Chihuahua Dog Picture

Chihuahua dog picture galleries are easy to find on the Internet, since this breed is very popular all over the world today. The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the most ancient breeds. The Chihuahua traces its origin from Pre-Columbian Mexico and outdates other American dog breeds. The direct ancestor of the present-day Chihuahua is the Techichi dog used as a family companion and as an object of several rituals. These dogs were a symbol of the upper classes among the Aztecs.

Fossil remains of tiny dogs found in the Southern America date back to the 2nd century B.C. Ancient Chihuahua dog picture galleries feature dogs closely resembling, but slightly larger in size than the standard Chihuahua of today. Today’s Chihuahuas is the result of crossbreeding the sacred dog of the Aztecs to the miniaturized Chinese Crested dog or similar breeds introduced to America by the Spanish conquerors. A progenitor of all modern Chihuahua dogs was found in 1850 in the Chihuahua (the Mexican state.) Since that time, the breed has been very popular in both Americas and in other countries.

The AKC recognized the breed in 1904. A present-day breed standard does not specify the height of purebred dogs. What really matters is the weight and proportions of the dog. In Chihuahua dog picture galleries, you can see dogs as large as 10 pounds (10 kg) or as small as 2 pounds (0,9 kg.) The height of the Chihuahua usually varies between 6 and 10 inches (15 and 25 cm) at the withers.

There are many terms used to describe non standard Chihuahua dogs. Actually, "pocket size," "teacup," "tiny toy," and "miniature" are the terms referred to very small Chihuahua dogs that are not registered by kennel clubs. Such dogs are produced by irresponsible and profit-oriented breeders who use unethical methods of breeding. Tiny dogs are prone to a number of health defects and have a shorter lifespan. They cannot be shown and need special care and attention. If you are attracted by a “miniature” Chihuahua dog picture, surf the Internet for the facts about the health issues and problems associated with such dogs.