Health, History and Interesting Issue of Chihuahua Dogs

This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. They are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Chihuahuas, and other toy breeds, are also known for patella luxation, where their back knee pops in and out of place, sometimes causing pain and a limp.
 

[ Most Chihuahuas enjoy exploring the out-of-doors ]

Another genetic abnormality in Chihuahuas and toy breeds is hydrocephalus, or Water on the Brain. This condition surfaces in young puppies and often results in the death of a puppy by the time that it reaches 6 months of age. It is thought that this disease is often diagnosed by the pup 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 then 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 are also known for their moleras, a soft spot in their skulls. Chihuahuas 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 6 or so months until the skull is fully formed. Many veterinarians are not familiar with Chihuahuas as a breed, and mistakenly confuse a molera with hydrocephalus. The Chihuahua Club of America has issued a statement regarding this often deadly misdiagnosis,

Chihuahuas are also prone to developing eye infections (due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance).

Chihuahuas exhibiting the Merle coloration , or out of merle parents, are prone to myriad additional health complications. The Merle coat pattern is a carrier of possible severe eye conditions and blindness, deafness, hemophilia, sterility, and numerous other health concerns. Buyers owning or wishing to purchase a merle Chihuahua should do extensive research on the possible health concerns of this coloration.

History
Chihuahuas were originally thought to be descendants of an ancient, similar, but slightly larger breed associated with royalty in Aztec civilizations known as the Techichi. However, due to the lack of archaeological remains it is now believed that Chihuahuas were brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers. The most current theory holds that Spanish merchants brought Chihuahuas to Spain by way of their trade routes with China and from there to Mexico. The well documented practice in China of dwarfing both plants and animals is the basis for the theory that Chihuahuas originated there.
 

"Teacup" and "Deer-faced" Chihuahuas
In recent years there has been an increase in the use of the terms "teacup" (or tea cup) and "deer" (or deer-faced) to describe Chihuahuas.

Along with "mini" and "tiny toy", "teacup" is sometimes used to describe Chihuahuas and other dogs that are very small.

These and similar terms are not officially used by any kennel club or reputable breeder, and are not breeds. Chihuahuas naturally vary in size, and very small Chihuahuas are often runts, unhealthy, or undernourished, or, if otherwise healthy, may have shortened life spans and other health problems due to extreme dwarfing. They are not normally suitable for breeding, and may require special care. Some breeders of small Chihuahuas increase the prices of the Chihuahuas, arguing that the smaller they are, the more they are worth. Most reputable breeders strongly disagree both with the pricing and with the breeding for smaller animals.

"Deer" or "deer-faced" are terms that are sometimes used to describe Chihuahuas that do not have the breed-standard apple-domed appearance. These terms are also unofficial and have no real meaning.

[ Taquito is the University of Puerto Rico's School of Medicine Volleyball Mascot ]

Famous Chihuahuas
Taquito is the University of Puerto Rico's School of Medicine Volleyball MascotTinkerbell Hilton, Paris Hilton's pet, and author of "Tinkerbell Hilton Diaries"
Bruiser, Elle Woods' pet in the Legally Blonde movies
Gidget, the Taco Bell mascot
Ren Höek, of Ren and Stimpy fame
Wheely Willy, a motivational "speaker"
Tito from Oliver and Company
Taquito, the University of Puerto Rico's School of Medicine volleyball mascot
The Spooky Chihuahua from Invader Zim
Pepito, Xavier Cugat's chihuahua immortalized in the children's book Pepito the Little Dancing Dog: The Story of Xavier Cugat's Chihuahua.
Godzilla, a South Texas chihuahua that has won many awards in regional dog shows, and is now famous in its statewide commercials.
Pancho, the "heart-broken" dog of the Fullers in the movie Big Momma's House 2.
 

Celebrities who own Chihuahuas

John Gebhardt (Scab)
Eminem (Smoky)
Britney Spears (Bit Bit)
Paris Hilton (Tinkerbell)
Adrien Brody (Ceelo)

Chihuahua Dog Breed Information and Pictures

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Chihuahua".