"All About Chihuahuas and their Unique History"
Mayan Pyramid
Did you ever wonder where the smallest dog in the world came from? The history of the Chihuahua dates back to ancient Mexico. They were believed to be sacred and they have never forgotten this.
Much of the Chihuahua's history is speculation and theory, although everyone agrees on some matters. The Chihuahua is named for the Mexican State that borders Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is believed that the breed descended from the Techichi, a small canine that dates back to Mayan times (around the 5th century AD).
The Toltecs (the people that conquered the Mayans) are believed to be the first to domesticate the Techichi and brought the canine into the home as pets and also used them for religious purposes. After the Aztecs became the ruling class of Mexico, they also used the dog as a companion and in religious ceremonies. This has been learned due to the writings in Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec writings in tombs, temples, and pyramids. Also, remains of the small dogs were found in graves in both Mexico and the United States so this could back up the religious theory.
No records of the Techichi are available prior to the 9th century, although dog pots from Colima, Mexico, buried as part of the western Mexico shaft tomb tradition which date back to 300 B.C. are thought to depict Techichis. It is probable that earlier ancestors were present prior to the Mayans as dogs proximating the Chihuahua are found in materials from the Great Pyramia of Cholula, predating 1530 and in the ruins of Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Carvings found in the Monastery of Huejotzingo, on the highway from Mexico City to Puebla, give strong evidence as to the Chihuahua's origins.
This monastery was constructed by Franciscan Monks around 1530.
The dogs were found in the state of Chihuahua in 1850 in old ruins near Casas Grandes, and are thought to
be the ruins of the palace built by Emperor Montezuma I. The relics and remains of the Techichi indicate that the breed was longhaired and mute, very different from the modern Chihuahua. The Aztec wealthy and clergy thought the Techichi to be sacred while the lower class had little use for the dogs and sometimes used them as food.
When the explorers arrived in the New World it is believed the Techichi breed with a dog that was brought over and the result is the Chihuahua that we have today. The tiny modern day Chihuahua has gone through many changes and become very popular since their discovery.
AMERICAN CHIHUAHUA'S
The first Chihuahua to be officiall registered by the American Kennel Club was "Midget" in 1904. Color variations are limited only by the imagination. The smooth coated variety is still the most publicly recognized, but the long-coat variety has increased in numbers and popularity. Chihuahuas are a long lived breed, often achieving 16 or more years of age.
BRITISH CHIHUAHUA CLUB
In the "Daily Mail" of 1897 the London.Kennel.Association. held a show at Regent's Park and there a Chihuahua was exhibited for the first time. In the name of "Modern Dogs"owned by Rawdon B. Lee.
The real pioneer of the breed was the late Mrs Powell of London, who exhibited as early as 1930 and had built up a strong team. In 1937 Mrs Powell had in her kennels six imported dogs. One was Idasconeja, a fawn, another was Bettsy, a most attractive white with a black head. They were not only first prize winners at The Kennel Club, Crufts and Richmond, but also at America's premiere shows - Westminster and the Morris and Essex.
At this time Mrs Powell had in quarantine Hechicero Meron, a reddish fawn dog, unshown, but noted as a sire of tip-top stock. Also in quarantine were Hechicero's son, Duke of Wolf, a big winner in the States, and also his half sister, which was a year older, and an exceptionally handsome bitch.
The end of Mrs Powell's dogs was most tragic. She was living in Town at the outbreak of war and took herself and dogs into the country to get away from the bombing. A short time after, her house received a direct hit. Every dog was killed and she so stricken, went into a nursing home where she died a few years later.
Mrs Wells was the first post-war exhibitor, showing in 1949, and gained tremendous publicity for the
breed.
The British Chihiuahua Club was founder by Majorie Fearfeild in 1949, she quote here the event.
" On the 22nd May 1949, nine of us met at Marshall and Snellgroves Tea-room in London, and then and there the Club was formed. Those present were: the late Miss Macalister, who became Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, the late Mrs Gott, one
of our first Vice Presidents, Mrs Secker (Mrs Gott's daughter) who was Vice chairman, Mrs Duckworth (Miss Macalister's sister), Mrs Jackson, Mrs Cross, Mrs Wells, Miss Wells and myself, who became the first Chairman."
'British Chihuahua Club'
The founders Mrs Fearfield
& Mrs Wells. |
Mrs Powells Chihuahua's.
The end of Mrs Powell's dogs was most tragic. She was living in Town at the outbreak of war and took herself and dogs into the country to get away from the bombing. A short time after, her house received a direct hit. Every dog was killed and she so stricken, went into a nursing home where she died a few years later.
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Pionnering Chi's in UK.
Mrs Fearfield and her beloved Chihuahua's
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Australia Chihuahua Club
The state of Victoria was the first to register a Chihuahua in the whole of Australia in 1954. The owner was Mrs G Fairbairn and the dog's name was "Nellistar Mario" (Imported UK).
In 1955 Mrs MacMahon imported a Smooth Coat Chihuahu from England called "Bowerhinton's Denger's Dona Barbara".
At the same time a Mrs Rena Gerardy imported a dog from the same breed line "Denger's Dona Barbara".
Both of these women went on to import more dogs from the UK. It was with these Chihuahua's that the famous "CHICDALE"breed line began.
The breed in Australia was established by a Mrs Eva McMahon, became the founder of the 'Chihuahua Club of Victoria. She went on to became a honored patron of the Chihuahua Club of Victoria.
The Chihuahua Club of Victoria was formed on February 28th, 1963 at the Victorian Railways Institute and Mrs Eva McMahon was elected the first President, she held this position for the next 3 years. 18 people were present at the first meeting where a need for a Chihuahua Club was outlined and a further meeting was held two weeks later to form a committee.
In this same year, the first Chihuahua Open Show parade was held at the home of Mr and Mrs E Mitchell on Sunday November 24th, 1963 where 43 dogs competed.
Today each state here in Australia have there own Chihuahua Club's and the breed as gone on too improve bloodlines and grown to be one of the most loved and enjoyed breeds winning the name of the "World's Smallest Dog" and it's long life spand.
In 1955 Mrs MacMahon imported a Smooth Coat Chihuahu from England called "Bowerhinton's Denger's Dona Barbara".
At the same time a Mrs Rena Gerardy imported a dog from the same breed line "Denger's Dona Barbara".
Both of these women went on to import more dogs from the UK. It was with these Chihuahua's that the famous "CHICDALE"breed line began.
The breed in Australia was established by a Mrs Eva McMahon, became the founder of the 'Chihuahua Club of Victoria. She went on to became a honored patron of the Chihuahua Club of Victoria.
The Chihuahua Club of Victoria was formed on February 28th, 1963 at the Victorian Railways Institute and Mrs Eva McMahon was elected the first President, she held this position for the next 3 years. 18 people were present at the first meeting where a need for a Chihuahua Club was outlined and a further meeting was held two weeks later to form a committee.
In this same year, the first Chihuahua Open Show parade was held at the home of Mr and Mrs E Mitchell on Sunday November 24th, 1963 where 43 dogs competed.
Today each state here in Australia have there own Chihuahua Club's and the breed as gone on too improve bloodlines and grown to be one of the most loved and enjoyed breeds winning the name of the "World's Smallest Dog" and it's long life spand.
LONG COAT CHIHUAHUA'S CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
Origin and Purpose
It is said that the Long Coat variety was developed entirely in the United States by crossing the Short Coat to the
Papillon and the Pomeranian. The Chihuahua has evolved primarily as a human companion.
General Appearance
A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression. Compact, and with terrier-like qualities.
Temperament
Saucy, superior intelligence, generally reserved towards strangers.
Size
A well-balanced little dog not to exceed 2.7 kg (6 lb). 1-2 kg (2-4 lb.) preferable.
Grooming
Unlike many other Toy Breeds, the Chihuahua is rather easy to care for and keep clean. With a bit of patience and
keen eye, you can save trips to the groomer and keep the job a personal one.
Long coat Chihuahuas should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush to keep their fur from matting, especially if your long coat Chihuahua has a thick coat.
You should give your Chihuahua a bath a minimum of once every three weeks. Two weeks is a realistic schedule,
depending on how often your Chihuahua gets themselves into a mud pile or covered in grass stains.
With the Chihuahua's ears standing straight up, you must take care not to get water into their ears, as an infection can
develop.
Nail
Trimming nails often times, owners choose to take their Chihuahuas to the groomer to have it done. with patience and consistency, you and your Chihuahua can find it to be a more pleasant experience.
Ideally, you should should start a nail-trimming routine as early in their life as possible so that your Chihuahua becomes accustomed to your handling their paws.
Be careful to trim aa small bit at a time. Each nail has a vein that runs through the middle of it,called the "quick". If the quick is cut, it will bleed quite a bit. Dab with a bit of cornflour will help slow down the bleed if such an accident accures.
Coat and Colour
In the Long Coats the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly wavy, with undercoat preferred. Ears
fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly, never down). Feathering on feet and legs, and pants on hindlegs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred. Tail full and long (as a plume).
Colour:- A solid colour. Marked-a solid colour with markings of another solid colour(s). Splashed-irregular, patched solid colour on white or white on solid colour.
Head
Skull: Well-rounded apple-dome skull, with or without molera. Cheeks and jaws lean. Muzzle moderately short, slightly pointed. Nose self-coloured in blonde types, or black. In moles, blues, and chocolate, they are self-coloured. In blonde
types, pink nose permissible. Mouth: Teeth level or scissors bite. Eyes full, but not protruding, balanced, set well apart - dark, ruby or luminous. (Light eyes in blond types permissible.) Ears large, held erect when alert, but flaring
at the sides at about a angle of 45 degrees when in repose. This gives breadth between the ears.
Neck
Slightly arched, gracefully sloping into lean shoulders, may be smooth in the very short types, or with ruff about neck preferred.
Forequarters
Shoulders lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support, well up, giving balance and soundness. Upper arm set on to
give chestiness and strength of forequarters, yet not of the bulldog chest.
Lower arm - forelegs straight, set well under, giving free play at the elbow. Pasterns fine. Feet - a dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long.
Body
Topline - level back (never down or low), slightly longer than height. Chest - plenty of brisket. Ribs rounded (but not too "barrel-shaped"). Loin well muscled. Croup in balance with rear assembly. Abdomen - slight tuck up.
Hindquarters
Hipbone well covered. Upper thigh muscular, in balance with front assembly. Lower thigh muscular, in balance with front
assembly. Hocks well apart, turning neither in nor out, well let down, with firm sturdy action. Stifle bend - well bent and strong. Feet - a dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long.
Tail
Moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back with tip just touching the back. (Never tucked under.) Hair on tail in harmony with the coat of the body, preferred furry.
Gait
A graceful, swift and flowing straight forward movement with good reach and strong drive
It is said that the Long Coat variety was developed entirely in the United States by crossing the Short Coat to the
Papillon and the Pomeranian. The Chihuahua has evolved primarily as a human companion.
General Appearance
A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression. Compact, and with terrier-like qualities.
Temperament
Saucy, superior intelligence, generally reserved towards strangers.
Size
A well-balanced little dog not to exceed 2.7 kg (6 lb). 1-2 kg (2-4 lb.) preferable.
Grooming
Unlike many other Toy Breeds, the Chihuahua is rather easy to care for and keep clean. With a bit of patience and
keen eye, you can save trips to the groomer and keep the job a personal one.
Long coat Chihuahuas should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush to keep their fur from matting, especially if your long coat Chihuahua has a thick coat.
You should give your Chihuahua a bath a minimum of once every three weeks. Two weeks is a realistic schedule,
depending on how often your Chihuahua gets themselves into a mud pile or covered in grass stains.
With the Chihuahua's ears standing straight up, you must take care not to get water into their ears, as an infection can
develop.
Nail
Trimming nails often times, owners choose to take their Chihuahuas to the groomer to have it done. with patience and consistency, you and your Chihuahua can find it to be a more pleasant experience.
Ideally, you should should start a nail-trimming routine as early in their life as possible so that your Chihuahua becomes accustomed to your handling their paws.
Be careful to trim aa small bit at a time. Each nail has a vein that runs through the middle of it,called the "quick". If the quick is cut, it will bleed quite a bit. Dab with a bit of cornflour will help slow down the bleed if such an accident accures.
Coat and Colour
In the Long Coats the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly wavy, with undercoat preferred. Ears
fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly, never down). Feathering on feet and legs, and pants on hindlegs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred. Tail full and long (as a plume).
Colour:- A solid colour. Marked-a solid colour with markings of another solid colour(s). Splashed-irregular, patched solid colour on white or white on solid colour.
Head
Skull: Well-rounded apple-dome skull, with or without molera. Cheeks and jaws lean. Muzzle moderately short, slightly pointed. Nose self-coloured in blonde types, or black. In moles, blues, and chocolate, they are self-coloured. In blonde
types, pink nose permissible. Mouth: Teeth level or scissors bite. Eyes full, but not protruding, balanced, set well apart - dark, ruby or luminous. (Light eyes in blond types permissible.) Ears large, held erect when alert, but flaring
at the sides at about a angle of 45 degrees when in repose. This gives breadth between the ears.
Neck
Slightly arched, gracefully sloping into lean shoulders, may be smooth in the very short types, or with ruff about neck preferred.
Forequarters
Shoulders lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support, well up, giving balance and soundness. Upper arm set on to
give chestiness and strength of forequarters, yet not of the bulldog chest.
Lower arm - forelegs straight, set well under, giving free play at the elbow. Pasterns fine. Feet - a dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long.
Body
Topline - level back (never down or low), slightly longer than height. Chest - plenty of brisket. Ribs rounded (but not too "barrel-shaped"). Loin well muscled. Croup in balance with rear assembly. Abdomen - slight tuck up.
Hindquarters
Hipbone well covered. Upper thigh muscular, in balance with front assembly. Lower thigh muscular, in balance with front
assembly. Hocks well apart, turning neither in nor out, well let down, with firm sturdy action. Stifle bend - well bent and strong. Feet - a dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long.
Tail
Moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back with tip just touching the back. (Never tucked under.) Hair on tail in harmony with the coat of the body, preferred furry.
Gait
A graceful, swift and flowing straight forward movement with good reach and strong drive
'MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE'
Before making the decision to purchase a Long Coat Chihuahua puppy, the prospective buyer should make every effort to learn as much about the breed as possible, thus ensuring an awareness of the responsibilities that go with owning a Long Coat Chihuahua.
It is advisable to visit as many dog shows as are available and discuss the purchase with breeders and exhibitors. Most are only too pleased to offer any advice or information relevant to the acquisition of a puppy. After gaining a basic awareness of the characteristics of the breed and a realisation of the breeds own requirements, the buyer should next approach a registered breeder and state honestly and exactly the type of puppy he is interested in owning.
When choosing a puppy, temperament and soundness are all important. A puppy with a happy and fearless disposition that plays happily with his litter mates and does not shrink from the approach of strangers will give a lifetime of happiness. It should have bright sparkling eyes free from discharge, and a firm body that can be plump, but not bloated, with a glossy coat and healthy skin.
Both dog and bitch are equal in intelligence and good companionship. Dogs may take a little longer to house train,
and a bitch will require extra care while in season, which generally occurs every 6-8 months. If you are not intending to breed, it is always advisable to have your bitch desexed, and your veterinarian will advise when this should be carried out.
It is advisable to visit as many dog shows as are available and discuss the purchase with breeders and exhibitors. Most are only too pleased to offer any advice or information relevant to the acquisition of a puppy. After gaining a basic awareness of the characteristics of the breed and a realisation of the breeds own requirements, the buyer should next approach a registered breeder and state honestly and exactly the type of puppy he is interested in owning.
When choosing a puppy, temperament and soundness are all important. A puppy with a happy and fearless disposition that plays happily with his litter mates and does not shrink from the approach of strangers will give a lifetime of happiness. It should have bright sparkling eyes free from discharge, and a firm body that can be plump, but not bloated, with a glossy coat and healthy skin.
Both dog and bitch are equal in intelligence and good companionship. Dogs may take a little longer to house train,
and a bitch will require extra care while in season, which generally occurs every 6-8 months. If you are not intending to breed, it is always advisable to have your bitch desexed, and your veterinarian will advise when this should be carried out.
'THE SMART CHOICE'
A concerned breeder studies the Breed Standard set down for the Chihuahua
and carefully plans a litter to maintain and improve their dogs.
Dedication to improvement of their breed should be the reason for breeding and participating in competition in the showring. The breeder then becomes known in the Dog Community and has a reputation to protect.
The difference between a show quality puppy and the rest of the litter is very minimal and relates to such factors as perhaps the size of the ears, the colour of the pigment, size of the puppy, and so forth. It is not often possible, at a very early age, to determine what the colour of the coat of an adult Long Coat Chihuahua will be, but this is also an important factor when choosing a show ring prospect.
Therefore, a breeder will often "run a puppy for some months before the final decision as to its showability is made.
The Smart Choice to obtaining your puppy from a Registered Breeder ensure that follow-up about the care of your puppy’s every day needs is readily available – a single phone call is all that’s needed
and carefully plans a litter to maintain and improve their dogs.
Dedication to improvement of their breed should be the reason for breeding and participating in competition in the showring. The breeder then becomes known in the Dog Community and has a reputation to protect.
The difference between a show quality puppy and the rest of the litter is very minimal and relates to such factors as perhaps the size of the ears, the colour of the pigment, size of the puppy, and so forth. It is not often possible, at a very early age, to determine what the colour of the coat of an adult Long Coat Chihuahua will be, but this is also an important factor when choosing a show ring prospect.
Therefore, a breeder will often "run a puppy for some months before the final decision as to its showability is made.
The Smart Choice to obtaining your puppy from a Registered Breeder ensure that follow-up about the care of your puppy’s every day needs is readily available – a single phone call is all that’s needed
