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Live treasure - Chihuahua

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ORIGIN

The history of this wonderful breed goes back to the depth of centuries, to the ancient tribes of Mexico - Inks, Aztecs, Toltecs, and Maya. Small techini dogs (that was their name at that time) were a luxury and belonged to rich noblemen of Indian tribes. Techini were holy creatures served by slaves and according to reliable sources were sometimes fed human meat. These dogs accompanied their master not only in lifetime but after death as well. A loyal dog was burnt down with its owner. From this moment the soul of the owner was guided by his pet through the darkness of the beyond world into heaven where his spirit was to rest.
There are still a lot of mysteries about the origin of the breed. Scientists have not agreed yet
what nation created the breed: ancient Indians, the Egyptians or the Chinese. All versions of the
origin sound very convincing but we shall not dwell on that. For breeders it is common knowledge
that Chihuahua is a unique breed of a very small dog that has accumulated all features
characteristic for noble animals with history more then 3000 years.

BREED STANDART

Among great variety of miniature dogs Chihuahua is the smallest, absolute mini, tiny live creature. The standard of this breed is: very small but temperamental and courageous dog. Its weight ranges between 500g to 3 kg but it does not produce the impression of a weak creature. On the contrary it is a little athlete, graceful and enduring.
The length of the body is slightly longer then the height in withers.
Head: a well rounded "apple dome" skull with clearly distinguished stop and rather short
muzzle.
Eyes: full, saucy, luminous dark.
Ears: large, erect type, low set, giving breadth between the ears.
Body: compact, with a level topline, tail carried up in a loop over the back.
Extremities: parallel, with good angulation; movements swift and flexible.
Coat: smooth coat should be evenly thick, of soft texture, close and glossy; withers and tail allow longer hair.
Long coat is silky, close; feathering on feet and legs, pants and large ruff on the neck, plumed tail.
Color: any color-solid, marked or splashed.
Mating between smooth and long coats is allowed by FCI from 1984. Smooth coat is inherited
dominantly, long coat is recessive.

The experts of Chihuahua modern standard (Howl, Kempbell, Editor, Thornton etc.) recognize two types of Chihuahua: stumpy, robust so called heavy type - cobby type and lighter, high, elegant so-called deer type. Good anatomy and harmony of constitution is important for both types. As a rule kennels have both types. Breeders have an opportunity to choose either one and breed the one that fits their ideal. It is worth mentioning that only the above types are recognized by cynological community. All others: aboriginal, English, extreme, Pekinese, classic, dwarf, perspective are an attempt of unsuccessful breeders to access highly poor results of their work.

TEMPERAMENT AND FEATURES

Today Chihuahua is well known all over the world. Its small size and elegant look attract true lovers of exotics. Sometimes its size is not in favor of tiny giant when it is bought as a toy for children or a statuette for decoration. Neither is good for this brave and proud dog.
Chihuahua is very attached to his deity - his owner who is the apple of his eyes. The pet takes part in all activities of his master with pleasure be it a walk, work on the office (where he can have a nap while his master is at work)
or visit to friends where a small companion becomes the center of attention. One of the merits of Chihuahua is definitely its calm temperament. It is surely the quietest and the most even-tempered among tiny breeds. It has its drawbacks as well. Strong loyalty to its owner leads to jealousy. Try to pat another dog in his presence or get carried away by a chat with your friends. He will let you know that he is offended by keeping silence that will evoke your feeling of guilt. Your pet will of course forgive you but not immediately, in a while. You will not feel comfortable in his time.

Chihuahua is a good guard and protector of its and its owner's property. Any stranger is met by angry barking. If your guest is not sincere and bears a grudge
your dog will detect it. Despite the fact that Chihuahua has been a companion of people for a long time it has some wild animal instincts. For example hiding food against a rainy day. Even after a good meal your pet will hide a few pieces away and do not be surprised to find them in your shoes.
Chihuahua is well socialized and friendly towards non-aggressive animals. It gets on well with large dogs and cats. Everything depends on whether a new member of the family gets a hearty or hostile welcome.

Our dogs are suspicious of children who present a concealed danger for them. Its hard to explain to a baby that this little creature is not a toy, is live and has the right to
independent life, rest, sleep etc. Chihuahuas do not get along well with children up to 6-7 years old. There are a lot of tragic end stories of these relations.

Long and smooth coat Chihuahuas are equally graceful and beautiful so the discussion about which is better has no sense. Tastes differ. Long coats are considered to be kalmer and more adjustable but long-term observation of both in
different kennels (Russian and foreign) enable us to doubt it. Both have leadership features and it does not depend on length of coat.

GROOMING

Chihuahua is very easy to groom. Once a week brush your long coat pet with a special brush and smooth coat one with a bristle brush. Once in two weeks clip the nails. Inspect the teeth regularly. If necessary wipe the eyes with a soft cloth. Outside walks are healthy for your pet but might be dangerous because of his curiosity and brave character. Walk your pet on a leash!
Fortunately Chihuahua has a long life span - 15-18 years on average in case properly groomed in early age. If you decide to buy a puppy do not go to a pet market of a pet shop.You will be disappointed by pedigree and health. Talk to a few breeders by phone and visit some of them. Compare what you've heard with what you've seen. Its not recommended buying a very young puppy. By 11-12 weeks age a puppy is vaccinated and does not depend on his mother any more. Then moving to a new home will be painless and you will enjoy your tiny miracle, live treasure - Chihuahua.

T. Zemskova

(This article was published in the magazine "Cat and Dog", № 6, 2001
based on the book "Chihuahua. Book about the breed" written by
T.U. Zemskova, V.A.Beltukova , 2000)

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