Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are nowadays very popular as family pets, lap dogs, and therapy animals. They owe their popularity not only to their small size, but also to their intelligence and easy-going personality. The Chihuahua is the smallest and one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. It’s impossible to trace its origin; all we know is that its ancestors were considered to be sacred dogs for the Aztecs and the Toltecs in the 2nd century BC. Archeological finds prove that small dogs were used for pack hunting in the Southern America in the 9th century. Surely, those dogs were larger than the present-day Chihuahuas. Modern Chihuahua dogs are the result of breeding Mexican dogs with miniature Chinese dogs introduced to Mexico by the Spanish.

A direct progenitor of all modern Chihuahuas was found in old ruins in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in 1850. The breed was developed in the USA where it was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1904. Today, this breed is recognized by most registries and kennel clubs: CKC, FCI, ANKC, UKC, NZKC, KCGB, NKC, ACR, and APRI.

Chihuahuas are characterized as lively, bold, communicative, yet very sensitive dogs. These little creatures are very attached to their owners and make loving companions for those who take good care of them. Most Chihuahuas are easy to socialize and train, but if the owner cannot find the right approach to the dog, it will be stubborn. Many Chihuahuas tend to dominate and their owners get away with it, because the dogs are too small to take them seriously. It results in unmotivated aggression to dogs and humans, jealousy, and nervousness.

Though good as a companion for the elderly, this breed is not recommended for children. Adult dogs and especially puppies are very fragile and could be hurt by a child. Smaller dogs just like large canines need daily walks, socialization, obedience training, and both physical and mental exercise. If not given proper training in the early age, the Chihuahua will turn into a little monster and become difficult to control. Chihuahuas should be socialized and trained no differently than large dog breeds.