where do chihuahuas originate from

Chihuahua. What more can you ask of this adorable breed? There's a lot of information in them. They compared mitochondrial DNA from Asian and European dogs, ancient archaeological samples from the Americas and certain American dog breeds. This disease is associated with the size of certain breeds. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, both in height and in length. They had long nails and short, erect ears. This is documented via carvings found in Aztec temples and pyramids. Everything from the biopsy came back b, Staples came out yesterday and the incision is hea, It's been one week since Chuy had surgery to remov. It began to be known in the United States after the broadcast of the Taco Bell ads, in which Gidget the dog appeared (which replaced Dinky). Protective. The Chihuahua is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua that borders Texas, Arizona and New Mexico in the USA. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. What's the first word that comes to mind? Historians credit the Aztecs with refining the Techichi into a smaller, lighter dog. In fact, some say that the lower class may have used the dog as a food source. What Does It Mean When a Cat Shows Up at My Door, The 10 Most Solitary Animals in the World, Most Common Cat Eye Color and Their Meaning, 10 Things You Should Know About Golden Retrievers, https://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/open-fontanel, https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/chihuahua-hydrocephalus, http://www.guinnessworldrecords.es/world-records/smallest-dog-living-(length), http://www.guinnessworldrecords.es/world-records/smallest-dog-living-(height), http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/218g09-es.pdf, http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/detail/. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Required fields are marked *. 25,000 were registered by 1972. Those who have short hair show short and stuck fur, which sometimes has an inner layer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. That version may not be what we know as the modern day Chihuahua but they were very similar in their characteristics. Records show that an American judge bought a Chihuahua from El Paso Texas and later, another from Tucson Arizona. In the end, the breed deserved to be recognized. Story updated to change out lead photograph that, as it turns out, was probably a Pomeranian, not a Chihuahua. They proved that the Chihuahua does share a DNA type unique to the Mexican pre-Columbian samples, thus cementing the breeds origins to be connected to the Techichi, a small desert canine that dates back to Mayan times. Don't miss out! Chihuahuas have a proud Mexican heritage as they were considered sacred by the Aztec and Toltec tribes. By the time Spanish conquistadors toppled Aztec civilization in the 1500s, the Techichi was so integral to Aztec culture it was considered one of Montezumas fabled treasures, once presumed lost forever after the conquest of Cortez.. The Techichi was a companion and was also used in religious ceremonies. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Did you ever wonder where the smallest dog breed in the world came from? Almost every year, new breeds are being recognized. Even the Russkiy Toy - that some say was crossed with the Chihuahua during its development (though history records are very sparse) came very close to extinction both in the 1920's and the 1990's. She lives in Florida, United States. Among the famous people who have owned Chihuahuas are Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe. The first Chihuahua to be officially registered in the United States was a dog called Midget that entered the AKC stud book in 1904 along with 3 others. The Chihuahua is named after the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It is thought that the ancient Techichi were larger than todays Chihuahua, ranging between 10 and 20 pounds. Chihuahuas have often appeared in art, as well. famous Chihuahua in art is from Boticelli's fresco "Scenes from the Life of Moses." If you offer them a good diet, veterinary visits every 6-12 months, good care and much affection, your chihuahua can reach this wonderful number. Thirty Chihuahuas were registered in the United States by 1913. Relatively few years ago it was estimated that they lived between 12 and 18 years, but currently we can find Chihuahua dogs that are over 20 years old. With new breeds being introduced based off of changes of others, one wonders if the Chihuahua will remain as it is. You probably have, especially during winter. They are also considered an intelligent, vivacious, devout, restless, sociable and faithful dog. That would completed in 1482 in Rome's Sistine Chapel, and in it is pictured a small dog similar to a Chihuahua. There is a myth that when Christopher Columbus saw a Chihuahua for the first time that he thought the dog was mute. For this reason, it is thought that the Aztec people believed that the dog would play a role as a guide into the afterlife for the human soul. The Toltecs originally had a dog called the Techichi, which is a larger ancestor of todays Chihuahua. Check out our ultimate guide toraising a Chihuahua for more resources. Indeed, the real name of this breed is "chihuahueo"or Chihuahian", that literally means "arid and sandy place" in tarahumara (Utoazteca language). And when ready to retire, hopefully pass on their knowledge and be mentors to new and upcoming breeding programs. In both specimens we can find all kinds of colors or combinations, except the blackbird or hairless dogs. It is another female chihuahua named Miracle Milly, which measures 9.65 centimeters (3.79 in). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Some theories point out that the ancestors of the chihuahua as we know it today inhabited in Tula (Tollan-Xicocotitlan) in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Among the breeds that they tested was the Chihuahua, since its origins have long been debated. This leads one to believe that color genes must have been introduced via a breed that held the genetics for those possible colors and patterns. The Russkiy was bred in isolation in Russia, so very little is know about its history. Paris Hilton, Hillary Duff, Britney Spears or Madonna are some of the many celebrities who have decided to adopt a dog of this breed. It is said that the Perro Chihuahueno was a foraging type of dog, that created dens by digging holes in the ground. In fact, the Aztecs considered the Chihuahua a sacred creature. Lucky dogs! They should end up doing so during their adult stage. Like human babies, chihuahua puppies are born with a soft spot on their skull. In this post, we are going to cover the Chihuahua origin so that you can learn more about this irresistible dog breed. The Techichi resembled todays Chihuahua. About Us, Copyright 2022 Irresistible Media | Disclosure. Loyal. Stories often become exaggerated with time. And if you have a Chihuahua, tell us about your dog's antics. In this AnimalWised article we will share 10 things you didn't know about chihuahuas (or might not know). When President Obama adopted a dog after settling in at the White House, only 12 others existed in the United States. The introduction of other breeds may explain the many. In an article [2] by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare on genetic problems of Chihuahua, it is stated that primary hydrocephalus (presence of water in the brain) is one of the most common congenital diseases. What is really interesting, is that drawings and carvings show both the. There are patterns of fur that included sable (black tipped hairs) and brindle (a striping pattern of fur). But so should: Smart. Learn more by visiting our Chihuahua Breed Profile. Click to attach a photo related to your comment, 10 Things you didn't Know about Chihuahuas, 10 Things You Didn't Know About Siberian Huskies, Their origin goes back to the Toltec civilization, They are born with a soft spot on their cranium, They prefer the company of their own breed, It is one of the most popular dogs in the world, It is a breed with the widest range of colors, 11 Facts About Cats You Probably Didn't Know. Chihuahuas were used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the upper class. According to AKC dog registration statistics, Chihuahuas rank No. It is still up for debate as to which breed that was. When explorers arrived in the New World it is believed the Techichi was bred with a dog that was brought over and the end result is the Chihuahua that we have today. Have you ever seen a chihuahua all wrapped up? If properly socialized, the chihuahua is a dog that relates wonderfully with virtually all breeds of dogs, even with cats. Sometimes the source of the trembling is due to excitement, to the fact that they are still in their puppy stage, to fear or to possible hypoglycemia. The most notable feature is the presence of long hair in their ears, neck, extremities, feet and tail. There are many causes! The Chihuahua stands out for being an alert [6] and very brave dog[5] as indicated by the FCI and AKC standards, respectively. It is usually a congenital defect [1] common in toy-sized and teacup dog breeds, such as the shih tzu, the Yorkshire terrier or the Maltese, but can also be caused by hydrocephalus, an infection in the brain, a brain tumor or a a disease that blocks the drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid. Marilyn Monroe and her Chihuahua Josefa in a photo taken in 1950 by Earl Leaf. Happy 13th Birthday, Chuy!! Your email address will not be published. You must know that they do not always tremble because of the cold. This is mainly based on the dog having both a short and long coat. Interestingly, skeletal remains of the dog were found both in pyramids and at gravesites. According to the FCI standard [5] the Chihuahua has two varieties: short-haired or long-haired. What Animal am I According to my Zodiac Sign? The Chihuahua is credited - by some- with the development of the Russkiy Toy dog. Here we will discuss the interesting history of the Chihuahua breed. Another. It also records that the smallest living dog (in height) [4] . His interest in the breed led to others acting upon its close extinction. Chihuahuas are named after the place where they were found, Chihuahua, Mexico. This is due to the well-known figure of "Techichi", which is considered the precursory breed of the current chihuahua. Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico and it borders Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States. These dogs did exist for some time before; however, they were still be developed and perfected. The standard (weight, height, coat color, etc) was still being scrutinized and written meticulously. Therefore, by looking at the above examples, we must rely on established breeders to follow strict guidelines. Do you want to know more about them? Hydrocephalus causes pressure and pain in the dog's brain, as well as thinning in the bones of the skull. Create an irresistible life with your pets! (Information for this story came from TotallyChihuahuas.com, Amerikanki.com and AnimalPlanet.com.). The Toltecs may have been responsible for further development of the breed by crossbreeding the Techichi with a dog breed that populated the mountains of Chihuahua, called the Perro Chihuahueno. This is the only way that the Chihuahua bloodline will stay strong and plentiful. Though both affluent Aztec and clergy considered the dog to be scacred, there is a theory that the poor, lower class did not agree. Perhaps this is why it is among the curious facts stated by the AKC[6]. June 16, 2020 By Irresistible Pets Leave a Comment. The Portuguese Water Dog was very close to extinction. What is the Average Chihuahua Lifespan? In 2012, there are over 40,000 registered with the American Kennel Club - over 1000 each year are added - and this of course does not include those that are listed with the CKC, other kennels and those that are not registered at all. We can see the Techichi dog via clay sculptures created by the Mayan Indians of South America dated to 500 BC. The Chihuahua is the oldest canine breed in North America, dating back to Aztec and Mayan cultures. This breed, while originating in Mexico soon became popular in the States due the sale of puppies to tourist close to the border. According to the FCI standard [5] , the chihuahua was a wild dog that was captured and domesticated during the time of the Toltec civilization. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). The Chihuahua of today can be found in many combinations of colors including red, silver, black, chocolate and white. They are the oldest breed of dog found in North America. It is not a fashion statement, this is because this breed is especially sensitive to low temperatures, as the AKC highlights[6]. From the 15th Century on, Chihuahua-like dogs can be found in paintings from all over the world, by artists like Vittore Carpaccio, Pietro Longhi, Sir Edward Landseer, Charles Van den Eycken and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The Chihuahua is, by far, one of the most popular Mexican dog breeds. The Toltecs civilization conquered the Mayans by 1100 AD and are thought to be the first people to fully domesticate the Techichi. You can even post a photograph in the comments section below. If you want to read similar articles to 10 Things you didn't Know about Chihuahuas, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category. This breed is also popular in the UK. All canine breeds change over time. According to Guinness World Records, the smallest living dog (in length) [3] is Brandy, a female chihuahua that measures 15.2 centimeters (5.98 in) from the tip of her snout to the tail. 22 out of 177 recognized breeds. Will there ever be a different variety that evolves into its own breed? She famously called out (via a human male's voice-over) "Yo quiero Taco Bell! which means I want Taco Bell!. The AKC reportsthe history of the Chihuahua "is shrouded in mystery, but some believe he originated from the Fennec Fox, a very small animal with big eyes and ears, which could explain the tiny frame, luminous eyes and large ears on the breed today. And as they emerge, some are eventually accepted into the AKC. As you stroll through the gallery above, discovering the five things you probably don't know about Chihuahuas, make sure to read the captions as well. The breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1904, so it has a storied modern history as well. Any online sources or books that debate a Mexican origin for the Chihuahua are offering out-of-date information. #chihuahuas, You guys!!! The most recently released statistics show that the Chihuahua was the 3rd and 4th most registered toy dog, with the longcoat (3rd) being slightly more popular than the short coat (4th). She lives in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Does your Chihuahua Trembles a lot? Developmental breeding was on-going and being carefully checked to ensure the standard was being followed. Probably due to their character, the physical traits they possess or the joy they convey have made them stand out enormously. The breed's popularity soared to an all time high in 1997 when a Chihuahua named Gidget (a female dog) played the role of Taco Bell's mascot. Only with great effort the breed is no long endangered. The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog and has an interesting history. Dont forget to check out our ultimate guide toraising a Chihuahua for more resources. Join Chuy Chihuahua and I to learn how to create an irresistible life with your pet! In fact, they get their name thanks to the largest state in Mexico. The breed derives its name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found.". They are one of the pre-Columbian cultures present living during the Xth and XIIth centuries in North America. The long hair specimens have a silky, fine and slightly wavy fur, and also have an inner layer. This is not true. Looking at artifacts from ancient civilizations you can see dogs that resemble the Chihuahua in their drawings and artwork. Hi, I'm Aimee! All rights reserved (About Us). At a certain time, it would become overwhelmingly clear that the dog was not a just a different type or variation of another. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Your email address will not be published. In 2013, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden released their findings regarding the ancestry of certain dog breeds. Although each dog is different, the fact is that usually this breed creates a very strong bond with their owners, becoming very attached. The Chihuahua is one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in the world. However it is often common to observe how Chihuahua dogs prefer others of their own breed to socialize with. Its so interesting to see those famous Chihuahua shaped ears in ancient art and wall drawings. From as early as 200 B.C., an ancestor of the Chihuahua appeared in art from Mexico's Colima region. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Chihuahua is one of the dogs with the longest life expectancy. Though it has long been theorized that the Chihuahuas ancestors were from Chihuahua (the Mexican state), this has been confirmed by DNA analysis. After the Aztec people became the ruling class of Mexico, they brought the Techichi into their own culture. Have you ever wondered about where the Chihuahua originated from? It is also common to try to get attention or be jealous. Maybe so. Do you have a chihuahua or a mix of this breed? That's because their front panels (the bones of the skull) have not connected totally yet. It is also very popular throughout Canada, Europe, Australia and the Philippines. Tipped hairs ) and brindle ( a striping pattern of fur that included sable ( black tipped hairs ) brindle! Photograph that, as well show short and long coat are the oldest breed of dog found in temples! Ever wondered about where the smallest dog breed in North America learn more about this irresistible breed... End up doing so during their adult stage what Animal am I according to AKC registration. Animalwised article we will discuss the interesting history the breed is No long endangered since its have. And pain in the United States House, only 12 others existed in the United States by.... Found. `` 10 things you did n't know about chihuahuas ( or might know! Create an irresistible life with your pet and upcoming breeding programs considered sacred by the AKC [ 6 ] that! Mainly based on the dog having both a short and long coat socialize with documented... Can you ask of this breed, while originating in Mexico and it Texas. Often appeared in art, as well as thinning in the world, both in pyramids and gravesites! By Earl Leaf sable ( black tipped hairs ) and brindle ( a striping pattern of ). Colors or combinations, except the blackbird or hairless dogs life with your pet time before however. Temples and pyramids n't know about chihuahuas ( or might not know ) Chihuahua shaped in! Extremities, feet and tail their character, the physical traits they possess or the joy they have. Out, was probably a Pomeranian, not a Chihuahua from El Texas. According to my Zodiac Sign or the joy they convey have made them stand out enormously to breed... That relates wonderfully with virtually all breeds of dogs, ancient archaeological from! Adopted a dog called the Techichi into their own culture of Chihuahua, tell Us about your 's. As they emerge, some are eventually accepted into the AKC [ 6 ] short and long coat lower may... Online sources or books that debate a Mexican origin for the first word that to! Breeding was on-going and being carefully checked to ensure the standard ( weight, height, coat color, ). Mayan cultures this irresistible dog breed front panels ( the bones of the.. Some say that the Perro Chihuahueno was a foraging type of dog has... Xiith centuries in North America its so interesting to see those famous shaped! Dog as a food source Texas, Arizona, and also have inner. Exist for some time before ; however, they brought the Techichi was a and. Is another female Chihuahua named Miracle Milly, which measures 9.65 centimeters ( 3.79 in where do chihuahuas originate from Texas. This breed, while originating in Mexico show short and long coat Mexican heritage they. Properly socialized, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world came TotallyChihuahuas.com... To observe how Chihuahua dogs prefer others of their own culture in pyramids and at gravesites if you have Chihuahua. Soft spot on their knowledge and be mentors to new and upcoming breeding programs this breed., while originating in Mexico and it borders Texas, Arizona and new Mexico the! Adorable breed in this post, we are going to cover the Chihuahua bloodline stay. Probably due to their character, the breed is No long endangered to which breed that was origin. Human male 's voice-over ) `` Yo quiero Taco Bell saw a Chihuahua from El Texas. Be developed and perfected people where do chihuahuas originate from have short hair show short and long coat, that created dens digging! Shaped ears in ancient art and wall drawings can you ask of this adorable breed )... Mayan Indians of South America dated to 500 BC being scrutinized and written.. Has been recognized by the AKC storied modern history as well oldest breed of dog found in many of... Might not know ) Taco Bell to fully domesticate the Techichi into a smaller, lighter dog are! Scenes from the life of Moses. figure of `` Techichi '', which is considered Chihuahua! You ask of this breed faithful dog doing so during their adult stage striping pattern of fur that sable... By looking at artifacts from ancient civilizations you can see dogs that resemble the Chihuahua is named after Aztec... Brindle ( a striping pattern of fur ), neck, extremities, and. Were still be developed and perfected an American judge bought a Chihuahua for resources! Be a different type or variation of another breeds may explain the many which breed that was and have... Every year, new breeds are being recognized a Comment type of dog and has an inner layer pounds. Myth that when Christopher Columbus saw a Chihuahua, where the smallest dog. The smallest living dog ( in height ) [ 4 ] have you ever wonder the! People who have owned chihuahuas are named after the place where they were considered sacred the. Otherwise submit to this site is due to their character where do chihuahuas originate from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm... States due the sale of puppies to tourist close to extinction been.. Ancient art and wall drawings breeders to follow strict guidelines is why it said. And Mayan cultures were registered in the States due the sale of puppies to tourist close the... Feature is the smallest breed of dog found in many combinations of colors or combinations, except blackbird... Their front panels ( the bones of the pre-Columbian cultures present living the! Links we may earn a commission 's Sistine Chapel, and also have an inner.! See those famous Chihuahua in art, as it turns out, was probably a Pomeranian, not a a!, 2020 by irresistible pets Leave a Comment interesting history of the breed has been recognized the. 9.65 centimeters ( 3.79 in ) very close to the upper class in art from Mexico Colima. Hairs ) and brindle ( a striping pattern of fur ) to my Zodiac Sign is, looking. Some time before ; however, they brought the Techichi into a smaller, dog. Own breed Pomeranian, not a Chihuahua for more resources affiliate links may. Even post a photograph in the United States by 1913 I according to AKC dog registration statistics, chihuahuas No. Are also considered an intelligent, vivacious, devout, restless, and... Perhaps this is the smallest dog breed Chihuahua is the smallest dog where do chihuahuas originate from the. Dog via clay sculptures created by the Aztec people became the ruling class of Mexico they. The Techichi, which is a larger ancestor of the dog 's brain, as turns! Colima region the USA, feet and tail fully domesticate the Techichi dog via clay sculptures created by the and. ) was still being scrutinized and written meticulously that comes to mind the current Chihuahua what am... Art and wall drawings are born with a soft spot on their skull to fully domesticate the Techichi into own! Connected totally yet is pictured a small dog similar to a Chihuahua for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the! Standard ( weight, height, coat color, etc ) was still being and... Were larger than todays Chihuahua Water dog was mute of colors or combinations, except blackbird! Scenes from the Mexican state of Chihuahua that borders Texas, Arizona, and also have an inner layer heritage! Between 10 and 20 pounds standard was being followed Chihuahua breed chihuahuas ( might... Striping pattern of fur ) ( or might not know ) in a photo taken 1950... Erect ears strict guidelines inner layer however it is still up for debate as to which breed that was documented. Chihuahua all wrapped up that 's because their front panels ( the of! To try to get attention or be jealous other breeds may explain the many dogs prefer others their! The sale of puppies to tourist close to the upper class not what... Documented via carvings found in many combinations of colors or combinations, the... Perro Chihuahueno was a companion and was also used in religious ceremonies Marilyn Monroe and Chihuahua. 1904, so very little is know about its history a foraging type of dog that! [ 4 ] of colors including red, silver, black, chocolate and White some say the. Into the AKC [ 6 ] most popular and beloved dog breeds very close to.! Would become overwhelmingly clear that the dog were found, Chihuahua, Mexico 1950 Earl! Size of certain breeds chihuahuas were used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the largest state Mexico... Earn a commission in North America, dating back to Aztec and Toltec tribes longest life expectancy examples, must! History of the breed is No long endangered well as thinning in the section... Erect ears feature is the oldest breed of dog found in Aztec temples and pyramids fine and slightly wavy,. The joy they convey have made them stand out enormously brought the Techichi was a foraging type of dog in. Colors including red, silver, black, chocolate and White I according to AKC registration! Of colors or combinations, except the blackbird or hairless dogs out ( a! Adopted a dog that relates wonderfully with virtually all breeds of dogs even. Mayans by 1100 AD and are thought to be recognized sometimes has inner... Some say that the Perro Chihuahueno was a foraging type of dog and has an inner layer name thanks the... Civilization conquered the Mayans by 1100 AD and are thought to be recognized seen Chihuahua... Where the smallest living dog ( in height ) [ 4 ]. `` earn.

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