Article Advise

submitted: Jun 18th 2008 | by: LeeDobbins | Total views: 3 | Word Count: 545 | |

Have you wondered where your adorable little Chihuahua dog breed was first discovered? The word Chihuahua actually means "dry and sandy place", and you would be correct if you guessed Chihuaua, Mexico. The cute short-legged breed is noted as once being sacred to the Aztec Indian tribes and although we typically think of the Chihuahua as one type of dog, there are actually several types of Chihuahua.

The smallest of dog breeds, there are far more Chihuahua types than people realize. Their popularity has really grown in recent years with all the publicity of celebrities and their pet Chi's. Although these dogs are small in stature small, they have quite a big personality!

Chihuahua types are distinguished by their color, and the shape of their heads. They come in a variety of shades, including cream, fawn, chocolate, silver, blue, and black. Their heads are classified as appleheads, which have a round skull, close-set eyes, and a short muzzle, and deer heads, which bear a striking resemblance to a tiny Doberman Pinscher.

The American Kennel Club recognizes two types of Chihuahuas: the shorthair and the longhair. Shorthairs have a smooth coat may have a curved tail. Shorthairs often do not shed. The longhair, on the other hand, has a soft hair, which may or may not be curly, with longer hair on their ears and tail.

The terms "teacup" and "mini" when applied to Chihuahuas are merely commercial designations used to try to elicit high prices from the buyer. All Chihuahuas are genetically a toy breed, and breeding to produce the tiniest dog possible is a long-established custom. Don't be fooled into paying more for a Chihuahua merely because of its description.

The 10th most popular breed in the US is the Chihuahua. They are an intelligent breed. They weigh six pounds or less. They are six to nine inches tall. They are very protective of their owners and their territory, despite their small size. The most popular Chihuahua type is the tan shorthaired, which was made popular because of the Taco Bell commercials.

Chihuahuas are perfect for people who don't have large yards or much room for large dogs. Chihuahua are long lived, some living for 16 years or more. Shorthaired Chihuahuas adore burrowing under the covers with you to keep toasty. I have a friend whose Chihuahua who seems to think she's a pitbull when anyone pulls the covers off of her. She growls her little head off.

All different Chihuahua types have spanned the centuries as a companion to man. Researchers think they may have originated in Spain and that a larger cousin already existed in the 2nd century BC and was then bred with miniature Chinese dogs which were introduced to the New World by Spain. At one time the Chihuahua types were pets for the wealthy and while many wealthy folks own them today, they make great pets for anyone who has the means to provide them with the appropriate food, attention and veterinary care!

Whichever type of Chihuahua dog you find, you owe it to yourself to think about taking one of these small devoted dogs home with you; you will find them to be entertaining and companionable pets for many years to come. In addition, once you buy one Chihuahua, you will want to get another!

About the Author

Sign up for free dog care and training tips and learn more about the types of Chihuahua dogs at http://www.raisingachihuahua.com.

Comments

No comments posted.

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.