Chihuahua breeds pron Chi wawa information

Chihuahua breeds (pron: Chi wawa) information

There are but two ‘true’ Chihuahua breeds according to the major kennel clubs and they are classed as Smooth Coat (short haired) and Long Coat types.

Bichon Dog

On this page: Origin | Breed Info | Stats | Temperament

The UK Kennel Club will not allow mating between the two types for registration purposes as it considers them to be completely different breeds of the same genre.

Chihuahua Breeds Factfile

Chihuahuas come in all shapes, sizes and colours and are named for the Mexican State of Chihuahua.

The dog’s exact origin is unclear with many theories surrounding the history of the breed being floated without any of them conclusively pinning down the answer.

One thing that is agreed upon is that Mexico is the birthplace of the breed. A common belief is that the small dog is descended from the favourite companion dog of the Toltecs, the Techichi, this is based on strong archaeological evidence and Mexican folklore.

Historical Observations

A couple of notable observations from historical figures, first from Christopher Columbas, who when first encountering a Chi may have thought that the breed was mute. Though never quoted as having said exactly that, he did note in a journal entry that the dog was “rather quiet”.

And one from Hernan Cortés the Spanish Conquistador, who recorded in a letter dated 1520 that the Aztecs bred the little dogs and sold them as… Food!

Chihuahua Dog Breed Info

Chihuahuas can be shy and nervous creatures particularly when meeting strange dogs, people or other pets for the first time.

It is recommended that young children be carefully watched at least until they and the dog gets better acquainted.

Chi Fact

The Chihuahua is the smallest of all purebred dogs.

How Long Do Chihuahuas Live?

Quick answer, 14 to 18 years which is pretty long for a small canine breed. See stat box.

Chihuahua Temperament

As with most dogs all chihuahua breeds reflect the temperament of their human from the time they are a pup. Bad tempered chihuahuas can be easily provoked and should not be kept in a home where there are small children.

Your chihuahua's temperament may also be traced to its lineage. Bad tempered parents or grandparents will spawn bad tempered individuals who may disrupt the home environment when introduced... Permanently!

But even if your dog comes from the most placid of ancestors how he turns out is still down to how you nurture and treat him.

The chi dog is known for expressing its loyalty to a single person and may in some cases take to being over protective of that person when a third party enters the equation, be it a person or another animal.

'Purrfect' Buddies

Chihuahuas can be difficult around other breeds of dogs and prefer to mix with their own kind but they do seem to be able to get along with cats. They are also fiercely territorial, keeping to areas they perceive as their den and are notorious burrowers especially in linen baskets and blankets.

Chihuahuas are unsuitable where there are young or disruptive children and must be carefully managed in these situations but young teenagers should be able to cope.

Pet chihuahuas as opposed to show dogs, can grow bigger and weigh more than the breed standard measurements so when looking to acquire one it is best to check the expected growth parameters beforehand.