Popular Dog Breeds
- 1. Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs
- 2. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Australian Kelpies
- 3. Bearded Collies and Old English Sheepdogs
- 4. Retrievers
- 5. German Shepherds
Chihuahuas
Jacque Lynn Schultz, CPDT, ASPCA
Ay! Chihuahuas Everywhere!
Talk about good press, the Chihuahua had made a huge splash in the media the last few years. Between serving as Taco Bell's spokesdog and Elle Woods' color coordinated constant companion in the LEGALLY BLONDE film franchise, it's little wonder these tiny packets of sass have reached the American Kennel Club's top ten most popular breeds list - ranking number nine in 2002. Not bad for a little Mexican street urchin with a murky past!
While it is not uncommon for the history of a dog breed to be a little unclear, the Chihuahua's appears to be more questionable than most. One school of thought identifies the Techichi, a larger boned, heavier coated mute dog from the Toltec civilization as a forebearer. Others claim the dogs came to northern Mexico from China where they have a history of miniaturizing all sorts of plants and animals - either over the Bering Straits many hundreds of years ago, or more recently in a mass immigrant influx. We do know that tourists visiting the Mexican border towns on the edges of Arizona and Texas in the mid- to late 1800s brought in the first Chihuahuas to the US. Dog expert James Watson wrote about procuring his first one in El Paso in 1888 -- for a mere $3. He went on to acquire a half dozen, noting differences in shape and size from the petite square-proportioned shape preferred today to somewhat larger dogs with a long-bodied, short-legged terrier-like profile. (These may be the early relatives of what shelters today call the Chihuahua terrier mix.) The first Chihuahua was registered with the AKC in 1904 and the Chihuahua Club of America was formed in 1923. It took nearly 50 years to establish the breed in this country.
This smallest dog breed ranges in weight from one to nine pounds. Any Chihuahua weighing more than 6 pounds cannot compete in an AKC conformation dog show and the minuscule "tea cup" versions are usually frail and sickly. The most distinct feature of this breed is its head. Large erect ears and a moderately short muzzle set off an apple-domed skull. Dark wide-set eyes give the breed its alert appearance. The Chihuahua has a level back, rounded ribcage, thin legs and dainty feet. The tail should either be held in a sickle curve or form a loop over the back. Chihuahua coats come in many colors and patterns and two lengths: smooth coat and long coat. The shorter smooth coat sheds more but the lengthy hair of the long coat demands more bathing and brushing. Nails need to be trimmed at least once a month because there is so little weight bearing down on them as they walk.
Like many toy breeds, the Chihuahua is a terrific dog for adults living in small spaces. They are intensely loyal to one or two people and wary of strangers. Many are snappish around children. Their temperament is often likened to terriers - keen, bold and just waiting for a reason to engage! This diminutive canine makes an excellent watchdog, barking a warning that sounds like it comes out of a dog many times the Chihuahua's actual size. This trait may not make them ideal for apartment dwellers with paper-thin walls. They show a distinct preference for their own kind and will live comfortably in small Chihuahua packs. However, they are not as fond of other breeds. Tremendous socialization efforts with other dogs while young can help to widen their horizons.
Chihuahuas often appear nervous and high strung. The shivering is due to a high metabolism and being cold, nervous or excited. The shivering helps shake off adrenaline and creates heat. Lack of early socialization also contributes to the nervousness. Even though they are tiny, they still need to get out and see the world. The well-socialized Chihuahua can become an expert traveler and will welcome the opportunity to go everywhere with his person.
Health problems include patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia in puppies, and collapsing tracheas. Males have a higher incidence of retained testicles than many other breeds, making neutering a more difficult surgery and an absolute must. An open fontanel or molera (hole in the skull) is not unusual in this breed. This long-lived breed often reaches its late teens.
If you are looking for a petite powerhouse to be your constant companion, a Chihuahua may just fit the bill. That is, if he's not too busy checking in with his agent about his next media appearance.
© 2003 ASPCA
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