Chihuahua
Dogs
Chihuahua
Chihuahua |
A brown and tan Chihuahua
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Alternative names |
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Country of origin |
Mexico |
Common nicknames |
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Classification and breed standards |
FCI: |
Group 9 Section 6 #218 |
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AKC: |
Toy |
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ANKC: |
Group 1 (Toys) |
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CKC: |
Group 5 - Toys |
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KC (UK): |
Toy |
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NZKC: |
Toy |
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UKC: |
Companion Breeds |
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Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
Notes |
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The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of
dog and is named for
the
Chihuahua region in
Mexico.
Appearance
The standard recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) is only known as
"Chihuahua", but they come in two varieties, the longcoat and the smoothcoat.
According to AKC standards, Chihuahua should not weigh more than six pounds,
although they often weigh more. They come in many colors, and are known for
their large erect ears. Chihuahua
puppies are often
mistaken for
hamsters because of their scrunched faces, extremely small size, and light
coats.
Chihuahuas come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
Temperament
Although they are prized for their personality and loyalty, chihuahuas are
not well-suited as small children's pets because of their size and physical
fragility. However, their alertness, intelligence and size make them easily
adaptable to a variety of environments, including the city and small apartments,
and make for usually long lifetimes of 15 years or more of loving companionship.
Negatively, they can be prone to being barky and high-strung. Many chihuahuas
tend to focus their love and devotion on one person, becoming overly jealous of
that person's human relationships. Male chihuahuas can be extremely difficult to
house
break.
History
They are thought to be descendants of an ancient, similar, but slightly
larger breed associated with royalty in
Aztec
civilizations known as the Techichi. They are the oldest canine breed in
North
America.
Health
This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and
dental care. They are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological
ones, such as
seizure disorders and
patella luxation. They are also known for their
moleras and
sensivity to eye infections.
Miscellaneous
"Teacup" and "Deer-faced" Chihuahuas
In recent years there has been an increase in the use of the terms "teacup"
(or tea cup) and "deer" (or deer-faced) to describe Chihuahuas.
Along with "mini" and "tiny toy", "teacup" is sometimes used to describe
Chihuahuas and other dogs that are very small. These and other terms are not
officially used by any kennel club or reputable breeder. Chihuahuas naturally
vary in size, and very small Chihuahuas are often runts, unhealthy, or
undernourished, or, if otherwise healthy, may have shortened life spans and
other health problems due to extreme dwarfing. They are not normally suitable
for breeding, and may require special care.
"Deer" or "deer-faced" are terms that are sometimes used to describe
Chihuahuas that do not have the breed-standard apple-domed appearance. These
terms are also unofficial and have no real meaning.
Famous Chihuahuas
Taquito is the University of Puerto Rico's School of Medicine Volleyball Mascot
- Tinkerbell,
Paris Hilton's pet
- Scab,
John Gebhardt's pet
- Smoky,
Eminem's pet
- Bit Bit,
Britney Spears' pet
- Bruiser, Elle Woods' pet in the
Legally Blonde movies
- Gidget, the
Taco Bell mascot
- Ren Höek, of
Ren and Stimpy fame
-
Wheely Willy, a motivational "speaker"
- Tito from
Oliver and Company
- Taquito,
the
University of Puerto Rico's School of Medicine volleyball mascot
-
The Spooky Chihuahua from
Invader Zim
- Pepito,
Xavier Cugat's chihuahua immortalized in the children's book Pepito
the Little Dancing Dog: The Story of Xavier Cugat's Chihuahua.
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