The Chihuahua is a toy breed from Mexico. It is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua and is considered to be the smallest recognized dog breed, by standard.
DNA studies suggest that native American dogs entered North America from Siberia roughly 10,000 years ago, and were then isolated for some 9,000 years until the arrival of the first Europeans. These "pre-contact" dogs exhibited a unique genetic signature that is now almost gone. A study based on sequencing of ancient dog genomes, published in 2020, suggests that this pre-colonial ancestry survives in two Mexican breeds, to the extent of about 4% in the Chihuahua and 3% in the Xoloitzcuintli.
There is perhaps no breed shrouded in as much mystery and wrapped up in as many conspiracy theories as the Chihuahua. From people seriously asserting that the breed originates on another planet, to it being involved with time travelers, there are no shortage of insane whispers - whispers that sometimes seem less insane when you look at some of the facts.
For example, artist Sandro Botticelli painted a masterpiece that depicted a Chihuahua in the fresco (Scenes From The Life of Moses) in the Sistine Chapel in 1492. What's so odd about that, you may wonder? Well, the painting was finished 10 years before Columbus sailed to the new world, and European explorers wouldn't set eyes on the Chihuahua until the 16th Century. How, then, could Botticelli paint one?
Colonial records refer to small, nearly hairless dogs, and these are believed to be relatives of the Chihuahua. One such record claims that sixteenth-century conquistadores found them plentiful in the region of Chihuahua. In a letter written in 1520, Hernan Cortés wrote that the Aztecs raised and sold these little dogs as food. It is highly likely, and accepted by most historians, that the breeds in question were the Chihuahua and the Xoloitzcuintli (some experts also believe the Chinese Crested were among these food-dogs).
It is believed the Chihuahua made its way into the United States around 1884. The American Kennel Club first registered a Chihuahua in 1904. Her name was Midget and she was owned by H. Raynor of Texas.
Variety
The Chihuahua comes in only two recognized varieties; smooth-coated and longhaired (the latter should be brushed at least weekly to prevent matting and to remove dead hair before they fall all across the home). You may sometimes hear terms such as teacup, mini, micro, pocket, apple-head, deer-head, etc. These are marketing terms popularized by unethical for-profit breeders and continually used today by such people and by owners who have acquired Chihuahuas from the aforementioned unethical breeders. These marketing terms should be considered a red flag, and we recommend looking elsewhere if a breeder you are considering buying from uses any of them.
Exercise
The Chihuahua loves to run and play and can usually get enough exercise in a very small space. Therefore, they are perfect apartment dwellers. Playing fetch down a short hallway is usually sufficient exercise. Short, slow walks will keep your dog in good weight and condition. Avoid overexerting Chihuahuas. If your dog is panting and working hard to keep up, it's time to pick him up and carry him home.
Health
Chihuahuas are generally quite healthy, often living late into their teens. Still, they can be prone to certain issues, such as heart and eye issues. As a result of this fact, it is highly recommended that any dogs intended for breeding be health tested for the main culprits. Epilepsy is also relatively common in the breed.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
Patella Evaluation
Cardiac Exam
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
You can view the Smooth Coat being shown above, and the Long Coat below!
Resources:
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