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History
Both folklore and archeological finds show that the breed
originated in Mexico. The most common theory and most likely is
that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi, a companion
dog favored by the Toltec civilization in Mexico.
Historical records indicate that the Techichi hunted in packs. They
can only be traced as far back as the ninth century but it is highly
likely that this is the Chihuahua's native Mexican ancestor.
Evidence of this is that the remains of dogs closely resembling, but
slightly larger than the average Chihuahua have been found in
such places as the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which dates back to
the 2nd century BC and predates the 16th century. There is also
evidence to suggest that the Techichi may also predate the
Mayans.
The Toltecs were conquered by the Aztecs, who believed that the
Techichi held mystical powers. In terms of size, the present day
Chihuahua is much smaller than its ancestors, a change thought to
be due to the introduction of miniaturized Chinese dogs, such as
the Chinese Crested Dog, into South America by the Spanish.
A progenitor of the breed was reputedly found in 1850 in old ruins
near Casas Grandes in the Mexican state of Chihuahua from which
the breed gets its name. The state borders with Texas, Arizona
and New Mexico where Chihuahuas first rose to prominence and
were further developed in the United States. Since that time, the
Chihuahua has remained consistently popular as a breed,
particularly in America when the breed was first recognized by the
American Kennel Club in 1904. Genetic tests place the Chihuahua
with other modern breeds originating in the 1800s.
Description and Standards
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. However,
some dogs grow as tall as 12 to 15 inches. Both British and
American breed standards state that a Chihuahua must not weigh
more than six pounds for conformation. However, the British
standard also states that a weight of two to four pounds is
preferred and that if two dogs are equally good in type, the more
diminutive or smaller is preferred. The Fédération Cynologique
Internationale (FCI) standard calls for dogs ideally between 1.5
and 3.0 kg (3.3 to 6.6 lbs.), although smaller ones are acceptable
in the show ring. Pet-quality Chihuahuas (that is, those bred or
purchased as companions rather than show dogs) often range
above these weights, even above ten pounds if they have large
bone structures or are allowed to become overweight. This does
not mean that they are not purebred Chihuahuas; they do not
meet the requirements to enter a conformation show. Oversize
Chihuahuas are seen in some of the best, and worst, bloodlines.
Typically the breed standard for both the long and short coat
chihuahua will be identical except for the description of the coat.
Chihuahua breeders often use terms like miniature, teacup, tiny
toy, or deer headed, to describe puppies. These terms are not
recognized by the breed standards and may be misleading.
Temperament
Being naturally territorial and protective, Chihuahuas can be easily
provoked to attack, and are therefore generally unsuitable for
homes with small children, but not in all cases. The AKC describes
the breed as, "A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy
expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of
temperament." The breed tends to be fiercely loyal to one
particular owner, but may be attached to more. They do not always
get along with other breeds. These traits generally make them
unsuitable for households with small or boisterous children.
Chihuahuas crave attention, affection, exercise and being pet.
They can be hyper, but eager to please. They have a reputation
as a "yippy" dog, which can be resolved with proper training.
Chihuahuas with proper breeding are not "yippy"; the AKC
standard calls for "a terrier-like attitude." Long haired chihuahuas
tend to have a more mellow temperament.
Chihuahuas are not well-suited as small children's pets because of
their size, temperament, and tendency to bite when frightened. It is
recommended that children be school aged or older before adding
a Chihuahua to one's home. Also, 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.
In southern California in 2009, three Chihuahuas protected their
mistress, a three-year-old girl, from a 100 pound mountain lion.
Health
This breed requires expert veterinary attention in 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 disease, hydrocephalus. It is often diagnosed by
the puppy 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.
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