Origins of the Chihuahua
There are many different theories for the origin of the Chihuahua. One is that the Chihuahua is originally from
Mexico, another that it comes from China, and some say that it began in Egypt. The most popular theory is that
Chihuahuas originated in Mexico with the Toltec people. The history of the Chihuahua is not clear, but
archaeologists have unearthed evidence which demonstrates that a small dog, very much resembling the
Chihuahua, was important to the Toltec’s (where it was known as the Techichi), and to the Aztecs, during Mexico's
ancient times. The Toltec's existed in Mexico in the ninth century and were said to have a small dog of heavy bone
called the Techichi which some theorists believe to be the ancestor of the Chihuahua. Carvings and relics found in
the area resemble the Chihuahua. When the Toltec’s were conquered by the Aztecs they kept the Techichi and it is
believed that they were used as religious sacrifices. The dogs were sacrificed and buried with their master's
remains with the belief that the master's sins were transferred to the dog’s remains, ensuring safe passage to the
final destination. They were discovered buried with important people of both civilizations to show them the way to
the after-life. The remains which were found discount later theories as to the origins of the Chihuahua we know
today.
It is assumed that they were later named for the Chihuahua province in Mexico. Some have suggested that these
little dogs came to Central America from South America, although there has been no supporting evidence. The
Spanish Conquistadors reported rodent-like tree-dwelling creatures during this period, but none resembling dogs.
There is also little evidence that these dogs arrived in the ancient world of the Americas from Asia, even though the
Chinese have a long history of breeding bantam dogs. The Xoloitzcuintli was also present in ancient Mexico, and
played a very important role. While the Xoloitzcuintli is considered the National Dog of Mexico, it is clear that the
Chihuahua was also important to the early people of Mexico.
The Chihuahua first came to the United States in the mid-1800's. The breed slowly became popular. In the late
1800's kennel clubs were organized and Chihuahuas began to be exhibited. From then on growth of the breed was
very slow. The first Chihuahua was registered in the AKC stud book in 1904. Popularity increased and the
Chihuahua Club of America was formed in 1923 as well as the introduction of a breed standard. These lively little
dogs come in two varieties, the smooth coat and the long coat. It is debated which variety is the original, but the
long coat gene is recessive to the dominate smooth coat gene. The long coat and smooth coat Chihuahuas were
separated into two varieties in 1952.
The Chihuahua is, without a doubt, a highly recognizable dog today. They are used in various media campaigns, the
most notable in recent memory being the Taco Bell commercials. Known as the world's smallest breed, they are
lively and often bolder than their size would seem to permit.
PRONOUNCED: Chee-wah-wah
FAMILY: Companion
BREED GROUP: Toy
AREA OF ORIGIN: Mexico (debated)
DATE OF ORIGIN: Debatable, however discovered in Mexico in 1850
HEIGHT: 6-9 inches (15.2-22.9 cm)
WEIGHT: 1-10- lbs. (.5 kg-2.7 kg)
NOTE: According to the official breed standard, this dog should not weight more than 6 lbs (2.7 kg) but not less than 1 lb.
(.5 kg)
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14-18 years
FAMOUS BLOODLINES: Davishall, Ouachitah, Ouachitah Beau Chiene, Darten, Weaver, Hurd, Heatherly, Schroeder,
Pittore, Collin-Dells, Stonehill, Jo-El, Maximillion, Stonehill Goround

Color(s):
Any color-Solid, marked or splashed~ SEE AKC WEBSITE FOR COLOR AND MARKINGS
Coat:  
The Chihuahua coat comes in two varieties: The Smooth and Long coat. In the Smooth Coats, the coat should be of soft
texture, close and glossy. (Heavier coats with undercoats permissible.) Coat placed well over body with ruff on neck
preferred, and more scanty on head and ears. Hair on tail preferred furry. In Long Coats, the coat should be of a soft
texture, either flat or slightly curly, with undercoat preferred. Ears - Fringed. (Heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly if
due to the fringes and not to weak ear leather, never down.) Tail - Full and long (as a plume). Feathering on feet and legs,
pants on hind legs and large ruff on the neck desired and preferred. Either coat type comes in a variety of colors such as
fawn, brown, black, and white. The coat may be solid in color, marked with splashes of color, or tri-color. They are an
average shedder.
Character:
The Chihuahua is a very individualistic breed. They each have their own unique personality, so only a few generalizations
can be made. They are commonly referred to as a "Chi". They are energetic, graceful, and display a human-like
expression. Their life span is the longest of any size dog.
Temperament:
The Chihuahua is deeply devoted and fiercely loyal. They typically become extremely attached to one or two people. They
are bold, fearless, and highly protective of their masters. They thrive on inordinate amounts of attention. The Chihuahua is
by nature gentle, loving, and sweet-tempered. They are wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. However, they
are sociable with their own kind. Chihuahuas are excellent companions in the right circumstances.
Care:
The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. The Smooth coat variety requires only occasional brushing. The Long coat
variety should be brushed several times a week with a soft bristle brush. Both varieties only need bathing once a month
using a mild shampoo. Special care must be given to not get water into their ears as they are prone to ear infections.
Dental hygiene is a must to prevent tooth loss. The Chihuahua does not tolerate cold climates and must be protected when
taken outside.
Training:
The Chihuahua can be difficult to train, but with patience, love, and consistency do well. They respond best to positive
reinforcement. Chihuahuas can be house trained by either the crate method or the paper training method. Early,
extensive, and intensive socialization is an absolute must for this breed.
Activity:
The Chihuahua is an excellent apartment or condominium dweller. The majority of their exercise needs can be met indoors
with toys or play sessions. However, they greatly enjoy going with their owners and benefit from daily walks. Using a
harness is recommended instead of a leash is best given their delicate neck and bone structure.
Chihuahua Breed
Information & Links
ChuppyLove Chihuahuas
AKC CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES ~ LONG AND SMOOTH COAT VARIETIES
SMALL HOME BREEDER LOCATED IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Chihuahua is the smallest of all breeds and has the distinction of
being the oldest breed in America. They were named after the Chihuahua
region in Mexico. It is believed that this breed descended from ancient
breed that was larger in size and but are actually quite muscular.
Chihuahua Facts
PetChiDog Chihuahua Information Center
and vital Chihuahua information. We are dedicated to
the love, caring and health of Chihuahuas.
Chihuahua Dog Breed
Membership Site
Chihuahua lovers & owners. That's
Right! You can do everything you can
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Chihuahua Time is the place to do so.
A specialized website that's
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Chihuahua!
"Echo" now living in Napa, Ca.
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Northern California Chihuahua puppies, AKC Chihuahua breeder of appledome and deer head Chihuahuas puppies, Northern California chihuahua breeder of  champion line AKC Chihuahua puppies
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