like to meet other dogs,

but some are temperamental and aggressive.

Nutrition

must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition.

At the same time, care must be exercised not to

overfeed this tiny breed. Overweight Chihuahuas

are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse,

chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.

"Teacup" and "Deer-faced" Chihuahuas

as a small dog that comes in two varieties or coat types.

The difference in coat type (the Long Coat and the Smooth Coat)

is the only official description used to identify a

difference within this breed. ALL Chihuahuas are toy dogs.

As with all living things, there will be size variance

between individual dogs within this breed. Look within

the human family -brothers and sisters will differ in

height and in weight, as well as other physical attributes.

They are described as humans, male or female, and

there is never a need to break the description down further.

The same holds true in regard to the Chihuahua.

Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe

the size differences and physical appearances are many

and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate.

Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard -

are just a few of the many tags and labels that

have been attached to this breed over the years.

These are breeder-invented terms and may be used to

entice prospective buyers into thinking that puppies

described in this way are of greater monetary value.

They are not and the use of these terms is incorrect

and misleading.

Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy

that is unusually small ("a runt"). That puppy is a

small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description

is not correct. To attach any of these additional labels

to any puppy is to misrepresent that Chihuahua and

causes a great deal of confusion among potential

owners who are looking for a Chihuahua.

No Kennel Club endorses nor condones the use of any of

these terms and would caution the perspective puppy buyer

not to be misled by them.

It is recognized that many Chihuahua fanciers do want

the very small puppy. While they are adorable and can

be perfectly healthy, the buyer should be cautioned as

to the extra care that may be required with regard

to their general health and well-being.

Please be very careful as you search the internet for

your new baby.