Chihuahuas
by Kairah S.
WELCOME
Breed History:
Its said that their lineage dates back to a period before the Americas were discovered by Columbus, making it one of the oldest breeds (in the Americas). Taking their name from the northern most part of Mexico; Chihuahua; an area that borders Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, but were later nicknamed "Texas or Arizona dogs" most likely because those were the borders that were used to bring the breed into the US.
Breed Descendants:
It was said that the Chihuahua was the result of a cross breed between the Techichi; that the Toltecs brought with them when they conquered the central and southern parts of Mexico around 1100 AD; and a dog that dwelled in the mountains known as the Perro Chihuahueno. The Techichi were described as being of small stature, heavy-boned, long haired, had long legs, and having a fawn-like (small) body with an arched back. While the Perro Chihuahueno on the other hand were said to have lived in holes in the ground, foraged for their food, had long nails, round heads and that their ears were as erect as they were short.
Physical Traits:
Chihuahuas:
- have large eyes
- large ears that stand erect
- small, short snouts
- they can be either long or short haired
- can range anywhere from 6 to 10 inches in hight (on the shorter side) while some can grow to be 12 to 15 inches in hight
- they can be silver, tan or even tri colored (in the cases of blue, chocolate brown or black), but most are spotted or brown, black, or solid white. The shading of the coat can also vary depending on the dog and its lineage.
Note: The Chihuahua is considered to be apart of the Toy group when it comes to what type of dog you want (toy, herding, working, terrier, etc.).
Famous Dogs that are apart of the breed:
- The Taco Bell chihuahua, Gidget who died at the age of 15
- Tinkerbell, owned by Paris Hilton
Things the breed is known for:
The typical chihuahua is known to be a good watchdog despite its small size. Very loyal and devoted to their owners but 'reserved' to strangers and other pets (unfamiliar pets). They are also known for their alertness and that saucy expression they give everyone. They even make very good 'stay-at-home' dogs and are very good with other household pets.
Temperament:
Chihuahuas have been known to be thickheaded or quite mild-tempered;humorious or a bit serious;or even hyper or calm.
Other interesting facts:
- Even though it is a tiny breed, a chihuahua has the largest brain amongst all dogs.
- Like the white horse, who at birth is black and over time gains its white coat, a chihuahua is born with floppy ears and over time they learn to stand erect.
- Back when the breed was still young, it was considered quite holy in Mexico, it had its place in rituals and rites at the temples.
- The chihuahua gains its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
- The breed is considered to be the oldest in the Americas.
- Even though chihuahuas are the smallest breed on record, its said that a yorkshire terrier holds the record for being the smallest dog in existence.
- The reason chihuahuas snore and sneeze is due to the fact that they have small noses.
In the above pictures a chihuahua is praying with it's master, a monk, the dog--after watching it's master do it many times before--taught itself to pray. No this is not fake, I found it in a news article that was legit.
Works Cited:
THANK YOU FOR READING
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