Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
Toy

Group:

Toy

Size:

small

Lifespan:

14-18 years

Exercise:

very little

Grooming:

very little

Trainability:

low

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

Mexico

Date of Origin:

1500’s

Other Names:

none

Original Function:

ceremonial

History

This is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have been introduced by the Chinese. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian nations.

Temperament

The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's are strong-willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy. Chihuahuas generally recognise their own breed, but sometimes disapprove of other breeds. They are very intelligent although a bit stubborn, and are trainable with patience, persistence and practice.

Upkeep

The Chihuahua is a lively dog that nonetheless can get its exercise running from room to room indoors. It enjoys exploring the yard or going for short walks on a leash and especially enjoys accompanying its owner on outings. The Chihuahua is not an outdoor dog; it hates the cold and seeks out warmth. Coat care for the smooth is minimal.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
An alert and swift moving little dog with a saucy expression.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Small, dainty and compact with a brisk forceful action.

Head and Skull:
A well rounded "Apple Dome" skull with or without molero, cheeks and jaws lean, nose moderately short, slightly pointed. Definite stop.

Eyes:
Full, round but not protruding, set well apart, dark or ruby. (Light eyes in light colours permissible).

Ears:
Large, set on at an angle of about 45 degrees; this gives breadth between the ears.

Mouth:
Level, scissor bite.

Neck:
Slightly arched, of medium length.

Forequarters:
Shoulders should be well up, lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support above straight forelegs that are set well under, giving free play at the elbows.

Body:
Level back, slightly longer than the height at shoulder. Well sprung ribs with deep brisket.

Hindquarters:
Muscular with hocks well apart, neither out nor in, well let down.

Feet:
Small with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned. Fine pasterns (neither "Hare" nor "Cat" foot). A dainty foot with nails moderately long.

Tail:
Medium length carried up or over the back. Preferred furry, flattish in appearance, broadening slightly in the centre and tapering to a point.

Coat:
Smooth, of soft texture, close and glossy.

Colour:
Any colour or mixture of colours.

Weight:
Up to 2.7 kg (6 lbs) with 0.9 to 1.8 kg (2-4 lbs) preferable. If two dogs are equally good in type, the more diminutive preferred.

Faults:
Cropped tail, broken-down ears.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.