Chihuahua

The charms of the Chihuahua dog breed are their small size, big personality, and variety of coat types and colours. They are all dogs, fully capable of competing in dog sports such as agility and obedience, and are among the top ten watchdogs recommended by experts.

Chihuahuas love to have fun and are busy. They love nothing more than being close to their people. They follow them around the house and ride along in the shopping bag when their people go shopping or shopping. It is not uncommon for Chihuahuas to form a close bond with one person, and they can become very demanding if spoiled too much.

History

As with so many breeds, the origins of the Chihuahua are unclear, but there are two theories as to how it came to be. The first is that it is descended from a Central or South American dog known as the Techichi.

If we look at the evidence that the Chihuahua comes from Central and South America, we look back to the Toltec civilisation. There are Toltec engravings dating back to the 9th century that depict a dog similar to the Chihuahua, with the same large ears and round head. These dogs were called Techichi, and their purpose in Toltec civilisation is unclear.

When the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they absorbed the Techichi into their society. Many of the dogs lived in temples and were used in Aztec rituals. The Aztecs believed that the Techichi possessed mystical powers, including the ability to see the future, heal the sick, and safely guide the souls of the dead to the underworld. It was customary to kill a red Techichi and cremate him with the remains of the deceased. The Aztecs also used the Techichi as a source of food and furs. The Spanish conquered the Aztecs in the late 1500s and the Techichi faded into oblivion.

The second theory is that small hairless dogs were brought from China to Mexico by Spanish traders and then bred with small native dogs.

Regardless of which theory is correct, the short-haired Chihuahua we know today was discovered in the 1850s in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which it took its name. American visitors to Mexico brought the little dogs home. They began to be shown in 1890, and a Chihuahua called Midget became the first of its breed to be registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904. The long-haired variety probably originated from crosses with Papillons or Pomeranians. The breed's popularity soared in the 1930s and 1940s, when it became associated with dance king and Latin music band leader Xavier Cugat.

Personality

The brash and confident Chihuahua is often described as a terrier. Its alert nature and distrust of strangers make it an excellent watchdog. It is sensitive and thrives on affection and company.

Chihuahuas tend to be attached to one person, although they are usually willing to make friends with new people if they are properly introduced. Do expect them to be a little reserved at first. Chihuahuas can be timid if they were not properly socialized as a puppy.