Chihuahua History
The Chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds known in history. Although they were only discovered and brought to America in the mid 19th century, there are historical facts which suggest that the ancestors of the breed we now know today have in fact been around since before 1530, as artifacts from the Cholula Pyramids and the ruins of the Chichen Itza found on the Yucatan Peninsula determine. It is said that the Chihuahua ancestors were the Techichi companions of the ancients Toltecs, and were also necessary for religious purposes. Unfortunately, it is still disputed as to when this breed actually came into existence, as information on the Techichi only goes back so far as the 9th century. Despite disputes, it is most commonly believed that the ancestors of the Chihuahua were in existence before the Mayans.
Regardless of the doubts of time and origin, there is no question that the presentday Chihuahua’s native land is Mexico, and was brought to Europe’s attention in the 16th century by the famous Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, who mentioned the pint-sized pooch in his letter to the King of Spain. Modern Chihuahua’s are smaller than their predecessors, and this is believed to be the cause of crossing the original Techichi breed with the Chinese Crested, which occurred when the Chinese Crested were brought to Alaska from Asia. The name Chihuahua is taken from the Mexican State of Chihuahua, where the initial type of the breed was found. Chihuahua’s have always been known to come in a variety of coat colors, and were first registered in the American Kennel Club in 1904.
The Chihuahua is a loveable, spirited little pal that will never leave you feeling lonely. He is a charming fellow with a lot of pizzazz and a larger than life attitude. He has sweet features and many wonderful characteristics. The Chihuahua is the breed with the smallest stature, but he is still very compact with a level back, medium length neck that has a slight arch, a deep brisket and straight legs that are spaced ideally apart, turned neither out nor in. His head is rounded nicely and his skull is shaped like the dome of an apple. He has lean jaws and cheeks, and a moderately short muzzle that comes to a slight point. The Chihuahua’s mouth is a perfect scissor bite and he has strong jaws. His eyes, one of his most distinguishing features are large and round, and spaced well apart. Eye color can be dark, ruby or even light, in cases when they have a fair shaded coat. Their ears, yet another trademark feature, are large and stick straight up at a 45 degree angle.
The Chihuahua’s padded feet are really tiny, strong, flexible, and like his legs, turn neither out nor in. This feature, along with his legs, provides the Chihuahua with a brisk and energetic gait. The tail of a Chi is set high, medium in length, broadens a bit in the middle and narrows to a point. It is carried with pride up over the back. Depending on the coat of the Chihuahua, the tail may look flat or fluffy in appearance, and with the long coat, it fans out at the tip. The smooth coat of the Chihuahua has a very fine, silky texture, appears glossy and is close to the skin. The long coat also has a silken texture, and it can have a slight wave or be flat, but shouldn’t be curly. Long coat Chi’s also have feathering on their feet, legs and ears. The coloring of the coat can be any mixture of colors, from light to dark. Without a doubt, the Chihuahua will win you over with his charm, looks and affection He is truly one of a kind.
Chihuahua’s are a loyal dog breed. They are the smallest dog breed known, and naturally having different dispositions than their mid-, large- and extra large-sized cousins. They are naturally an alert and lively breed that is eager to play and please, making them well-liked and an excellent companion. The Chihuahua is renowned for its boisterous character. With its high intelligence and aptitude to bark, the Chihuahua makes an appealing pet and a very alert watch dog. Chihuahua’s are an old breed, and to this day, they have maintained their clever, energetic and bold nature.
The Chihuahua is recognized as a part of the toy group by the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom, and is considered an intelligent and compatible breed. “Toy” dogs is a reference to the size of the dog. The small size and sweet expressions of these dogs illustrate the main function of this group: to delight the owner. Many Toys are very tough; so don’t let their small size fool you. Toys have always been popular with people that live in cities and apartments. Aside from their natural instincts, Chihuahua’s can be temperamental, but normally have an even temperament and their small size that makes them the ideal apartment dog. They do not need a large amount of exercise and some can be finicky eaters. They are intelligent companions but owners must be discretionary with their attention as spoiled dogs can become protective of their owners. Ideally these dogs are extroverted companions and not untouchable
ornaments.
Throughout history Chihuahua’s have made excellent
· Companions
· Lap dogs used for warming laps, and snuggling close in bed
· Symbols of Wealth
They also make ideal and friendly companions, as they appear quire fearless, are loyal, playful and alert. The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into 7 groups:
· herding
· hound
· non-sporting
· sporting
· terrier
· toy
· working
0 comments:
Post a Comment