Chihuahua History
It is difficult to confirm the origin of the Chihuahua as a debate around it is fueled by much speculation and theory. Most cynologists agree, however, that they descended from Techichi, a small dog that is believed to have been domesticated by the Toltecs. The Toltecs believed their Techichi companions would follow them to the afterlife; therefore, they oftentimes sacrificed and buried them along with their owners. Several archaeological discoveries have revealed the bones of Techichis in ancient Toltec tombs. When Toltecs were drived out by the Aztecs, a new breed called Xolo appeared. The specimens of this breed were most probably crossed with a Techichis and the result was a Chihuahua.
In the XVI century, when the conquistadors started to conquer North and South America, they ignored the Chihuahuas, because they didn’t know that Chihuahuas had the same religious importance as the Xolo, of which they wanted to get rid.
The breed became later popular in Mexico and the USA. In 1884, in Philadelphia “Terrier-Chihuahua” was presented on the dog show for the first time. The American Kennel Club saw their first registered Chihuahua, named Midget, in 1904. The first club of this breed was registered 19 years later.
In the thirties of the twentieth century the Chihuahua came to Europe, initially to the UK, and after the war also to the continent. In 1952 the first British club of Chihuahuas was founded. While in 1964 the breed of Chihuahua reached the peak of popularity and one third of all dogs in America were Chihuahuas.
The Chihuahuas quickly became very popular and valuable in Europe. Once the short coat was established, breeding programs began to develop a new variety: the long haired Chihuahua. This was done by pairing the Chihuahua with the Papillon, the Pomeranian, and the Pekingese.
Those tiny dogs belong to the most fascinating and attractive breeds, what can be observed by the quantity of Chihuahuas on dog shows. They are ideal lap dogs, but on the other hand in their tiny body is hidden strong character and ability to adjust to most climates around the world.
