Chihuahua E-Book

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Smart Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2010

Seitenzahl: 221

Beschreibung

Celebrating the world's smallest and sauciest purebred dog, the Chihuahua, this Smart Owner's Guide, created by the editors at Dog Fancy magazine, offers the most up-to-date and accurate information every dog owner needs to become a well-informed caregiver for his dog. Illustrated with color photographs of adorable puppies and handsome adults, this easy-to-read primer is designed in a modern, lively manner that readers will find user-friendly and entertaining.Each Smart Owner's Guide offers a description of the breed's character and physical conformation, historical overview, and its attributes as a companion dog. The reader will find informative chapters on everything he or she needs to know about acquiring, raising, and training this remarkable purebred dog, including: finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy; preparing for the puppy's homecoming, shopping for supplies, and puppy-proofing the home; house-training; veterinary and home health maintenance; feeding and nutrition; and grooming. Obedience training for basic cues (sit, stay, heel, come, etc.) and solving potential problem behaviors (barking, chewing, aggression, jumping up, etc.) are addressed in separate chapters, as are activities to enjoy with the dog, including showing, agility, therapy work, and more.Entertaining tidbits and smart advice fill up colorful sidebars in every chapter, which the editors call "It's a Fact," "Smart Tip," "Notable & Quotable," and "Did You Know?" Real-life heroes and rescue stories are retold in full-page features called "Pop Pups" and "True Tails." Recipes, training, and care tips are highlighted in the "Try This" feature pages.The Smart Owner's Guide series is the only series that offers readers an online component in which dog owners can join a breed-specific online club hosted by dogchannel.com. At Club Chi, owners of the breed can find forums, blogs, and profiles to connect with other breed owners, as well as charts and checklists that can be downloaded. More than just 20,000 pages of solid information, there's a host of fun to be had at the club in the form of downloadable breed-specific e-cards, screensavers, games, and quizzes.The Resources section of the book includes contact information for breed-related organizations and rescues, as well as practical guidance on traveling with dogs, identification, and locating qualified professionals to assist the dog owner, such as pet sitters, trainers, and boarding facilities. This information-packed Smart Owner's Guide is fully indexed.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Title Page

Foreword

CHAPTER 1 - THE SECRET IS OUT

THE CHI CAN’T HELP IT

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN?

LOOK BEFORE YOU SIT!

AMIGOS FOR SENIORS

THE TREMBLES

CHAPTER 2 - TOY DOG TALES

ONCE UPON A TIME

COMING TO AMERICA

CHAPTER 3 - TOY SELECTION

EVALUATING BREEDERS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUP

CHECKING FOR CHI QUALITIES

D-I-Y TEMPERAMENT TEST

A HEALTHY PUPPY

PUPPY PARTICULARS

BREEDER PAPERS

CHAPTER 4 - HOME ESSENTIALS

PUPPY-PROOFING

FAMILY INTRODUCTIONS

PUP’S FIRST NIGHT HOME

SHOPPING FOR A CHIHUAHUA

BEYOND THE BASICS

CHAPTER 5 - SUCCESSFUL HOUSETRAINING

IN THE BEGINNING

LET’S START WITH THE CRATE

PUPPY’S NEEDS

HOUSING HELP

IN CONTROL

SCHEDULE A SOLUTION

CHAPTER 6 - VET VISITS AND EVERYDAY CARE

FIRST STEP: SELECT THE RIGHT VET

FIRST VET VISIT

VACCINATION SCHEDULING

EVERYDAY HAPPENINGS

MORE HEALTH HINTS

CHAPTER 7 - ON THE TOPIC OF HEALTH

BAD KNEES

COUGHING AND FATIGUE

BREATHING DIFFICULTIES

AUTO-IMMUNE ILLNESS

FOOD ALLERGIES

PARASITE BITES

EXTERNAL PARASITES

INTERNAL PARASITES

CHAPTER 8 - TIME TO FEED YOUR CHI

BASIC TYPES

NUTRITION 101

CHECK OUT THE LABEL

STAGES OF LIFE

CHAPTER 9 - A GOOD GROOMING GUIDE

GROOMING TOOLS

BATHING MADE SIMPLE

TOOTH TRUTH

NAIL 4-1-1

SIMPLE EAR CLEANING

GROOMING LONG-COATED CHIS

FIGHTING FLEA INFESTATIONS

REWARD A JOB WELL DONE

CHAPTER 10 - TIME TO TRAIN

LEARNING SOCIAL GRACES

TRAINING WITH CLASS

BASIC CUES

TRAINING TIPS

THE THREE-STEP PROGRAM

COUNTER CONDITIONING

LEAVE IT ALONE

CHAPTER 11 - BREAKING BAD HABITS

STOP THAT WHINING

CHEW ON THIS

NIP NIPPING

UNWANTED BARKING MUST GO

NO MORE JUMPING

FOOD STEALING AND BEGGING

DIG THIS

POOP ALERT!

LEASH PULLING

SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

CAT INTRODUCTIONS

CHAPTER 12 - SPORTS FOR TOYS

EXERCISE OPTIONS

OBEDIENCE TRIALS

AGILITY TRIALS

RALLY BEHIND RALLY

FLYBALL

MUSICAL FREESTYLE

SHOW DOGS

THERAPY DOGS

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN

CHAPTER 13 - RESOURCES

BOARDING

HOME STAFFING

SCHOOL’S IN SESSION

CAR TRAVEL

IDENTIFICATION

Copyright Page

FOREWORD

K9 EXPERTEDUCATION

So, you think you want the tiniest of dogs? Don’t be fooled by the short legs and diminutive body of the Chihuahua. This breed is as much of a responsibility as any other dog.

Despite their cute size — weighing less than 6 pounds and standing 6 to 9 inches tall — and cute, cute faces, Chihuahuas need firm house rules and consistent training from the first day they go home with you. If you treat your Chi like a doll or toy, he’s likely to turn into a dog who nips at strangers and a manipulator who runs your household.

It can be tough to tell your darling little dog “no” and mean it. But you have to. He needs to know that you’re the boss and you’re going to make him follow the rules. Stick with it, and he’ll turn into a companion whose years with you will slip by so fast you won’t believe it.

Once you’ve had a Chihuahua in your home, though, you’ll likely always have one; or, you’ll want to bring home a few more! Chis are full of energy and fun, and are extremely portable. You can take your Chi just about anywhere, tucked in a bag or even in a pocket. Then, when he’s back at home with you, he’ll revert to his watchdog mode by letting you know whenever someone approaches your house or apartment.

If you’re looking for an easygoing lap dog, this isn’t the breed for you. Smart and tenacious, your Chihuahua will keep you on your toes. You’ll need to redirect that intelligence and energy with regular walks, obedience training and perhaps a canine sport, such as agility or flyball. This isn’t a sit-on-the-couch-all-day kind of dog.

But like a lap dog, your Chi will want lots of attention from you and plenty of contact. He won’t happily stay in a crate all day, and of course, you can’t leave him in the backyard unsupervised. A midday walk, doggie day care or another outlet will help keep him happy and healthy.

When you get home from work or an outing, be ready to take him outside for a pleasant stroll. Later, if you need to run errands, he’ll want to be right there by your side. Need to take a break, sit outside a coffee shop and relax? Your Chihuahua will gladly keep you company. If you’ve socialized and trained him well, he will entertain everyone he meets — the barista, other coffee afficionados and anyone else you greet.

A few words of caution before you go to pick out your new Chi: Chihuahuas don’t often mesh well with young children. But, if your children are older and know how to be careful around a tiny dog, things should be just fine. Your Chihuahua also needs a patient and consistent partner when it comes to housetraining. Be prepared to take some time to housetrain your Chi, and acknowledge and accept there will be accidents. Eventually, your tiny companion will learn where, when and how to take care of his potty business.

Remember: Just as your Chihuahua is willing to cooperate with you, you also have to keep up your end of the deal. That means teaching your new canine pal you’re in charge while giving him all the love, attention and care that he deserves, craves and needs. Together, you will make a mighty great team for many years to come.

JOIN OUR ONLINE Club Chi™

With this Smart Owner’s Guide™, you are well on your way to getting your Chihuahua diploma. But your Chi education doesn’t end here. You’re invited to join Club Chi™ (DogChannel.com/Club-Chi), a FREE online site with lots of fun and instructive online features like:

• forums, blogs and profiles where you can connect with other Chi owners

• downloadable charts and checklists to help you be a smart and loving Chihuahua owner

• access to Chihuahua e-cards and wallpapers

• interactive games

• quizzes about dogs

The Smart Owner’s Guide series and Club Chi are backed by the experts at DOG FANCY® magazine and DogChannel.com — who have been providing trusted and up-to-date information about dogs and dog lovers for more than 40 years. Log on and join the club today!

Susan ChaneyEditor, DOG FANCY

CHAPTER 1

THE SECRETIS OUT

You think they’re cute, you’re dying to cuddle one and you just love their darling, batlike ears. But, those nagging questions continue to haunt you: Do you have what it takes to take on the formidable challenge of owning the diminutive Chihuahua? Are you worthy of this tiny dog’s extreme devotion and unyielding affection?

THE CHI CAN’T HELP IT

Chihuahua owner Roger Balettie from Austin, Texas, never saw himself as the typical Chihuahua companion. “I’ll be honest: I originally wasn’t that interested in getting a Chihuahua as a pet,” Balettie says. “I had always grown up with big dogs and was leaning more toward getting one of those. However, once I got Bambi, I was hooked. I bought Nina one year later to keep Bambi company, and two Chis are certainly more fun than one!”

Anyone considering a Chihuahua must be prepared for both the wonderful and challenging aspects of Chi ownership. “Chihuahua owners must be ready to give a whole lot of attention to their dog,” says Sharon Hermosillo, a breeder and former rescue chairperson of the Chihuahua Club of America from San Jose, Calif.

it’s a Fact

You can expect your Chihuahua puppy to reach emotional maturity by 3 years old. Although socialization is most important in the weeks prior to 4 months, social exposure should continue throughout the dog’s first year and into adulthood.

Balettie agrees. “My Chis, at least, require a great deal of attention and affection,” he says. “They are the perfect definition of a lap dog, wanting to be near me at all times, whether I’m watching television, working on the computer or fixing dinner.” Balettie insists that such constant companionship is far from a negative aspect of owning a Chihuahua.

“Chis are so small that they don’t overwhelm when they pounce into their favorite seating position,” he says. “The affection they give in return for the attention they demand makes it all worth it.” A Chihuahua certainly needs plenty of petting and affection daily!

JOIN OUR ONLINE Club Chi™

Meet other Chihuahua owners just like you. On our toy dog forums, you can chat about your Chihuahua and ask other owners for advice on training, health issues and anything else about your favorite dog breed. Log onto DogChannel.com/Club-Chi for details!

Chihuahuas have a reputation for being clannish, unfriendly toward other dogs and suspicious of strangers. However, thanks to proper breeding, many of the more undesirable Chihuahua characteristics are a thing of the past. “The love and devotion that Chihuahuas express is so contrary to the stereotype that has been propagated over the years of Chihuahuas as ‘yappy, little-old-lady dogs,’” Balettie says. “Fortunately, most of the more respectable Chihuahua breeders have bred out the obnoxious traits, leaving the sweet-tempered, affectionate dog as the standard for the Chihuahua today.”

Whether or not a Chi is friendly and tolerant of strangers largely depends on how well he’s been socialized. “People get a Chi and never take him anywhere, then wonder why he doesn’t like anyone,” Hermosillo says. “Chis are very sociable if you work with them.” Hermosillo suggests taking a Chihuahua puppy with you everywhere and letting him meet a wide variety of people so he will become accustomed to people outside of his family.

What about other breeds? “Chis normally prefer their own kind — they really do love other Chihuahuas — but my daughter had a Chi and a German Shepherd Dog for four years and they were best friends,” Hermosillo says. Surprisingly, most Chis enjoy cats. “Our Chis just love our cats,” she says. “Of course, when my Chis all get together, they suddenly get very brave and gang up on the cats; but if they’re playing one-on-one, Chis and cats generally do very well together.”

With other pets, as well as people, socialization prevents poor social skills and some behavioral problems. The more a Chihuahua is exposed to people and animals alike, the more comfortable and agreeable he will become. While it may take more time for your Chihuahua to warm up to other members of the family, their love and affection is well worth the wait.

Did You Know?

One of the most important things you can teach your Chihuahua puppy is confidence.

Too often, Chis are treated like fragile dolls instead of real dogs. It’s fun to carry them around, especially in a cute handbag, but it’s not good for their social development.

Chis make excellent watchdogs, but if you don’t want them to bark at every stranger, you must socialize them, pronto!

Chihuahuas certainly are not outdoor dogs. Some Chihuahuas enjoy a romp in the yard or the park, but they will be more than happy to come back inside and return to the comfort of a cozy couch cushion or, better yet, to snuggle beneath the quilts and pillows on your bed. If you’re in bed too, that’s even better. “They absolutely must live inside, and they prefer to be bed dogs,” Hermosillo says.

Chihuahuas like nothing better than to be with you, by you or on you at all times. Nancy Robbins’ Chihuahuas, Ishi-Boo and Pooh, are rarely far from her side. “They are usually both right there next to me or on me,” says Robbins, from Suwanee, Ga. “Ninety-nine percent of the time I have one curled up under my shirt and the other at my side.”

Furthermore, Chihuahuas require what some might call “excessive indulgence;” others might call it “spoiled rotten.” That’s one way of putting it. But who can resist those perky ears and glittering eyes? After Robbins moved into a new house, her 2-year-old male Chihuahua, Ishi-Boo, lined up a few new chores for his obliging human.

“Since we have lived here, you’ll find Ishi-Boo insisting on being lifted into the bed at night or being lifted into the tub to lick up any water droplets I leave behind every morning,” says Robbins, who admits she readily complies. Now that’s service!

Balettie’s Chis demand treats from a gourmet dog bakery and use their human as a comfy perch for watching television. In fact, Balettie’s 2-year-old Chi, Nina, has a favorite place to spend her time: on her owner’s shoulder! “Whenever I sit down to watch television, Nina will race from where she happens to be at the time, fly from the ground onto my lap, and in one leap, land on my shoulder,” he says. “If I were a pirate, she’d be my parrot.” An interest in catering to the often eccentric whims of a little dog is a must for a smart Chi owner.

The perfect owner for a Chi is someone who will shower his or her Chi with lots of love and attention.

Perhaps the most important characteristic of a smart Chihuahua owner — after a huge capacity for love — is a good sense of humor. Chihuahuas can be downright hilarious, and a good Chi owner appreciates, and even cherishes, their antics. Robbins’ Chi, Ishi-Boo, quickly mastered the art of humor as a great way to get what he wants. “Ishi-Boo is a dancer,” Robbins says. “He can walk the whole house on his hind legs with his front paws just swinging away, up and down as fast as he can paddle them. It gets him almost anything he wants from just about anybody.”

Sometimes Chis are funny without intending to be. Balettie’s Chi, Bambi, has taken her role as watchdog to an extreme. “In January, my father and I were watching one of the football playoff games when Bambi, who had been sitting next to me in a chair in the den, started staring at my father and growling,” Balettie explains. “Now, you must understand, Bambi does not growl at anyone; she has a very calm disposition. Her growls, though, became louder and more insistent. Finally, my father and I both realized the object of her ire was not my father, but the timber wolf printed on his sweatshirt. From across the room, Bambi had seen this other ‘dog’ and wasn’t happy about its presence. My father covered the wolf on the shirt and Bambi seemed satisfied. If he uncovered the wolf, Bambi would start growling again.”

Get ready for a life filled with humor with your new Chihuahua.

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN?

Is a Chihuahua for you? Only you can decide. These guidelines will help you make that decision before you bring a new, little puppy into your home. Don’t expect the road to be easy or emotion free. “An ideal Chihuahua owner needs to have patience with these little dogs because their need to love and be loved is an all-consuming crusade,” Balettie says. “The return on the investment, though, is much greater than the demand on your time.”

Are you ready to fall in love? “Anyone wanting something to love or wanting to be loved could own a Chihuahua,” Robbins states. “I can’t imagine any true animal person, given the opportunity to be around one long enough, not getting hooked on Chihuahuas. It doesn’t take much for them to grab hold of your heartstrings, and they never let go.”

Still thinking about a big dog? Or is the idea of a Chihuahua starting to grow on you? Be careful, you may just become the perfect Chihuahua owner.

LOOK BEFORE YOU SIT!

Chihuahuas have tons of self-esteem for their petite bodies, but they are tiny and can easily be injured if stepped on, closed into a door or fallen on by a wobbling toddler. Chi puppies are particularly delicate and have been known to break their legs if allowed to jump from high places, such as couches or tables. Just because your Chi can get up on a couch doesn’t mean he can get down safely. Chihuahuas also love to snuggle under blankets, pillows and cushions where they can’t be seen. Loving family members can easily — and unintentionally — injure their beloved pets by walking, sitting or lying down on their Chi.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

It takes a special person to care for any animal, but it takes a very special person to take care of a Chihuahua.Anyone who is considering having a Chihuahua as a pet needs to know that having a Chihuahua is very much like taking care of a child.

— John Re, Chi owner from Tampa, Fla.

Did You Know?

Most fanciers will tell you that Chihuahuas shiver, sometimes from excitement or nerves, but more often, it’s because they’re chilly. Chis dislike the cold, almost to an extreme. In fact, some Chihuahuas avoid cool floors by darting from one carpeted area to another because the breed’s small body and short coat offer scant resistance to the elements. Remember: Your dog depends on you for comfort.

If you are considering bringing home a Chihuahua, you must be vigilant about his whereabouts at all times. “A new Chi owner needs to realize that these are tiny dogs, so being a little more careful about where they sit or step becomes a natural habit after a while,” Balettie says. “Before sitting on a blanket or pillow, I always make sure one of my Chis isn’t hiding.” If you are thinking of bringing home a Chihuahua, you might as well start practicing: Look before you sit!

AMIGOS FOR SENIORS

Of all the potentially perfect, smart Chihuahua owners out there, seniors are among the best. Chis are ideal for older people who stay home a lot and who may not be particularly active. Unlike many other breeds, Chihuahuas can get plenty of exercise romping around a small space. As long as they are trained to eliminate in a convenient spot, Chis will be perfectly happy to stay inside all day snuggling beside their favorite person.

Chihuahuas are also low-maintenance in terms of care. They require minimal grooming and only a small supply of good food and water. As far as their high-maintenance reputation goes, that’s the fun part; the Chihuahua’s desire for constant attention and affection is a great remedy for loneliness or boredom, and a well-loved Chi will repay his owner many times over with companionship and unwavering devotion.

JOIN OUR ONLINE Club Chi™

Show off your artistic side. Share photos, videos and artwork of your favorite breed on Club Chi. You can also submit jokes, riddles and even poetry about Chihuahuas. Browse through our various galleries and see the talent of fellow toy dog owners. Go to DogChannel.com/Club-Chi and click on “Galleries” to get started.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Life with an adult Chihuahua follows more of a routine than life with a puppy; but having a Chihuahua is like having a puppy for life. I still take my Chihuahuas everywhere with me. We still play hard and then cuddle. It amazes me how different their personalities are — how so much personality can fit into something so tiny. It’s easier with adults, but every bit as wonderful!

— Ruth Link, Chi owner from Missoula, Mont.

it’s a Fact

As cute as your puppy looks in her outfits, don’t leave warm clothing on for too long. Just as you wouldn’t wear a heavy coat indoors, neither should your dog. Some Chis tremble when nervous or excited, so don’t instantly cover your dog if she shakes a little in warm weather.

THE TREMBLES

You might have heard that Chihuahuas tend to be high-strung; they react readily to stimuli and will bark, jump around, spin in circles or perform other energy-releasing behaviors when something happens, such as the doorbell ringing.

If a Chihuahua can’t release his energy for whatever reason, he is likely to become nervous and start shaking — what you might call a basic case of the jitters. “I see this kind of anxiety when an owner is holding their Chi and a stranger approaches,” says long-time Chihuahua breeder Rita Geiger, of New Ulm, Minn.

Obviously, restraint prevents the Chi from releasing energy. Nervous energy partially explains why some dogs who are frequently carried exhibit aggression when a stranger comes near. Barking and growling serve as energy releases and cause what makes them nervous to go away.

However, not every Chihuahua gets the jitters, according to Shelly Covelli, a dog-show participant and Chi owner from Weldona, Colo. “My male never shakes,” Covelli says. “He takes - things in stride. My female shakes when she is in any new situation.”

Though some Chis display nervous tendencies, the best approach to help your puppy avoid becoming a jittery adult is through careful socialization and training to acclimate him to different environments. Just make sure you remember his sweater in chilly weather!

As cute as he looks in a designer handbag, your Chi can’t spend his life glued to your side. Let him loose, so he can explore his world!

Pop Pups

Chis vs. Children

The trouble with Chihuahuas is that when it comes to children, they look an awful lot like something to play with. Although they are members of the Toy Group, Chihuahuas are not toys to amuse children. “I’m pretty leery about letting small children around Chihuahuas,” says Sharon Hermosillo of San Jose, Calif., a Chihuahua breeder and former rescue chairperson of the Chihuahua Club of America. “I have three grandchildren, but I knew I had to teach them how to handle the dogs, not train the dogs how to handle the kids.”

Although children, especially older children, can be taught how to handle a small dog without injuring her or risking a nip, some children simply don’t have the patience. A toddler who is too young to control his or her behavior should never be trusted around a Chihuahua, and very high-energy kids may make a Chihuahua nervous, especially if your dog hasn’t been exposed to children.

“I always keep a cautious eye on my Chihuahuas around children,” says Chi owner Nancy Robbins of Suwanee, Ga “My Chihuahuas tend to be nervous out public, and the aren’t used to children around the house, where they are most comfortable, except for my two daughters”

Even when she was younger, Robbins’ 8-year-old daughter some-times pushed her Chis to the limit. “When she pushed them too far, they would snap at her,” Robbins explains. “They hadn’t been around younger children and didn’t like it when kids ran or got loud around them.”

Of course, some Chis do very well around children, but much depends on the individual personality of your dog and, on again, whether she is exposed to children at a young age. “In my opinion, when comes to Chihuahuasand children, there should always be close supervision,” Robbins says.

If your family has small children, you may be better off waiting until they are older to bring home a Chihuahua. If you already own a Chihuahua when you have children, careful supervision is key at all times. Remember Chihuahuas thrive on being the center of attention, so when a new baby joins the family, your Chi will need a lot of extra attention, support and love, so she will know you’ve got more than enough love for all the little creatures in your family.

Chis are lovable dogs who simply wish to spend their days playing and cuddling with their owners.

A CHICHART

The world’s smallest dog has a big personality.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Mexico

WHAT HIS FRIENDS CALL HIM: Chi, Tiny, Señor, Perro SIZE: 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulders, weighing 2 to 6 pounds

COAT & COLOR: Chihuahua’s coats can come in two varieties: long or smooth. Long coats are soft, flat or slightly curly with an undercoat with a large ruff on the neck and feathering on the tail, feet and legs. Smooth coats are soft, glossy and have straight hair. Any color is permissible, but the most common are red, sable, fawn, black and tan, tricolor and brindle.

PERSONALITY TRAITS: These dogs are alert, sensitive and spirited. They are great companions, which makes them ideal for individuals.

WITH KIDS: Chihuahuas may not be great with children at first; they require socialization to be comfortable around them. Children also will need to be taught how to handle the dog appropriately.

WITH OTHER PETS: Chihuahuas work best with other Chis

ENERGY LEVEL: low

EXERCISE NEEDS: Their needs are not extensive: daily walks, playing and the occasional shopping trip.

GROOMING NEEDS: weekly brushing. Sometimes more grooming is needed for long-coat Chis.

TRAINING NEEDS: Chihuahuas are trainable, but be cautious of their delicate bodies when teaching them new things.

LIVING ENVIRONMENT: These toy dogs make great apartment companions, especially for an individual, or a sedentary or elderly adult.

LIFESPAN: Chihuahuas live well into their teen years.

CHAPTER 2

TOY DOGTALES

The Chihuahua may be small, but he’s not short on history. This miniature breed has a rich and colorful past. Although nobody thought to keep written accounts of the breed as it was developing centuries ago, modern historians can recreate its origins with some degree of accuracy.

Stone carvings, clay figures and mummified remains unearthed at archeological digs in Central America provide a framework from which breeders and fanciers enthusiastically conjecture the Chihuahua’s history. Folklore and facts throughout this breed’s history create several possibilities. Those competing theories will probably never be entirely settled, but if the Chihuahua were keeping his own oral history, it might go something like this …

ONCE UPON A TIME

The three major pre-Columbian civilizations — the Maya, the Toltec and the Aztec — all show evidence of a close association with a small, sandy-colored dog who is most likely the progenitor of the modern Chihuahua. The exact origins and genetic make up of these dogs are the subject of much hypothesis. These dogs mingled in various degrees with the Xoloitzcuintli, a small, hairless, local breed. The Xoloitzcuintli originated in Asia and is suspected to be the forerunner of the Chinese Crested and other early canine varieties who moved to Central and South America via Mediterranean trade routes from the Middle East.

Did You Know?

The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog. The tiny breed comes in smooth and long-coat varieties.

The Chihuahua’s batlike ears and apple-shaped head are breed trademarks.