ALL ABOUT CHIHUAHUAS:
Pronounced Chih-wah-waah, the Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog. This breed was
named after the state of Chihuahua, in Mexico, but the origin of the breed is disputed. Did
they come to Mexico from Egypt via the Mediterranean, or from China, another theory, or
was it developed exclusively in Central and South America from the Techichi, a native
canine? After the Spanish Conquest in 1519 the breed was totally ignored and almost
became extinct. American tourists in 1850 returned with specimens, but attracted little
notice, until decades later a popular entertainer, Xavier Cugat, "the Rhumba king"
appeared everywhere with his tiny teacup Chihuahua. Today, this tiny canine is one of the
most popular in North America. Note, serious fanciers of the breed never refer to tiny specimens as teacup Chihuahuas. Puppymill breeders however, use that popular term to obtain higher unwarranted prices.
Weight: Not to exceed 6 lbs. (2.7 kg).
Preferred Size: 2 - 4 lbs. (1 - 2 kg).
Height: 6 - 9 in. (15 - 23 cm) at withers.
Energy Level: High.
Watchdog: Excellent.
Life Expectancy: 14 - 18 years.
The breed is a graceful, alert, swift-moving with a saucy expression, possessing a terrier-like attitude. Usually reserved with strangers, some Chihuahuas are protective while others are shy. The breed is usually devoted and bonded to one person. It is compact with a well rounded "apple dome" skull. The eyes are full, set well apart, luminous, dark or ruby. The ears are large, held erect, and flare to the sides. The body is well balanced, slightly longer than high. There are two varieties, the short coat and the long coat. The long hair Chihuahua, was perhaps developed entirely in the US by crossing the smooth coat variety to the Pomeranian, the Papillon and maybe others.
Pronounced Chih-wah-waah, the Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog. This breed was
named after the state of Chihuahua, in Mexico, but the origin of the breed is disputed. Did
they come to Mexico from Egypt via the Mediterranean, or from China, another theory, or
was it developed exclusively in Central and South America from the Techichi, a native
canine? After the Spanish Conquest in 1519 the breed was totally ignored and almost
became extinct. American tourists in 1850 returned with specimens, but attracted little
notice, until decades later a popular entertainer, Xavier Cugat, "the Rhumba king"
appeared everywhere with his tiny teacup Chihuahua. Today, this tiny canine is one of the
most popular in North America. Note, serious fanciers of the breed never refer to tiny specimens as teacup Chihuahuas. Puppymill breeders however, use that popular term to obtain higher unwarranted prices.
Weight: Not to exceed 6 lbs. (2.7 kg).
Preferred Size: 2 - 4 lbs. (1 - 2 kg).
Height: 6 - 9 in. (15 - 23 cm) at withers.
Energy Level: High.
Watchdog: Excellent.
Life Expectancy: 14 - 18 years.
The breed is a graceful, alert, swift-moving with a saucy expression, possessing a terrier-like attitude. Usually reserved with strangers, some Chihuahuas are protective while others are shy. The breed is usually devoted and bonded to one person. It is compact with a well rounded "apple dome" skull. The eyes are full, set well apart, luminous, dark or ruby. The ears are large, held erect, and flare to the sides. The body is well balanced, slightly longer than high. There are two varieties, the short coat and the long coat. The long hair Chihuahua, was perhaps developed entirely in the US by crossing the smooth coat variety to the Pomeranian, the Papillon and maybe others.
