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Chihuahuas
The World's Smallest Dog
The World's Smallest Dog
Learn about the history and characteristics of the Chihuahua,
the world's smallest dog.
by Bill Knell
contributing writer
October 26, 2004
Are you looking for a companion that is an extrovert yet
is content to lie quietly in your lap or by your side while
you read? A companion that eats little, requires little space,
and doesn't need to be taken out every day for exercise? Then
you may enjoy having a Chihuahua, the smallest recognized
breed of dog in the world. Not just small, but ALL NATURAL!
The Chihuahua is the only "natural" toy breed, that is, the
only small dog NOT bred down from larger versions of the same
breed.
Chihuahuas are good watch dogs, as they will sound the alarm.
In fact, Chihuahuas are courageous. They aren't intimidated
in the least by larger dogs.
The Chihuahua is characterized by a well-rounded head, wide-set
luminous eyes, a saucy expression and erect ears, which flare
to the sides when in repose. They can have short soft hair
or long silky hair, and some may be red, blond, blue or chocolate-colored
as well as solid, marked or splashed. A unique feature of
most Chihuahua puppies is the soft spot on the crown, similar
to that of a new born baby.
Origin Of The Chihuahua
While there are different theories regarding the origin of
the Chihuahua as a breed, it appears to have descended from
a small dog called the Techichi. Other dogs said to be related
to the Techichi are the Chinese Crested, Mexican Hairless
and Xolo breeds. The Techichi were known to be kept by the
Toltec people of Mexico as far back as a thousand years ago.
Evidence for this origin is provided by a monastery in Huejotzingo
that was built by Franciscan monks with stones taken from
the pyramids of Cholula. The stones have ancient carvings
on them that closely resemble today's Chihuahua.
Later, the Aztecs defeated the Toltec, and the aristocracy
adopted these small dogs, particularly the blue ones, as objects
of veneration. The dogs could reputedly guide the spirits
of the dead in their journey through the underworld. Montezuma
II, the last emperor of the Aztecs, was a fancier of the Chihuahua.
It is said that he had hundreds of them, each with its keeper.
Skeletons of Chihuahuas have been found in human graves on
the Mexico/U.S. border.
Research done by the late Thelma Gray, a historian and an
authority on Chihuahuas, lead her to believe that the native
dog of the Aztecs was crossed with a small, terrier-type dog
brought over by the Spanish conquistadors. Thus, the basis
was laid for the even smaller modern-day Chihuahua. First
known as Texas or Arizona Dogs because they were found along
those borders with Mexico, the Chihuahua received its current
name in the mid to late 1800's. American travelers to Mexico
discovered large numbers of the breed in the state of Chihuahua
and started bringing them back to the United States. About
the same time, Carlotta, wife of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico
contributed to the Chihuahua's international fame by taking
the breed to Europe.
Having A Pet Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is loyal, eager to please and highly trainable.
It tends to have fewer health issues then any other toy breed.
Chihuahuas are primarily indoor dogs, ideal for apartment
living and for the elderly or handicapped or those confined
to the home. They thrive on much attention and human contact.
Nevertheless, since they are so small, precautions must be
taken. They can be seriously injured or killed by being stepped
on, sat on or squeezed too hard. They should not be left unattended
on high surfaces (table tops, bunk beds, high sofas or chairs,
etc). They have little sense of height and could eaily jump
off and break a bone.
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Despite being called a 'toy' dog, the Chihuahua is hardier
than you might think. In fact, it is the longest-lived breed!
Chihuahuas are known to live a high quality of life well into
their teens. Most live to sixteen years of age and some pass
twenty. These dogs are energetic and playful, yet they can
easily get all the exercise they need each day from just playing
with some toys or roaming the house. However, since Chihuahuas
do not store much energy and have tiny digestive systems,
they need to eat small, frequent meals or may suffer from
a low blood sugar attack (hypoglycemia). Dry food should constantly
be available for them as well as lots of water.
When it comes to Chihuahuas, you can expect a whole lotta
shakin' goin' on! Shivering is a normal characteristic of
this breed. Chihuahuas shiver when they are excited, apprehensive,
discontented or frightened-not just when its cold. One way
to combat this is to be sure that your Chihuahua knows that
you will care for it. Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog
that tends to prefer the company of humans to that of other
dogs. If you spend time with your Chi, take care of it and
properly house your dog, it will tend to shake less.
Chihuahuas that are constantly crated or caged during the
first twenty weeks of their life will tend to shake more and
trust people less. A better way is to keep your Chihuahua
confined to an open, social area restricted with a gate. Tea
Cups (Chihuahuas that are tiny and will be three pounds or
under fully grown) can be kept in a baby's play pen with food
and water on one side and a potty pan with newspaper or wee
wee pads on the other. A few favorite toys can also be included.
This is a good way to keep your tiny Chihuahua safe at night
or when you're out, without making them feel abandoned. Chihuahua
females go into their first heat around six to eight months,
and go into heat twice a year. Most females do not get pregnant
during their first heat. Once pregnant, female Chihuahuas
give birth in sixty-five days and most have from one to five
pups. Puppies are ready to leave their mom and littermates
by eight weeks. Many are already eating on their own and being
pushed out by mom by four or five weeks, but need the additional
time to develop social skills with their littermates and to
be taught survival skills by mom. Chihuahuas remain puppies
for the first two years of their lives.
Chihuahuas are the best kept secret in the world when it
comes to being terrific pets. They require very little care
and reward their owners with lots of affection and loyalty.
An ancient breed, it's easy to see why Kings, Emperors and
great civilizations would treasure these amazing creatures.
- Bill Knell
A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell
is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and
experience. He's written hundreds of articles on a wide
variety of subjects. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents
seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and
teach. A popular radio and television show Guest, you've
heard Bill on thousands of top-rated shows in all formats
and seen him on local, national and international television
programs. Contact Bill at his website: http://tiny.azpuppies.com.
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