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CHIHUAHUA |
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Additonal Breeds Starting With Letter:
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The Chinese have
long practiced the art of dwarfing animals, plants and fish. It is believed
that Spanish traders traveled through Mexico on their returns from China
and left behind some of their canine acquisitions. These, crossed with
the native hairless breeds, made up the modern Chihuahua, which is the
smallest dog in the world. Other cynologists have stated he is just a
miniaturized version of native pariah dogs. His similarity to the small
Podengo of Portugal (another dwarf pariah) is singular.
The tiny dogs
may have been named for the State of Chihuahua in Mexico, and many tales
lend belief of their existence there. No concrete evidence has been found
to prove this theory; in fact, more recent research has provided evidence
to the contrary. Explorers reporting the exis-tence
of dogs called the Techichi are now believed to have described a "prairie
dog" type of rodent, which the natives "raised, castrated and
ate." These little "dogs" lived in holes in the ground.
Whatever their
beginnings, Chihuahuas first came to prominence in Mexico City around
1895', reaching El Paso, Texas, shortly thereafter. Dog lovers in the
USA refined and perfected the little dog of Mexico—and soon the breed
was listed as the top toy in the States. He has maintained his appeal
as a companion dog.
The long-coated
version was probably produced in the USA, crossing smooth Chihuahuas
with other toys like the Papillon, Pomeranian and so on.
Their tiny
bodies hide large hearts, making them a favorite for the elderly and
those in apartments. They are playful and graceful, with large ears
emphasizing their alert appearance. Due to their tiny size (some as
small as one pound!), they are not the choice for rowdy families or
outdoor living. Breeding and health problems are accentuated in the
tiniest specimens. The mollera, or open soft spot on the top
of the skull, is usually found in the majority of Chihuahuas and is
allowed by the standard.
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