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The Unique Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are unique for a variety of reasons. The first way that this breed of dogs is unique is that they are the smallest breed of dog in the entire world. Named after Chihuahua, Mexico, where they were first discovered in 1850, this compact dog weighs from two to twelve pounds and stands just six to nine inches tall.
There are two types of Chihuahuas – long haired and short haired. They have apple shaped heads with a pointed muzzle and large bulging eyes. Chihuahuas live to be about fifteen years old, but can live as long as 22 years. Chihuahuas have an incredible amount of energy, and many bark excessively, but can be trained to stop barking on command. They are highly intelligent dogs, and there is a myth that they are hard to train, but in reality, this only refers to housebreaking, as both males and females are highly territorial, and will mark their territory often.
Archeology and scientific research has traced the Chihuahua back to the Mayans and the 2nd century BC. Some believe that this makes Chihuahuas the oldest breed of dog in existence. It is believed that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi, which was a companion dog of the Toltecs. Scientists believe that the Techichi was bred with the miniature Chinese dogs, and brought over to the American continent by Spanish Conquistadors.
There is evidence that Chihuahuas were kept by Aztecs as a symbol of the upper class. It is also believed that Chihuahuas were used in numerous religious ceremonies at one time. The King of Spain received a letter from Christopher Columbus, in which Columbus referred to a tiny dog, which is believed to be the Chihuahua that we know today. Experts largely agree that Columbus must have introduced Chihuahuas to the European continent.
Chihuahuas were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904, and today, Chihuahuas are one of the most popular small dog breeds. The dogs are placed into two different categories when they are born: Show quality and pet quality. These terms do not pertain to the temperament or health of the dog, referring instead to the dog’s physical appearance.
Finally, another unique thing about Chihuahuas is their fierce and often vicious loyalty. They will fight to the death for the people that they feel loyalty for, often going up against animals and people that greatly out size and/or out number them – without any sense or show of fear. This is one reason why these little Chihuahua dogs are so popular today.
Chihuahua information, Chihuahua tips, Chihuahua advice
Next Article: Bathing Your Chihuahua
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