Page 116 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

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The he

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Chihuahuahihuahua

by Rachel Berrington

The hisTory of The Chihuahua Pioneers of The Breed
It is widely thought that the breed originated from Mexico, There are a number of early pioneers of the breed worth
but the facts of this are largely unknown, and there exists mentioning. In the USA, James Watson was one of the
a train of thought that they came originally from the first to bring the breed in to the country and exhibit them
Mediterranean. It is likely that the Mexico theory came in the show ring. In the UK, Hilary Harmer, who is widely
about after the namesake of the breed – the town of regarded within the breed as being a world authority on
Chihuahua in Mexico. Statues and carvings of overweight Chihuahuas, lived in Mexico due to her husband’s work and
small dogs exist from the early Mayan times, and it is it was here she was introduced to Chihuahuas. Upon their
thought they were fed to be killed and eaten. Another return to the UK she brought several Chihuahuas back with
theory is that they originate from the Techichi, a dog owned her. She wrote a great many books on dogs in general,
as pets by farmers in the region, who were bred too small but penned ‘The Complete Chihuahua Encyclopaedia’ in
as foraging mountain dogs known as Perro Chihuahenos. 1972. It is well worth trying to get hold of a copy, and
The Mediterranean school although sadly now out of print, secondhand copies are
of thought is that the breed to be found on eBay. A word of warning though – they
originates from numerous small often sell for well in excess of £50, but many a Chihuahua
breeds of lap dog found in Malta, enthusiast has one of these on their bookshelf!
who were then bred to each other In the early 1950’s the first Longcoats arrived in the UK
to produce the Chihuahua that and were actively developed by a Mrs Gott of the Munsun
we know and love today. These dogs were then taken on Kennel. She used imports from the Mundey Kennel in
the trading ships to other European countries. Either way, Mexico and from the Sunstock Kennel in California. Mrs
it is likely we will never know the true origin of the breed. Thelma Grey was instrumental in making up the first
What we do know is that in the late 19th century, small Longcoat champion in the UK, namely Ch Rozavel Diaz,
dogs were living in Mexico; some short haired and some and many will recognise the kennel name which went on
hairless. In 1884 the Chihuahua was first shown under to breed many champions.
the name of the ‘Chihuahua Terrier’. The first Chi to
be registered was called ‘Midget’ and was registered in
The Breed sTandard
America in 1903. In 1923 the Chihuahua Club of America
Although classified as two separate breeds, the standards
was established, the first breed standard published, and
are exactly the same apart from the coat. You will often
off we went! Undoubtedly, Hilary Harmer was one of the
hear the phrase “smoothcoat with feathering” mentioned
first pioneers of the breed in the UK, bringing them to
around the ringside when referring to longcoats. The
this country from Mexico. However, there are records of
general appearance should be small, dainty and compact.
the breed being exhibited at LKA as early as 1895, and
The characteristics of the dog state “alert little dog; swift-
the first Chi registered in the UK was in 1907, a smooth
moving with brisk, forceful action and saucy expression”
coat called ‘Tipsy’. Over the years the long coat variety
with a temperament that is “gay, spirited and intelligent,
was established, some imported, and, it is thought,
neither snappy nor withdrawn”. These little dogs may be
some bred in the UK by crossbreeding with Papillons
small, but this should not be to the detriment of movement.
and Pomeranians. In 1965, the long and smooth coated
Without doubt anyone who lives with them knows they can
varieties were separated in the show ring in the UK, and
be territorial and will bark loudly at strangers to the house;
became, in effect, two separate breeds.
they are very much alert dogs who will guard their home
In the very early stages of the development of the breed,
and humans. Nevertheless, the Chihuahua has gained
they were often used as ‘hot water bottles’ and would
somewhat of a bad reputation over the years for being
often navigate to the shoulders and neck of their owners.
snappy little dogs. This has undoubtedly come about
It is very common for modern Chihuahuas to retain this
through lack of training and socialisation in some dogs, as
tendency and they will often drape themselves round the
a well-rounded Chihuahua will not be snappy.
back of their owner’s neck or perch on a shoulder.
116 - K9 NEWS DIGITAL