Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a very ancient dog breed originated in southern Mexico. The Aztecs and the Toltecs called the ancestors of the present-day Chihuahuas Tenchihi dogs. The breed got its name from a Mexican state Chihuahua. These small dogs were used in many religious rituals and were considered sacred because of a soft spot (“molera”) on their head. In some dog breeds, a soft spot on the head disappears as the dog grows up, but ancestors of the Chihuahua retained it throughout their lifetime. Up to nowadays, some Chihuahuas are characterized by a soft spot.

Today, these tiny dogs perform the role of a family companion. Though their size makes it impossible to use them for guarding the house or protecting the owner, they can warn about intruders by their loud bark. Chihuahuas enjoy being in the center of attention and do well in the show ring.

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dogs in the world. It’s easy to recognize it by its large pointed ears carried erect and large round luminous dark eyes. The muzzle of the Chihuahua is short and pointed; the head is apple-shaped; the cheeks and jaws are lean. Chihuahuas have a lean body with narrow shoulders. The forelegs are set wide apart. The tail is normally carried over the back.

The height of a purebred Chihuahua varies from 6 to 9 inches at the withers and weight can reach only 2 pounds. There are also so-called “tea-cup” Chihuahuas. They are very difficult to breed and not usually produced by responsible breeders. Very small puppies are usually bred by unethical breeders and sold to impulsive buyers for a much greater price than standard Chihuahuas.

Chihuahuas are ideal pets for city dwellers. These tiny creatures are not hard to own compared to most other dog breeds. They don’t need much space; their exercise needs are rather low; they live peacefully with other pets and form close bonds with all family members. A Chihuahua can make a play mate for children and a lap dog for the elderly. A well-trained Chihuahua is very intelligent and obedient. It can be taught to perform funny tricks.