Chihuahua Breed Profile

The Chihuahua is an ancient dog, originally bred by the Toltecs in Mexico as early as the 9th century A.D., and called a Techichi then. The Techichi was bred to a hairless dog that came from Asia, across the Bering Strait to Alaska, and eventually to Central America, which was responsible for the reduction in size that now defines the Chihuahua. The modern Chihuahua comes in many colors, including spotted; American breeders have produced a very diminutive dog, known for its intelligence and alertness, of fine conformation. It comes in two coat types, long and smooth, and is known to prefer the company of other Chihuahuas to that of other dogs.

Chihuahua Distinguishing Characteristics

Smallest breed on earth with a very Apple domed head that may have a molera (the incomplete, imperfect, or abnormal closure of the skull, according to the AKC). They have rather large eyes. The breed comes in two types: the cobby type and the deer type. The latter is slightly longer in body than the cobby type.