An Overview Of The Different Chihuahua Types
If you love Chihuahuas, of course you’ll want to know more about them. These fascinating animals originated in Chihuahua, Mexico and were objects of worship to the ancient Aztecs. The word “chihuahua” means an arid, sandy place and there are actually several types of Chihuahua dogs.
The Chihuahua in part due to their portable size have become quite popular lately and their popularity continues to grow. Although the Chihuahua is known as the smallest of the dog breeds, but what many people don’t realize is there are different Chihuahua types. This little powerhouse has a huge heart so don’t be fooled by its tiny size!
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.
It’s easy to understand why Chihuahuas are the 10th most popular dog in the United States, since they’re such an intelligent dog, and fiercely protective of their owners. Standard Chihuahuas today weight six pounds or less, and are six to nine inches tall. The darling tan dog that starred in the Taco Bell commercial is representative of the most popular type of Chihuahua.
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!
Source: Dog
