CHIHUAHUA -
A HISTORY OF THE SMALLEST CANINE
by Lee Weston
As with any breed of dog, there is speculation, a great deal of paperwork, detective work, and logical deduction involved
in what has occurred in the past to understand the present. Archeology and paleontology is used heavily in determining
what type of relationship existed between the canine and the human population. This is the case with the history of the
Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua received its name from the northern part of Mexico bearing the same name, that borders on the Texas,
Arizona, and New Mexico boundary lines. But that is not the limit of its history. There are many theories regarding the
development of this tiny breed of dog. Following is just a few of these theories, call them speculations, but all possible.
Through archaeological digs and the work of paleontologists, they have pieced together a history that goes back at least
to 5th century A.D. and to show the existence of the Chihuahua's ancestors not only in the central and southern regions
of Mexico, but also in South America as well.
The Mayan Indians of South America made clay sculptures of small dogs that resemble a Chihuahua "type". These
sculptures are dated back to the 5th century A.D. Were they the first to develop a relationship with one of the
Chihuahua's ancestors?
A native people of Mexico, known as Toltecs, were known to have conquered the southern and central parts of Mexico by
1100 A.D. They possessed a dog of small stature, but at the same time it was heavy-boned and long-coated. This dog
was known as a Techichi. It is described as being long-legged, with a thin body, almost fawn-like, and a humped back.
The Techichi was kept by the Toltecs as a pet, and interestingly, this dog was used as part of the religious rites as well.
There is a question as to whether or not the Toltecs crossed the Techichi with a dog that inhabited the mountains of
Chihuahua, called the Perro Chihuahueno. It is said that the Perro Chihuahueno was a foraging type of dog, that lived in
holes in the ground. They had round heads, long nails, and short, erect ears.
When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs and became the ruling class, they also used the dog as pets and in a religious
function. From remains found at pyramids and in graves, it is believed that these people thought that the dog would
function as guides for the human soul. Another ritual that was practiced was the burning of a dog with a human corpse.
This was done in the belief that the deceased humans wrong-doings would be transferred to the dog.
The story continues with the Spanish conquerors that invaded Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It is
conjectured that they had with them a small, black and tan, terrier type dog. These Spanish dogs were far more friendly
with the native dogs than the Spanish conquistadors were with the native peoples. Due to this crossing of the black and
tan terrier type dog with the Techichi, it is surmised that the Chihuahua resulted.
Another theory put forth is that the Chihuahua is actually of European descent. That it was the Spanish conquistadors
that brought this dog with them to the New World. For proof, the people who support this theory point to the island of
Malta where a small breed of dog existed that possessed a natural molera. A molera is like an open fontanel in a human
child, a soft spot on the top of the skull where the three sections of the skull bone meet. The molera is extremely rare,
and uncommon to other breeds of dog. The Chihuahua, however, does possess this natural molera, it is believed that
this points to its descendants as being from Malta. Further proof is offered in of all places, the Sistine Chapel. A painting
by Sondro Botticelli, completed in 1482, depicts a dog that is very much like today's Chihuahua. Since this painting was
completed before Columbus sailed for the New World, it offers proof that the dog is of European ancestry.
One last theory that we will put forth, is that it is known that the Chinese were adept at developing miniatures of larger
breeds of dog. It may be possible that the Chinese developed a dog similar to the Chihuahua, the Spanish traders came
to possess this dog, and from China, traveled to Mexico with it. As the Spanish traders crossed Mexico, they had contact
with the native population, both the traders and the dogs.
In any case, after the Spanish were finished with destroying the Aztec culture, buildings, and as many people as they
could, the fate of the dogs were left to the native people that adopted it into their families, and nature.
When people from the United States first "discovered" this tiny dog, they were referred to as "Texas Dogs" or "Arizona
Dogs" probably because that is the border that was used to bring the dogs from Mexico to the U.S. Americans fell in love
with the little critters and ever since the Chihuahua has been a favorite. Interestingly, the "Chis" have undergone a great
deal of change since the 1950's. Breeders have made great strides in improving the temperament, the number one
concern, and type. Today's kennels are noted for different characteristics and bloodlines, so when shopping for a puppy,
it is important for the prospective buyer to understand and know expectations of the bloodlines. The only way to find out
is to go to the dog shows, talk to owners, handlers, breeders and ask lots of questions. Read books about the
Chihuahua, educating yourself can be time consuming, but can also save a lot of headaches and heartaches in the future.
In the United States, the American Kennel Club exhibited Chihuahuas for the first time in 1890. The first Chihuahua was
registered in the U.S. In 1903. However, the Chihuahua Club of America was not established until 1923, along with a
written breed standard that has not changed significantly since. In 1952, the Chihuahua Club of America did vote to split
the Chihuahua into two varieties. The two are judged on the same standard, the difference being is that one variety is
smooth coated and the other is long coated.
A HISTORY OF THE SMALLEST CANINE
by Lee Weston
As with any breed of dog, there is speculation, a great deal of paperwork, detective work, and logical deduction involved
in what has occurred in the past to understand the present. Archeology and paleontology is used heavily in determining
what type of relationship existed between the canine and the human population. This is the case with the history of the
Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua received its name from the northern part of Mexico bearing the same name, that borders on the Texas,
Arizona, and New Mexico boundary lines. But that is not the limit of its history. There are many theories regarding the
development of this tiny breed of dog. Following is just a few of these theories, call them speculations, but all possible.
Through archaeological digs and the work of paleontologists, they have pieced together a history that goes back at least
to 5th century A.D. and to show the existence of the Chihuahua's ancestors not only in the central and southern regions
of Mexico, but also in South America as well.
The Mayan Indians of South America made clay sculptures of small dogs that resemble a Chihuahua "type". These
sculptures are dated back to the 5th century A.D. Were they the first to develop a relationship with one of the
Chihuahua's ancestors?
A native people of Mexico, known as Toltecs, were known to have conquered the southern and central parts of Mexico by
1100 A.D. They possessed a dog of small stature, but at the same time it was heavy-boned and long-coated. This dog
was known as a Techichi. It is described as being long-legged, with a thin body, almost fawn-like, and a humped back.
The Techichi was kept by the Toltecs as a pet, and interestingly, this dog was used as part of the religious rites as well.
There is a question as to whether or not the Toltecs crossed the Techichi with a dog that inhabited the mountains of
Chihuahua, called the Perro Chihuahueno. It is said that the Perro Chihuahueno was a foraging type of dog, that lived in
holes in the ground. They had round heads, long nails, and short, erect ears.
When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs and became the ruling class, they also used the dog as pets and in a religious
function. From remains found at pyramids and in graves, it is believed that these people thought that the dog would
function as guides for the human soul. Another ritual that was practiced was the burning of a dog with a human corpse.
This was done in the belief that the deceased humans wrong-doings would be transferred to the dog.
The story continues with the Spanish conquerors that invaded Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It is
conjectured that they had with them a small, black and tan, terrier type dog. These Spanish dogs were far more friendly
with the native dogs than the Spanish conquistadors were with the native peoples. Due to this crossing of the black and
tan terrier type dog with the Techichi, it is surmised that the Chihuahua resulted.
Another theory put forth is that the Chihuahua is actually of European descent. That it was the Spanish conquistadors
that brought this dog with them to the New World. For proof, the people who support this theory point to the island of
Malta where a small breed of dog existed that possessed a natural molera. A molera is like an open fontanel in a human
child, a soft spot on the top of the skull where the three sections of the skull bone meet. The molera is extremely rare,
and uncommon to other breeds of dog. The Chihuahua, however, does possess this natural molera, it is believed that
this points to its descendants as being from Malta. Further proof is offered in of all places, the Sistine Chapel. A painting
by Sondro Botticelli, completed in 1482, depicts a dog that is very much like today's Chihuahua. Since this painting was
completed before Columbus sailed for the New World, it offers proof that the dog is of European ancestry.
One last theory that we will put forth, is that it is known that the Chinese were adept at developing miniatures of larger
breeds of dog. It may be possible that the Chinese developed a dog similar to the Chihuahua, the Spanish traders came
to possess this dog, and from China, traveled to Mexico with it. As the Spanish traders crossed Mexico, they had contact
with the native population, both the traders and the dogs.
In any case, after the Spanish were finished with destroying the Aztec culture, buildings, and as many people as they
could, the fate of the dogs were left to the native people that adopted it into their families, and nature.
When people from the United States first "discovered" this tiny dog, they were referred to as "Texas Dogs" or "Arizona
Dogs" probably because that is the border that was used to bring the dogs from Mexico to the U.S. Americans fell in love
with the little critters and ever since the Chihuahua has been a favorite. Interestingly, the "Chis" have undergone a great
deal of change since the 1950's. Breeders have made great strides in improving the temperament, the number one
concern, and type. Today's kennels are noted for different characteristics and bloodlines, so when shopping for a puppy,
it is important for the prospective buyer to understand and know expectations of the bloodlines. The only way to find out
is to go to the dog shows, talk to owners, handlers, breeders and ask lots of questions. Read books about the
Chihuahua, educating yourself can be time consuming, but can also save a lot of headaches and heartaches in the future.
In the United States, the American Kennel Club exhibited Chihuahuas for the first time in 1890. The first Chihuahua was
registered in the U.S. In 1903. However, the Chihuahua Club of America was not established until 1923, along with a
written breed standard that has not changed significantly since. In 1952, the Chihuahua Club of America did vote to split
the Chihuahua into two varieties. The two are judged on the same standard, the difference being is that one variety is
smooth coated and the other is long coated.
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Grooming your Chihuahua
Puppies should be bathed as needed with a
mild, puppy safe shampoo. Chihuahuas should
be brushed regularly, especially the long coat
variety. Brush your Chihuahua's teeth regularly
and provide appropriate chew toys. Poorly
maintained teeth may lead to other health
problems. Clean ears with a cotton ball and mild
ear cleaner made for dogs. If the inside of the
ear is red, irritated, has a foul odor or a dark
brown residue, have your dog checked by a vet.
Trim your Chihuahua's nails regularly. If you do
not feel comfortable doing this yourself have
your vet or groomer do it. Untrimmed nails can
cause splayed feet and make walking
uncomfortable for your dog.
Puppies should be bathed as needed with a
mild, puppy safe shampoo. Chihuahuas should
be brushed regularly, especially the long coat
variety. Brush your Chihuahua's teeth regularly
and provide appropriate chew toys. Poorly
maintained teeth may lead to other health
problems. Clean ears with a cotton ball and mild
ear cleaner made for dogs. If the inside of the
ear is red, irritated, has a foul odor or a dark
brown residue, have your dog checked by a vet.
Trim your Chihuahua's nails regularly. If you do
not feel comfortable doing this yourself have
your vet or groomer do it. Untrimmed nails can
cause splayed feet and make walking
uncomfortable for your dog.
Feeding
Chihuahuas have higher metabolisms than most
breeds and should be fed premium dog foods.
When a quality dog food is fed, no additional
supplementation is recommended. Young
puppies should have dry food available at all
times to prevent hypoglycemia. Older adult dogs
may be fed twice daily. Be careful not to
overfeed your Chihuahua, as obesity can create
health issues and shorten their lifespan.
Fresh water should always be available.
Chihuahuas have higher metabolisms than most
breeds and should be fed premium dog foods.
When a quality dog food is fed, no additional
supplementation is recommended. Young
puppies should have dry food available at all
times to prevent hypoglycemia. Older adult dogs
may be fed twice daily. Be careful not to
overfeed your Chihuahua, as obesity can create
health issues and shorten their lifespan.
Fresh water should always be available.
Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and not to be underestimated for their diminutive size. These
sassy little dogs have an independent streak. Owners must keep in mind that the breed is
overall healthy, however, their small size makes them fragile. They should be kept indoors or
don a sporty sweater during the chilly season because their tiny bodies cannot tolerate the
cold temperatures.
sassy little dogs have an independent streak. Owners must keep in mind that the breed is
overall healthy, however, their small size makes them fragile. They should be kept indoors or
don a sporty sweater during the chilly season because their tiny bodies cannot tolerate the
cold temperatures.
The above information is taken from the Chihuahua Club of America flier.