Featured Breed
Chihuahua

Do you recognize these names:

Tinkerbell, Paris Hilton's pet, and author of "Tinkerbell Hilton Diaries"
Bruiser, Elle Woods' pet in the "Legally Blonde" movies
Gidget, the Taco Bell mascot
Ren Höek, of Ren and Stimpy fame
Pancho, the "heart-broken" dog of the Fullers in the movie Big Momma's House 2
Lou, featured on the television show "The Soup"

I must admit - I've never liked Chihuahuas - no doubt because of my experience with my Great Aunt Pearl's two little Chihuahuas, Cookie and Torry. At three years old I was quite comfortable playing with my uncle's German Shepards, but was terrified of those two little beasts! However, knowledge brings wisdom, and a change of opinion of this breed.

Background The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which borders the US on the North and Northeast. Several theories have been propounded as to the modern breed's forebearers - originally it was thought that they were descendants of an ancient, but slightly larger breed associated with royalty in the Aztec civilization. A lack of archaeological remains has lead many experts to believe that Chihuahuas were brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers. Another theory is that the breed was introduced by the Chinese to Mexico. The most current theory is a combination of several ideas - that Spanish merchants brought Chihuahuas to Spain by way of their trade routes with China and from there to Mexico. Either way, the Chihuahua is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. The breed quickly became popular after its discovery in Mexico in the 1850s and was subsequently registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904.

Physical Characteristics Chihuahuas are considered part of the “Toy Group” by the AKC and the breed standard requires that they not weigh more than 6 pounds. Breed requirements also include "a well rounded 'apple dome' skull...full, but not protruding eyes...large, erect type ears" and a "muscular", firm body. The AKC’s general description is “A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier- like qualities of temperament.” Chihuahuas can be smooth coats or long coats and come in many colors, from solid blacks to solid whites, spotted, fawn, chocolate, blue (gray), silver, tricolored (chocolate, blue, or black with tan and white markings), and brindle.

Personality Chihuahuas, and most small dogs, are often stereotyped as yappy, high-strung, fragile and downright mean (and some live up to the description). Many Chihuahuas focus their devotion on one person, becoming overly jealous of that person's human relationships – Chihuahuas I’ve encountered over the years have certainly fit that profile only too well. However, as with almost any animal, especially a dog, a well-socialized Chihuahua can bond to all members of the family, but only if it is introduced as a pup to many people and situations, and all members of the household share in the dog's care and training.

Most Chihuahuas are bold and love attention, sometimes to the point of becoming overbearing. Chihuahuas also have a breed loyalty and may prefer Chihuahuas over other dog breeds. Since they seem to have no concept of their own size, they may fearlessly confront larger animals, so owners need to keep their Chihuahua on a leash whenever they go outside. With their alertness, intelligence and size, Chihuahuas are easily adaptable to many environments, including the city and small apartments, and usually have a long lifetime of 15 years or more Chihuahuas are highly curious, and enjoy exploring the sights and smells of the outdoors, such as parks and hiking trails.

Health Considerations Many Chihuahuas do not like the cold or breezes due to their small body size and thin coat. Chihuahua owners often dress their dogs in sweaters or coats in cold weather. A good rule of thumb is that if you need a sweater, the dog needs a sweater. Chihuahuas are known for their moleras, a soft spot in their skulls (the same as a fontanelle in human babies). Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs to be taken during the first 6 or so months until the skull is fully formed. Chihuahuas are also prone to developing eye infections (due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their low ground clearance). They require more than the usual veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. They are also prone to some genetic problems, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders. As with many toy breeds, they are also known for patella luxation, where their back knee pops in and out of place, sometimes causing pain and a limp.

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