LONG COAT CHIHUAHUA DEVELOPMENT
Dr. H. Davidson, Ph.D. in Genetics & Retired AKC,UKC,& WWKC Judge
It has long been agreed that the Long-Coat variety was developed entirely in the United States by crossing the smooth variety with other toy breeds which are thought to have been the Papillion, Pomeranian, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Toy Poodle. The Long Coat Chihuahua was first registered in Canada in 1928. Up until its time of development as a pure breed in the United States, the origin of the long coat Chihuahua is identical to that of the short-coated variety.
Like many breeds of dog, the true origins of the Chihuahua are buried beneath the sands of time. One common theory is that he is a descendant of an ancient breed of dog, known as the Techichi, that was raised by the Toltec people as far back as the 9th century, A.D. Some even suggest that the foundation breed dates even further back, perhaps into the times when the ancient Mayans first settled into Central America, where the Techichi was indigenous. While the Techichi was larger and more heavily-boned than the Chihuahua, the similarity between the two dogs is unmistakable. Perhaps, when people traveled across the land bridge that is now the Bering Strait, smaller breeds of Asian dogs, quite possibly the Chinese Crested were brought into Alaska, where they were then able to cross with the Techichi. This is a common theory on how the Chihuahua came to be. Others speculate that he is the result of extensive inbreeding. Regardless how he came about, however, this tiny hero of a dog is determined to remain a popular favorite, even with the passing of time.
The Chihuahua is named for the Mexican city where the earliest record of this unique little breed has been found, and he has enjoyed his status as a favored house pet for centuries. Believed to have been brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus and other explorers of that day and age, this tiny dog quickly gained popularity, and interest in the Chihuahua spread worldwide. The American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) acknowledges the Chihuahua as one of the oldest breeds to be registered, the first dogs being recognized and entered into the stud book back in 1904. The Long Coat Chihuahua was first registered by the A.K.C. in 1930
Breed standards for this dog do not generally specify a height, only a weight and a description of their overall proportions. As a result, height varies more than within many other breeds. 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 38 cm). Both British and American breed standards state that a Chihuahua must weigh no more than 6.0 lb (2.7 kg), however the British standard also states that a weight of 2-4 lb (1-1.8 kg) is preferred and that if two dogs are equally good in type, the more diminutive or smaller is preferred. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard calls for dogs ideally between 1.5 and 3.0 kg (3.3 to 6.6 lb), although smaller ones are acceptable in the show ring. The standards for ears are also just as misunderstood. Show conformation requires the ears be fully upright and on the upper portion of the head. They must be wide open and forward.
However, pet-quality Chihuahuas (that is, those bred or purchased as companions rather than show dogs) can, and do, range above these weights, to 12 pounds (4.5 kg), or even more if they have large bone structures. Their ears may flop and or one may flop. This does not mean, however, that they are not purebred Chihuahuas, it only means that they do not meet the requirements to enter a conformation show. Oversize Chihuahuas are seen in some of the best, and worst, bloodlines. Typically the breed standard for both the long and short coat Chihuahua will be identical except for the description of the coat.
Although such terms as "teacup," "pocket size," "tiny toy," "miniature," and "standard" have been used to describe different-sized Chihuahuas, the Chihuahua Club of America issued a statement stressing that these descriptions are misleading. Likewise, statements concerning so-called "Deer Chihuahua" in reference to inherited deer-like ears or bodies in certain animals, are inaccurate as no such breed exists.
"Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size differences and physical appearances are many and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice prospective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value.
They are not and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading."
It has long been agreed that the Long-Coat variety was developed entirely in the United States by crossing the smooth variety with other toy breeds which are thought to have been the Papillion, Pomeranian, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Toy Poodle. The Long Coat Chihuahua was first registered in Canada in 1928. Up until its time of development as a pure breed in the United States, the origin of the long coat Chihuahua is identical to that of the short-coated variety.
Like many breeds of dog, the true origins of the Chihuahua are buried beneath the sands of time. One common theory is that he is a descendant of an ancient breed of dog, known as the Techichi, that was raised by the Toltec people as far back as the 9th century, A.D. Some even suggest that the foundation breed dates even further back, perhaps into the times when the ancient Mayans first settled into Central America, where the Techichi was indigenous. While the Techichi was larger and more heavily-boned than the Chihuahua, the similarity between the two dogs is unmistakable. Perhaps, when people traveled across the land bridge that is now the Bering Strait, smaller breeds of Asian dogs, quite possibly the Chinese Crested were brought into Alaska, where they were then able to cross with the Techichi. This is a common theory on how the Chihuahua came to be. Others speculate that he is the result of extensive inbreeding. Regardless how he came about, however, this tiny hero of a dog is determined to remain a popular favorite, even with the passing of time.
The Chihuahua is named for the Mexican city where the earliest record of this unique little breed has been found, and he has enjoyed his status as a favored house pet for centuries. Believed to have been brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus and other explorers of that day and age, this tiny dog quickly gained popularity, and interest in the Chihuahua spread worldwide. The American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) acknowledges the Chihuahua as one of the oldest breeds to be registered, the first dogs being recognized and entered into the stud book back in 1904. The Long Coat Chihuahua was first registered by the A.K.C. in 1930
Breed standards for this dog do not generally specify a height, only a weight and a description of their overall proportions. As a result, height varies more than within many other breeds. 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 38 cm). Both British and American breed standards state that a Chihuahua must weigh no more than 6.0 lb (2.7 kg), however the British standard also states that a weight of 2-4 lb (1-1.8 kg) is preferred and that if two dogs are equally good in type, the more diminutive or smaller is preferred. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard calls for dogs ideally between 1.5 and 3.0 kg (3.3 to 6.6 lb), although smaller ones are acceptable in the show ring. The standards for ears are also just as misunderstood. Show conformation requires the ears be fully upright and on the upper portion of the head. They must be wide open and forward.
However, pet-quality Chihuahuas (that is, those bred or purchased as companions rather than show dogs) can, and do, range above these weights, to 12 pounds (4.5 kg), or even more if they have large bone structures. Their ears may flop and or one may flop. This does not mean, however, that they are not purebred Chihuahuas, it only means that they do not meet the requirements to enter a conformation show. Oversize Chihuahuas are seen in some of the best, and worst, bloodlines. Typically the breed standard for both the long and short coat Chihuahua will be identical except for the description of the coat.
Although such terms as "teacup," "pocket size," "tiny toy," "miniature," and "standard" have been used to describe different-sized Chihuahuas, the Chihuahua Club of America issued a statement stressing that these descriptions are misleading. Likewise, statements concerning so-called "Deer Chihuahua" in reference to inherited deer-like ears or bodies in certain animals, are inaccurate as no such breed exists.
"Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size differences and physical appearances are many and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice prospective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value.
They are not and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading."