Post by charmingnancy on Feb 24, 2009 22:05:11 GMT -5
Chihuahua (Long & Short Coat)
Group: 5- Toys
Origin: Chihuahua, Mexico
Purpose: Companion dog
Description:
Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog breed. The Chihuahua—named for the Mexican state that borders Texas and New Mexico—is the oldest breed on the American continent. Chihuahuas are the ideal lovable, loyal and long-term pal.
Appearance- Breed Standards:
Coat and Colour:
Coat: In the smooth, the coat should be soft in texture, close and glossy. (Heavier coats with undercoats permissible). Coat placed well over body with ruff on neck, and more scanty on head and ears. The Long-Coated variety of the Chihuahua is judged by the same standard as the Short-Coated variety, except for the following: In the Long Coats the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly wavy, with undercoat preferred. Ears fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly, never down). Feathering on feet and legs, and pants on hindlegs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred. Tail full and long (as a plume).
Colour: A solid colour. Marked-a solid colour with markings of another solid colour(s). Splashed-irregular, patched solid colour on white or white on solid colour. Merle shall disqualify.
Head: Well-rounded apple-dome skull, with or without molera. Cheeks and jaws lean. Muzzle moderately short, slightly pointed. Nose selfcoloured in blonde types, or black. In moles, blues, and chocolate, they are self-coloured. In blonde types, pink nose permissible. Teeth level or scissors bite. Eyes full, but not protruding, balanced, set well apart - dark, ruby or luminous. (Light eyes in blond types permissible.) Ears large, held erect when alert, but flaring at the sides at about an angle of 45 degrees when in repose. This gives breadth between the ears.
Neck: Slightly arched, gracefully sloping into lean shoulders, may be smooth in the very short types, or with ruff about neck preferred.
Forequarters: Shoulders lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support, well up, giving balance and soundness. Upper arm set on to give chestiness and strength of forequarters, yet not of the bulldog chest. Lower arm - forelegs straight, set well under, giving free play at the elbow. Pasterns fine. A dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long. (Neither the hare nor the catfoot.)
Body: Topline - level back (never down or low), slightly longer than height. Chest - plenty of brisket. Ribs rounded (but not too “barrel-shaped”). Loin well muscled. Croup in balance with rear assembly. Abdomen - slight tuck up.
Hindquarters: Hipbone well covered. Upper thigh muscular, in balance with front assembly. Lower thigh muscular, in balance with front assembly. Hocks well apart, turning neither in nor out, well let down, with firm sturdy action. Stifle bend - well bent and strong. Feet - a dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long. (Neither the hare nor the cat-foot.)
Tail: Moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back with tip just touching the back. (Never tucked under.) Hair on tail in harmony with the coat of the body, preferred furry.
Gait: A graceful, swift and flowing straight forward movement with good reach and strong drive.
Serious Faults: Undershot, overshot, weighing more than 6 lb. (2.7 kg); bobtail.
Disqualifications: Cropped tail, broken down or cropped ears. Too thin a coat that resembles bareness. Merle colour.
Scale of Points
Head, including ears- 20
Body, including tail- 20
Coat- 20
Legs- 20
General appearance and action- 20
TOTAL= 100
Size:
A well-balanced little dog not to exceed 6 lb. (2.7 kg), 2-4 lb. (1-2 kg) preferable. Generally, the height ranges between 6 and 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) at the withers. However, some dogs grow as tall as 12 to 15 inches (30 to 35 cm).
Temperament:
When you’re alone in the house with a Chihuahua, you’re never alone—they sleep on your lap, sit by your side or follow you from room to room while you do chores. When you’re not home, they protect it like their personal domain, barking at the sign of any approaching stranger (making them a surprisingly effective watch dog).
This endearing love and devotion, however, can sometimes evolve into a fierce protectiveness, making them a force to reckon with when they try to compete with other pets or family members for your attention. Nevertheless, this big-time attitude packed inside a pint-sized frame has a remarkable way of being endearing rather than annoying.
Whether in an apartment, a house or a palace, a Chihuahua is perfectly accommodated. And they’re fairly easy to care for, needing minimal exercise and food. But don’t skimp on the attention: Chihuahuas crave affection and companionship to the point where they may resort to attention-getting tricks. And watch out: They are so quick-witted and cunning and sweet, you might find yourself doing an overtime shift of petting, scratching and cuddling.
Health:
This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are also prone to the sometimes painful disease, hydrocephalus. It is often diagnosed by the puppy having an abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more noticeable (since "a large head" is such a broad description). Chihuahua puppies exhibiting hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically are lethargic and do not grow at the same pace as their siblings. A true case of hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, though the prognosis is grim.
Chihuahuas have moleras, or a soft spot in their skulls, and they are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs to be taken during the first six months until the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are not familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus.
Chihuahuas can also be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This is especially dangerous for puppies. Left unattended, hypoglycemia can lead to coma. Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance. Chihuahuas also have a tendency to tremble but this is not a health issue, rather it takes place when the dog is stressed or excited. One reason for this may be because small dogs have a higher metabolism than larger dogs and therefore dissipate heat faster.
Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition. At the same time, care must be exercised not to overfeed this tiny breed. Overweight Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.
Average Lifespan:
Although figures often vary, as with any breed, the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately 8 to 22 years of age.
History:
The developmental history of the Chihuahua is very difficult to trace and is based largely on speculation and theory, however through folklore, legend and archeological finds, there is sufficient evidence to prove that it is without doubt an ancient breed originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico, and it is believed to predate any other breed of dog in the Americas. The most common theory and most likely is that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favoured by the Toltecs and that the modern dog developed through breeding with miniaturised Chinese dogs brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors.
Historical records of the Techichi, which were thought to hunt in packs, can only be traced as far back as the ninth century but it is highly likely that this is the Chihuahua's native Mexican ancestor. Evidence of this is that the remains of dogs closely resembling, but slightly larger than the average Chihuahua have been found in such places as the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which dates back to the 2nd century BC and predates the 16th century. There is also evidence to suggest that the Techichi may also predate the Mayans. After the Toltecs were conquered by the Aztecs, it is believed that this early ancestor of the Chihuahua was adopted as a symbol of the upper classes and it has been suggested that they were used in religious ceremonies for the absolution of sins and to guide the spirits of the dead. In terms of size, the present day Chihuahua is much smaller than its ancestors, a change thought to be due to the introduction of miniaturized Chinese dogs, such as the Chinese Crested Dog, into South America by the Spanish.
A progenitor of the breed was reputedly found in 1850 in old ruins near Casas Grandes in the Mexican state of Chihuahua from which the breed gets its name. The state borders with Texas, Arizona and New Mexico where Chihuahuas first rose to prominence and were further developed in the United States. Since that time, the Chihuahua has remained consistently popular as a breed, particularly in America when the breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
Genetic tests place the Chihuahua with other modern breeds originating in the 1800s.
Sources:
Dogster
Wikipedia
CKC
Pictures:
Photobucket
Group: 5- Toys
Origin: Chihuahua, Mexico
Purpose: Companion dog
Description:
Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog breed. The Chihuahua—named for the Mexican state that borders Texas and New Mexico—is the oldest breed on the American continent. Chihuahuas are the ideal lovable, loyal and long-term pal.
Appearance- Breed Standards:
Coat and Colour:
Coat: In the smooth, the coat should be soft in texture, close and glossy. (Heavier coats with undercoats permissible). Coat placed well over body with ruff on neck, and more scanty on head and ears. The Long-Coated variety of the Chihuahua is judged by the same standard as the Short-Coated variety, except for the following: In the Long Coats the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly wavy, with undercoat preferred. Ears fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly, never down). Feathering on feet and legs, and pants on hindlegs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred. Tail full and long (as a plume).
Colour: A solid colour. Marked-a solid colour with markings of another solid colour(s). Splashed-irregular, patched solid colour on white or white on solid colour. Merle shall disqualify.
Head: Well-rounded apple-dome skull, with or without molera. Cheeks and jaws lean. Muzzle moderately short, slightly pointed. Nose selfcoloured in blonde types, or black. In moles, blues, and chocolate, they are self-coloured. In blonde types, pink nose permissible. Teeth level or scissors bite. Eyes full, but not protruding, balanced, set well apart - dark, ruby or luminous. (Light eyes in blond types permissible.) Ears large, held erect when alert, but flaring at the sides at about an angle of 45 degrees when in repose. This gives breadth between the ears.
Neck: Slightly arched, gracefully sloping into lean shoulders, may be smooth in the very short types, or with ruff about neck preferred.
Forequarters: Shoulders lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support, well up, giving balance and soundness. Upper arm set on to give chestiness and strength of forequarters, yet not of the bulldog chest. Lower arm - forelegs straight, set well under, giving free play at the elbow. Pasterns fine. A dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long. (Neither the hare nor the catfoot.)
Body: Topline - level back (never down or low), slightly longer than height. Chest - plenty of brisket. Ribs rounded (but not too “barrel-shaped”). Loin well muscled. Croup in balance with rear assembly. Abdomen - slight tuck up.
Hindquarters: Hipbone well covered. Upper thigh muscular, in balance with front assembly. Lower thigh muscular, in balance with front assembly. Hocks well apart, turning neither in nor out, well let down, with firm sturdy action. Stifle bend - well bent and strong. Feet - a dainty small foot with toes well split up, but not spread, pads cushioned, with nails moderately long. (Neither the hare nor the cat-foot.)
Tail: Moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back with tip just touching the back. (Never tucked under.) Hair on tail in harmony with the coat of the body, preferred furry.
Gait: A graceful, swift and flowing straight forward movement with good reach and strong drive.
Serious Faults: Undershot, overshot, weighing more than 6 lb. (2.7 kg); bobtail.
Disqualifications: Cropped tail, broken down or cropped ears. Too thin a coat that resembles bareness. Merle colour.
Scale of Points
Head, including ears- 20
Body, including tail- 20
Coat- 20
Legs- 20
General appearance and action- 20
TOTAL= 100
Size:
A well-balanced little dog not to exceed 6 lb. (2.7 kg), 2-4 lb. (1-2 kg) preferable. Generally, the height ranges between 6 and 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) at the withers. However, some dogs grow as tall as 12 to 15 inches (30 to 35 cm).
Temperament:
When you’re alone in the house with a Chihuahua, you’re never alone—they sleep on your lap, sit by your side or follow you from room to room while you do chores. When you’re not home, they protect it like their personal domain, barking at the sign of any approaching stranger (making them a surprisingly effective watch dog).
This endearing love and devotion, however, can sometimes evolve into a fierce protectiveness, making them a force to reckon with when they try to compete with other pets or family members for your attention. Nevertheless, this big-time attitude packed inside a pint-sized frame has a remarkable way of being endearing rather than annoying.
Whether in an apartment, a house or a palace, a Chihuahua is perfectly accommodated. And they’re fairly easy to care for, needing minimal exercise and food. But don’t skimp on the attention: Chihuahuas crave affection and companionship to the point where they may resort to attention-getting tricks. And watch out: They are so quick-witted and cunning and sweet, you might find yourself doing an overtime shift of petting, scratching and cuddling.
Health:
This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are also prone to the sometimes painful disease, hydrocephalus. It is often diagnosed by the puppy having an abnormally large head during the first several months of life, but other symptoms are more noticeable (since "a large head" is such a broad description). Chihuahua puppies exhibiting hydrocephalus usually have patchy skull platelets rather than a solid bone, and typically are lethargic and do not grow at the same pace as their siblings. A true case of hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by a veterinarian, though the prognosis is grim.
Chihuahuas have moleras, or a soft spot in their skulls, and they are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull. The molera does fill in with age, but great care needs to be taken during the first six months until the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are not familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus.
Chihuahuas can also be at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This is especially dangerous for puppies. Left unattended, hypoglycemia can lead to coma. Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance. Chihuahuas also have a tendency to tremble but this is not a health issue, rather it takes place when the dog is stressed or excited. One reason for this may be because small dogs have a higher metabolism than larger dogs and therefore dissipate heat faster.
Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition. At the same time, care must be exercised not to overfeed this tiny breed. Overweight Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span.
Average Lifespan:
Although figures often vary, as with any breed, the average lifespan for a Chihuahua is approximately 8 to 22 years of age.
History:
The developmental history of the Chihuahua is very difficult to trace and is based largely on speculation and theory, however through folklore, legend and archeological finds, there is sufficient evidence to prove that it is without doubt an ancient breed originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico, and it is believed to predate any other breed of dog in the Americas. The most common theory and most likely is that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favoured by the Toltecs and that the modern dog developed through breeding with miniaturised Chinese dogs brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors.
Historical records of the Techichi, which were thought to hunt in packs, can only be traced as far back as the ninth century but it is highly likely that this is the Chihuahua's native Mexican ancestor. Evidence of this is that the remains of dogs closely resembling, but slightly larger than the average Chihuahua have been found in such places as the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which dates back to the 2nd century BC and predates the 16th century. There is also evidence to suggest that the Techichi may also predate the Mayans. After the Toltecs were conquered by the Aztecs, it is believed that this early ancestor of the Chihuahua was adopted as a symbol of the upper classes and it has been suggested that they were used in religious ceremonies for the absolution of sins and to guide the spirits of the dead. In terms of size, the present day Chihuahua is much smaller than its ancestors, a change thought to be due to the introduction of miniaturized Chinese dogs, such as the Chinese Crested Dog, into South America by the Spanish.
A progenitor of the breed was reputedly found in 1850 in old ruins near Casas Grandes in the Mexican state of Chihuahua from which the breed gets its name. The state borders with Texas, Arizona and New Mexico where Chihuahuas first rose to prominence and were further developed in the United States. Since that time, the Chihuahua has remained consistently popular as a breed, particularly in America when the breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
Genetic tests place the Chihuahua with other modern breeds originating in the 1800s.
Sources:
Dogster
Wikipedia
CKC
Pictures:
Photobucket