The History of The Chihuahua: A Well-Traveled Dog
Chihuahuas - you either love ‘em or hate ‘em! Traditionally, this fun and compact breed has been associated more with women than men. After all, it seems like all the starlets in Hollywood are carrying around purse-sized dogs that they take anywhere. Better yet, Chihuahuas are easy to buy accessories for and dress in matching Chihuahua clothes (if that’s your goal with your dog). This isn’t the only thing you can do with a Chihuahua. Even if you want a dog that’s a “man’s dog”, you should consider a Chihuahua.Chihuahuas were discovered in 1850, in a small region of eastern Mexico. The smallest breed of dog ever, the Chihuahua only reaches five or six pounds at the most. Despite their small size, they are renowned for their attitude. Chihuahuas fear nothing. Sometimes, this tends to get some of them in trouble. While rumors about Chihuahuas say they are high-strung, a properly socialized dog is calm and collected.
Where did such a small breed come from? Well, surely it wasn’t nature that designed Chihuahuas so small. Selective breeding over hundreds of years have bred some Chihuahuas to be no bigger than teacups. In the ninth century, humans living in Mexico began to selectively breed a wild dog called the Techichi. In the 1500s, Spanish traders brought miniaturized Chinese dogs which interbred with the smaller Techichi dogs. After hundreds of years, we are left with the Chihuahuas of today.
Ancient Aztecs believed that Chihuahuas were symbols of the rich and powerful. They also believed that Chihuahuas had powers to absolve sins and relieve guilt. They also thought the Chihuahua dog could guide spirits through the world of the dead. When a powerful owner died, they often killed the Chihuahua as well, believing that the Chihuahua would guide its master home.
In the United States, the Chihuahua spread from Mexico to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Nowadays, they are available almost anywhere in the world!
So why would you want a Chihuahua? First of all, they have a fierce loyalty and will make a lot of noise if you’re looking for a good guard dog. They also bond to only a few people, and love the company of other Chihuahuas. Because they are so small, they are perfect for people who live in the city. A Chihuahua can live happily in an apartment with less than 1,000 square feet.
Second, each Chihuahua has its own unique personality and is one of the most human-like dogs available. Chihuahuas can also live over 20 years, and they require little to no grooming. Chihuahuas also shed very little, further making them great for people who live in close quarters. Since they are so small, Chihuahuas are also great for people who don’t want to spend an excess amount of money on food.
Chihuahuas are good for older children and adults. They should not be kept with small children as they can become nippy when scared. All in all, Chihuahuas make great pets for the right people!