Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas

The truth about this misunderstood breed

HISTORY

Carvings found in the Monastery of Huejotzingo, on the highway from Mexico City to Puebla, give strong evidence as to the Chihuahua's origins. This monastery was constructed by Franciscan Monks around 1530. The Monks used stones from the Toltec civilization. Little is known of the Toltecs, but we do know that they existed as early as the 9th century A.D. in what is now Mexico. The Toltecs had a breed of dog they called the "Techichi". And the carvings on the stones at Huejotzingo give a full head view and a picture of an entire dog that closely resembles the modern-day Chihuahua. From this evidence, we can safely assume that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi.

Additionally, there are remains at some pyramids and other pointers to the early existence of the Techichi at Chichen Itza in Yucatan. The Techichi was a religious necessity among the ancient Toltec tribes and later among the Aztecs. Archaeologists have found the remains of this breed in human graves in Mexico and in parts of the United States.

The first Chihuahua to be officially registered by the American Kennel Club was "Midget" in 1904

DESCRIPTION

Chihuahuas go under the classification of "toy breeds." They are the smallest breed of dog in the world. They are, in fact, the only "natural" toy breed. That is, they are naturally small and aren't a result of "breeding-down" larger breeds, as were other toy breeds.

Pookie

TEMPERAMENT

These tiny dogs are certainly unaware of their diminutive stature: they can be bold with other dogs much larger than themselves, and protective of their masters. They are fiercely loyal to their masters and wary of any strangers or new guests introduced into the household, which the Chihuahua considers to be its personal domain. For these reasons, Chihuahuas make good watch dogs (not guard dogs, though!). The Chihuahua needs a great deal of human contact, touching, petting, and general attention. If the Chihuahua does not get this, she or he will use various attention-getting tricks until you give her/him attention. Some owners who have had other, more independent breeds may find the Chihuahua too needy. However, Chis give a lot of love and affection in return for your care.

Why so many Chihuahuas?

The Chihuahua crisis in California developed as Taco Bell and Hollywood featured these tiny dogs in movies like "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Legally Blonde." They became companions to the rich and famous. Backyard breeders saw a chance to make hundreds of dollars a dog and the recession forced some dog owners to abandon their pets. California shelters soon found that Chihuahuas made up 30 percent or more of their dog populations, which also made them the second most common breed destroyed in city/county shelters. Thousands are destroyed in Los Angeles alone each year.

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