With
its bloodlines reportedly dating back to the ancient Aztec period,
the world's smallest dog breed is also the oldest one in the Americas.
It was named
after the Mexican State of Chihuahua where the first of the breed
were found, and subsequently recognized as such in the mid-19th
century.
Today, the
popularity of the doe-eyed Chihuahua has secured its place in the arms of Hollywood celebrities
as well as in American pop culture, with a star performance in
its own right in a famous 1990's Taco
Bell ad campaign, and in the full-length Disney
comedy Beverly
Hills Chihuahua.
Despite the
terms used by some breeders, only two types of chihuahuas exist
- smooth haired and long haired. So-called "Teacup Chihuahuas"
simply describes the smallest dog in any Chihuahua litter.
Chihuahua behavior
& personality
Often viewed
as nervous, high-strung and fearful of strangers, there is no
other breed who is more devoted than the diminutive Chihuahua,
who often wins your affection by licking your face and following
you about as a constant companion.
Chihuahuas
are famous for exhibiting a ferocity that belies their size,
and may even go on the
offensive and even bite much larger animals if threatened.
Experts advise
that early training should always include socialization, mainly
to avoid visitors or guests being attacked as intruders!
Because of
its small size, they can be easily injured during rough play and
are not generally considered to be ideal pets for toddlers or
young children.
Chihuahua care &
special health concerns
Much like
human babies, Chihuahuas puppies are the only dog breed born with
a soft spot in their skulls (known as molera). So guarding against head injury is all-important for the
first six months of their life until their skulls are fully formed.
As Chihuahuas
age, they should be fed lightly and provided with ample opportunities
for exercise to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (lowered blood
sugar levels) and diabetes, two conditions which Chihuahuas are
especially prone.
Genetically,
is has been shown that the breed is also predisposed to nervous
conditions and epilepsy.
Due to their
fragile necks, a body harness is preferred over a collar and,
for short-haired breeds in particular, a warm sweater should be
provided in cooler weather.
More information
about Chihuahuas around the Web:
American
Kennel Club - Chihuahua
- Here's the complete profile of the breed, with information on appearance,
ideal proportions and gait, plus more on Chihuahua history &
origins, fun facts, photos.
Chihuahua
Information & Pictures - Discover a general fact sheet on temperament,
tips on overall health & common diseases, with pages of visitor-submitted
photos in the picture gallery.
Chihuahua
Rescue & Transport - Here's a central clearinghouse for Chihuahua
adoptions nationwide with contact details, online form, information
on the approval process, related resources.