Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest canine breed (figure 3 shows a puppy compared to a glass of water). Its origins are ignored and everything that is known about them is only speculations from narrations of conquerors and remains of the Aztec civilization. These small dogs were the playmate of Aztec princes and they had also an important role in the religious life of this people. Considered as the spirit companions in the beyond, they were sacrificed in the funereal ceremonies. They also lived in the plain village, where they were used as food. Other similar dogs, called Techichi already existed in Mexico in the 8th century. After the conquest of Tenochtitlán (Mexico) by the Spaniards, these small dogs were forgotten, but they survived in Indian villages.

By the mid 19th century, the Chihuahua Indians sold their miniature dogs to the tourists and so they reappeared. The tourists gave them the name of the population and they got propagated in the United States. Later they arrived to Europe where they have been much appreciated since many years. The standard was not established until 1942.

In its origins, the Chihuahua had short hair. Later, a mutation of long hair appeared in the United States and consolidated thanks to a subsequent selection. The Chihuahua is a mistrustful dog that barks at the minor event. It is important to point out that it has the well-developed instinct of a hunter.

Size: 15-23 cm. Weight: 0.5-3.5 kg; usually 1.3 -1.8 kg. All the colors and mixtures are authorized. In general, the whitish dogs with yellow patches on the back, the sides and the neck, white or black or tricolor. They may often have a white star on the forehead and white patch on the chest. The light grayish blue (ice blue) is a weird color but it is much appreciated. The eyes are black, brown, blue or ruby and a lighter color is authorized in lighter-colored dogs. The eyes are big, round and expressive, but they must not be bulging.