In
Gypsy's latest persona she gives a nod to her Mexican
Heritage. With her Mexican sombrero and colorful poncho, she
is the epitome of a true Mexican Chihuahua! Our thanks to
Ray and Kathy Beheler of Roanoke, Virginia for the miniature
sombrero brought back from their recent vacation to Cancun,
Mexico!
Origins of The
Chihuahua
The Smooth Coat Chihuahua is of Mexican origin, although there
are theories it originated in Europe. These are based on the
erroneous
assumption that there were no dogs in Mexico at the time of
the Spanish Conquest. There were, in fact, many dogs there
at that time. Archeological expeditions have uncovered many
artifacts displaying examples of dogs existing in Mexico and
Central America prior to the Spanish Conquest. Both ancient
Mayan and Aztec cultures displayed statues and carvings
which show dogs very similar in body type and size to the
Chihuahua breed of today.
The Smooth Coat Chihuahua has been developed to its present
standard by American breeders during this century. In the
early days the smooth coat was exceedingly rare. Often they
were not physically sound. Consequently, American breeders
had to incorporate other breeds in order to produce stronger
and sounder stock.
Up
until 1935, there was a strong Terrier influence in the
breed. This can still be seen occasionally in the Chihuahua
with typical Terrier markings and movement. Chihuahuas
gradually became sounder and truer to type, and there has
been no need for many years to incorporate other breeds.
The Long Coat Chihuahua is entirely an American-made breed.
Since there were only smooth-coated Chihuahuas in Mexico, it
was obvious that, in order to produce a long-coated
Chihuahua, crosses with long-coated breeds were necessary.
In the early days of the twentieth century the main breeds
used for this evolution were the Papillon and the
Pomeranian.
Mexicans are firm in their belief that the Chihuahua is truly
a breed of their country and has lived there for many
centuries. For more information about the origins of the
Smooth Coat Chihuahua and the Long Coat Chihuahua visit your
local library or bookstore and read about this fascinating
breed which has survived for so many centuries to become one
of the most beloved breeds in the world today!
