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Chihuahua History

The history of the Chihuahua is very difficult to trace and is based largely on speculation and theory, however through folklore, legend and archeological finds, there is sufficient evidence to prove that it is without doubt an ancient breed originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico, and it is believed to predate any other breed of dog in the Americas. The most common theory and most likely is that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favoured by the Toltecs and that the modern dog developed through breeding with miniaturized Chinese dogs brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors. The Chihuahua was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1904

Chihuahua Temperament

Chihuahuas are lively, alert dogs that love nothing more than to be with their families. They make a good family pet, but care must be taken around smaller children, since it is such a small dog and can be easily hurt by rough play and their tendancy to bite when frightened. The personality of the Chihuahua varies, depending on the dog. Some are very out going, while others are very shy and reserved. These dogs do make effective watchdogs, barking when a stranger comes to the house or when something is amiss. These dogs can be diffucult to train and are a breed that is notoriously diffcult to housetrain. This is a breed that needs very little exercise and is good dog for elderly or disabled people that can't walk long distances. The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and make a good choice for the novice dog owner.

Chihuahua Appearance

Chihuahuas are the smallest of dog breeds and usually weigh between 2 to 6 pounds and usually stand 5 to 8 inches at the withers. They come in two varieties, short-coated and long-coated. The colour of the chihuahua varies from red, cream, chocolate, blue/gray, white, fawn, and black. They have dome shaped heads, protruding eyes and prick ears, which gives them a mischevious appearance.

A Long Haired Chihuahua

Chihuahua Grooming

The smooth coated variety are easy to care for and need very little grooming. The long-coated varieties need brushing twice a week to keep the dog looking neat.

Chihuahua Life Expectancy and Health Problems

The health problems that affect this breed are Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures and Epilepsy. A common disorder associated with this breed is Hydrocephalus, which is commonly called "water on the brain". Puppies with this condition usually have enlarged heads and grow slower that their litter mates. It is a condition that is often fatal. The average lifespan of this breed is 16 to 18 years.

Famous Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are popular in the media, as well. It is well known that Taco Bell used a Chihuahua in their ad campaigns. Famous cartoon chihuahuas are Ren, from The Ren and Stimpy Show and Mammoth Mutt from Krypto The Superdog. Chihuahuas have been featured in such movies as Transformers, Dirty Work, Legally Blonde and Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

Bruiser from the movie Legally Blonde

Chihuahua Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Chihuahua might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do You Want

• a very small dog that is easy to pick up?
• agood dog for apartment living?
• makes a good watchdog?
• a dog that needs very little exercise?

Do You NOT Want

• a dog that is notorious for being difficult to housetrain?
• a yappy dog?
• a very fragile dog?
• a dog that can be shy or timid around strangers?

Useful Chihuahua Links

The Chihuahua Club of America

The British Chihuahua Club