Chihuahua (longhaired)
Country/Date of Origin: Mexico/1800s
The origins of the Chihuahua are not known. The modern dog was, however, discovered in Mexico's Chihuahua state in 1850. Most of today's dogs are descended from the original 50 taken to the USA. Evidence in stone carvings of the Toltec people firmly establishes that the Chihuahua was in Mexico in the ninth or tenth century. Written records also indicate that the dog was important in the religious and mythological life of the later Aztecs. Chihuahuas may be longhaired or smooth-coated. The smooth coat is considered to be the original variety. The longhaired dogs were created in the early 20th century by crossing with longhaired toy breeds such as the Papillon and Pomeranian.
Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns
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AKC Group: Toy
Breed Club: Chihuahua Club of America
Rescue Club: Lynnie Bunten, San Antonio, TX, 210-633-2430, kachina@tgti.net
Back to TopBody Type:
- A sturdy breed but exceedingly tiny
- Height: 6-9 inches (at shoulder)
- Weight: 2-6 pounds. Anything over 6 pounds is disqualified
- Erect, wide-set ears are not altered
- Gently curved tail held erect but not over back (called a sickle tail) is not altered
Personality:
- The ultimate lap dog. Bred to be a charming companion
- Chihuahua is extremely affectionate toward those it considers family.
- Reserved, however, with strangers
- Temperamental
- Easily trained although difficult to housebreak
Coat:
- In the longhaired variety the hair is soft and can be straight or wavy
- A luxuriant ruff around the neck is desired and preferred. The ears are fringed and there is feathering on the legs and feet and pants on the hind legs
- All colors and combinations of colors are allowed. Mexican fanciers favors a jet black dog with tan markings or a black and white spotted one. Solid color dogs are preferred in the United States
- Moderate grooming
Health Concerns:
- The tiny bones are easily broken
- The soft spot on the skull called a molera does not always close and even a mild blow to this area can kill
- Slipped stifle or dislocated kneecaps may cause dogs to have a hopping gait
- Epilepsy
- Gum diseases in older dogs
- Chihuahuas with overly large, round shaped heads (a style of these dogs -- but not the breed standard or typical) may have trouble whelping
- Chihuahuas may often require Cesarian sections and the average litter is 2-4 puppies
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