Chihuahuas

Carvings of a dog the resembles the Chihuahua has been found in the Monastery of Heujotzingo, between Mexico City and Puebla, which was constructed by Franciscan Monks around the year 1530. The Monks used stones that they gathered from the Toltec civilization, and although little is known about the Toltecs, it is known that they had a dog breed called the "Techichi."

The carvings on the stones at Huejotzingo give a full head view and a picture of an entire dog that closely resembles the modern-day Chihuahua. So, it is assumed that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi.

The Techichi was a religious icon among the ancient Toltec tribes and later among the Aztecs. Archaeologists have found the remains of this breed in human graves in Mexico and in parts of the United States.

Chihuahuas are best known for their large eyes and their large- erect ears. The breed is the smallest of all dog breeds.

Chihuahuas come in two varieties- the long and smooth (short) coat.

For the most part the breed's average hieght rangers between 6 and 10 inches at the shoulder blades, but some chihuahuas may reach to 12 to 15 inches.

The AKC standard says that the Chihuahua should weight no more than 6 pounds, but on average chihuahuas range anywhere from 1.5 to 10 pounds.

The breed comes in a variety of colors to include fawn, red, cream, chocolate, black, and blue. But Chihuahuas, also, come in a variety of color patterns, as well, such as sable, Irish spotting, piebald spotting, extreme white spotting, brindle, masks, merle, and tan points.

Other names for a Chihuahua may include the Teacup Chihuahua, Pocket Chihuahua, Tiny Toy Chihuahua, Miniature Chihuahua, Micro Chihuahua, and the Standard Chihuahua. But, as per the Chihuahua Club of America there is no such thing as these being a separate breed than Chihuahua. Because the breed has a varied average weight, the Tiny Toy Chihuahua is nothing more than a standard, normal chihuahua. So, don't fall for paying more for a smaller sized Chihuahua pup, as that Teacup Chihuahua, is nothing more than a just small Chihuahua, not a breed in its own.

Chihuahuas are highly devoted, ferocious, and full of personality, as well as curious.

And, because of their small size, they are easily adaptable to new environments, making great apartement dogs as well as house dogs.

With the proper training and socialization, Chihuahuas can be great pets. Otherwise, you well end up with a high-strung dog.

Chihuahuas are not great pet with those who have small children because of their small size. They can, also, have a tendency to bite, which can cause problems with small children, as at times, they may not know any better to touch here or pull there.

Many chihuahuas are one person dogs, and can become overly jealous of their chosen mommy or daddy.

They don't seem to have any concept of their own size and may fearlessly confront larger animals, which can result in injury.

Chihuahuas tend to require expert veterinary attention in regards to breeding and dental care. They are prone to genetic health concerns, mostly neurological, such as epilepsy.

Chihuahuas, as with other small toy breeds, are prone to hydrocephalus. Chihuahua puppies may exhibit patchy skull platelets versus asolid bone. They may, also, be lethargic and slow growing when compared to other chihuahua puppies.

Chihuahuas are also known for having moleras, which is a soft spot in their skull. Chihuahuas are the only breed that is born with an incomplete skull. Like a human baby, you will need to take great care to watching the puppy during the first six months, just to make sure that damage does not occur to the soft spot.

Chihuahuas can, also, be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can lead to coma, if not attended to properly.

They are prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance.

Chihuahuas also have a tendency to shake, but this is not a health issue.

The average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately 8 to 18 years of age.

Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition. At the same time, you must take care to keep the dog exercised and not overfed. Overweight Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.

When many people and families decide that it's time to get a dog, they begin their search, usually looking for a small dog they can keep in the house. The most common choice is the Chihuahua...

I, personally, think these people should research and think again. People with young children, or people who intend on having children, need to consider the interaction between the dog and the child. As Chihuahuas tend to be nippy and jealous, they will bite. They are, actually, one of the highest ranked breeds as being dog biters.

These dogs truly are the "ankle biters" that the nickname for small dogs holds. Chihuahuas tend to suffer "Little Man Syndrome" in which they think they are much larger than they truly are, which can get them into a lot of trouble with other dogs, people, and children.

You must carefully supervise children and chihuahuas, more than you would supervise young children with other small dog breeds.

I would recommend this breed for single individuals, as they trully are one person dogs.

But, with heavy socialization and training, they can learn to live in a family properly and happily. If you must choose a Chihuahua, make sure that you are prepared!

Pictures can be found at flickr.com.