The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog and it has been an extremely popular dog breed in the United States and around the world. This long-lived breed has a life expectancy well into the mid-teens. Chihuahuas or Chis have grown in popularity over the past several decades from an American Kennel Club (AKC) registration ranking of 16th in the early 90’s to 10th in 2004 and 11th in 2005. The Taco Bell Chihuahua promotion introduced in 1997 fueled some of the popularity growth. The tiny Chihuahua can weigh from 2 to 6 pounds and can have a smooth coat or a long coat with feathered ears, neck, feet, legs and tail. Chis are adorable dogs with big eyes and ears but aren’t a dog for everyone. If you have young children or other pets then the Chihuahua isn’t a good fit for your situation. Chis are much too small to be safe around young children or toddlers and while they enjoy being around other Chihuahuas, they dislike all other breeds. Chihuahuas are the ultimate apartment dog and do really well with a single individual or elderly couple that likes to pamper these small toy dogs. Chis are completely devoted to their owners and love to be with them all the time. The tiny Chihuahua is graceful, lively, curious, intelligent, loyal and affectionate but has some terrier-like qualities. Chis are fearless, saucy, mischievous and bold and make good watchdogs. Additional information can be found in the Chihuahua dog breed article.
The Chihuahua is considered to be one of the few dog breeds indigenous or native to North America. Much of the Chis history is somewhat speculative but most experts think the breed descended from the Techichi. The Techichi was a small canine that existed in Mayan times around the 5th century AD. They think the Olmecs of Central America developed the Techichi breed. The Toltecs who succeeded the Olmecs in the 9th century AD carved small dogs with erect ears resembling plump Chihuahuas. These Techichis may have been raised as pets but they were definitely used as a food source for the nobility on special occasions. After the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they used the Techichi in religious ceremonies as food sources and sacrifices. The Aztecs also regularly burned these dogs along with the deceased in the belief that the sins of the humans would be transferred to the dogs and the dog would help guide the soul between this world and the next. Techichi remains have been found buried with human remains all across Mexico. When the Spanish conquered and destroyed the Aztec civilization from 1519 to 1521, they may have introduced a small terrier breed that was crossed with the Techichi. Some breed historians think that the Chihuahua is actually of European descent and originated in Malta. They offer as proof a 1482 painting by Botticelli which depicts a Chihuahua-like dog. They theorize that the Spanish conquerors brought these small dogs with them to the Americas. A third theory is that the Chinese, who were adept at developing miniature dogs, developed a Chihuahua-like breed which Spanish traders introduced into Mexico.
Whatever theory is correct, the resulting breeds were left to survive in the mountains of Mexico – maybe with help from the local population. Nothing much was heard from these small dogs for about 300 years until 1850 when several small dogs – some long haired, some short haired and some larger hairless were discovered in the Mexican border state of Chihuahua. The smooth coat and long coat varieties were eventually called Chihuahuas after the state in which they were found and the larger hairless variety was called the Mexican Hairless. The Chihuahua breed was first registered by the AKC in 1904 and it was relatively rare. The national Chihuahua breed club was formed in 1923 and the breed received wide exposure when Xavier Cugat, the rumba king, appeared with his Chihuahuas in performances and movies during the 1930’s and 40’s. The Chis’ popularity peaked in 1964 when it was the 3rd most popular dog breed in the US. The breed’s popularity resulted in unscrupulous breeders and dealers introducing a number of health and temperament problems into the bloodlines. Genetic problems ranged from patellar luxation (slipped kneecap), heart disease (pulmonic stenosis), hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse to poor temperament. Recent breeding practices are resulting in much healthier and more amiable amigos. However any prospective buyer should check to make sure that the puppy’s breeding parents have been certified free of orthopedic and other genetic diseases.
About The Author
Anne Kirrin writes articles about small dog breeds’ health, training and grooming issues and she is an editor for the popular http://www.all-small-dog-breeds.com.
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What’s For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus for 2010 – 34th Edition
How would you like to prepare fabulous meals for your family in 30 minutes – flat? You can with these menus!
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Roasted Chicken With a Luxurious Chestnut Stuffing
This luxuriously tasting chestnut stuffing turns an everyday chicken dish into something really special. With a hint of lemon and herbs running through the chicken to enhance all of the flavours.
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Pork Chop and Applesauce Dinner Gets a Makeover With Spicy Pear Chutney and Brined Pork Chops
Pork chops and applesauce is a classic weeknight dinner. However it may be time to make over this dinnertime favorite. Applesauce is fine but with its sweet, one note flavor, bland color and baby food texture, it could easily stand for an update.
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Try Something Different Tonight – Shrimp Stuffed Lasagna (and It’s Okay for Diabetics, Too!)
If you enjoy seafood and you also enjoy pasta, why not combine the two into this different seafood pasta dish, Shrimp Stuffed Lasagna? This sauteed shrimp and stir-fried style veggies, wrapped in lasagna noodles is a delightful way to serve your family a meal that is out of the ordinary.
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Hawaii’s Take on Sushi
Sushi a dish inspired from Japan, has now gained popularity around the world and is starting to pop out in different forms. One would be the Hawaiian sushi, this version is highly seasoned with more vinegar and sugar giving it a stronger flavor. Also the Hawaiian sushi rice holds up longer in humid weather than lightly seasoned sushi rice.
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What’s For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For 2010 – 33rd Edition
How would you like to serve fantastic meals to your family in 30 minutes – flat? You can with these menus!
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Lobster Delivery – Mouthwatering Service
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Lobsters are a delicacy. Getting a fresh lobster is very important if you do not want the rubbery and chewy taste. But getting a fresh lobster has become quite a task. -
Buy Seafood – Get the Freshest Catch
All the seafood lovers will certainly agree on one point and that is it is more difficult to get the fresh and juicy seafood preparing its different mouth watering dishes. The seafood lovers are always worried about where to buy seafood so that they will be able to eat fresh and luscious seafood. Do you know there is a way where you can buy seafood fresh and clean?
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Buy Lobster – Indulge in a Fresh Treat
For a seafood lover, lobster is one such thing that he/she cannot stay without. When eaten fresh, all you get is a tender fleshy lobster delicacy. However, if the lobster is not fresh then you do not have other options than to keep chewing that rubbery seafood without enjoying what you are eating.
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Lobster Online – Buy Your Desired Seafood Recently Caught
Fresh and juicy lobster is a dream of each and every person who savors seafood. He/she is always on the lookout for the freshest catch. Is it possible to get fresh lobster all the time, throughout the entire year?
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Grilling Fresh Tuna
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Recipe For a Diabetic Friendly Meal of Ham, Black Beans, and Rice
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What’s For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For 2010 – 32nd Edition
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For a Quick and Easy Meal Serve These Microwave Taco Burgers
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Chicken and Cheese Create a Tasty Combination
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KC KudraIf you are looking for something to liven up your chicken dinners, a wide variety of cheeses can be perfect for adding flavor and interest to the most ordinary of meals. While it is certainly true that chicken is a diverse food that goes well with many others, cheese really has a way of making this meat even more delicious.
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Changing it Up in the Kitchen – The Fun of Sushi Night
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Allie MoxleyFiguring out ways to put new spins on dinnertime can sometimes feel like a trying process. After all, there are so many great restaurants and take-out places for families to choose from, sometimes the solution seems to be to get out in the world for dinner.
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Healthy Grilling and More
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It is Time For a Grill
A barbeque is what needs to be organized maybe once a month or week. It is a lot of fun to have a barbeque with family around or with friends as well. I have had enough number of barbeques and would never get tired of it. It is a very normal activity in my family. The main point if it is to have the right company along with you as it makes the occasion more fun and the weather is an important factor too.
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Sumptuous Salmon Stir Fry With Fresh Cilantro, Bean Sprouts and Sugar Snap Peas
Tired of the same old salmon recipes week after week? Here’s something new, fresh and delicious that will tickle your taste buds and have your family asking for more!
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Crayfish and Salmon Pie
Crayfish tails add a touch of luxury to this excellent fish pie with a floury mashed potato topping. The Crayfish tails compliment the texture and flavour of the Salmon.
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BBQ Chicken Sauce Recipe
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Lis WilliamsWe all love a chicken burger recipe and there are many recipes for BBQ chicken, but often the sauce is more of a problem. A burger has to be done properly. I’m wondering what the statistics are? How many people would prefer the good old beef burger, but everyone has his or her own preference.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu – Easier Than You Think
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Local Food in Britain – How It Describes How People Live
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What’s For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For 2010 – 31st Edition
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Delicious Yet Simple Pizzas the Whole Family Will Enjoy
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Chicken Breast Coatings – Some Yummy Ideas
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How to Make an Easy Mexican Skillet Dinner
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KC KudraIf you are looking for quick and easy recipes and you enjoy Mexican food, what about making a Mexican skillet recipe? Like the name suggests, the whole meal is made in a skillet, making this a simple way for cooking novices to produce something delicious and healthy. If you have been out at work all day you can make a delicious one-pot meal in less than half an hour.
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Enjoy Yummy Steak With a Perfect Salad
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Healthy Bananas – A Yummy Recipe For a Summer Day – Banana Kabobs With Fruit Salsa
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