The history of the Chihuahua is not clear, but archeologists have unearthed evidence which demonstrates that a small dog, very much resembling the Chihuahua, was important to the Toltects (where it was known as the Techichi), and to the Aztecs, during Mexico's ancient times. They were discovered buried with important people of both civilizations to show them the way to the after-life. The remains which were found discount later theories as to the origins of the Chihuahua we know today.

It is assumed that they were later named for the Chihuahua province in Mexico. Some have suggested that these little dogs came to Central America from South America, although there has been no supporting evidence. The Spanish Conquistadors reported rodent-like  tree-dwelling creatures during this period, but none resembling dogs. There is also little evidence that these dogs arrived in the ancient world of the Americas from Asia, even though the Chinese have a long history of breeding bantam dogs. The Xoloitzcuintli was also present in ancient Mexico, and played a very important role. While the Xoloitzcuintli is considered the National Dog of Mexico, it is clear that the Chihuahua was also important to the early people of Mexico.

These lively little dogs come in two varieties, the smooth coat and the long coat. It is debated which variety is the original, but the long coat gene is recessive to the dominate smooth coat gene. The Chihuahua is, without a doubt, a highly recognizable dog today. They are used in various media campaigns, the most notable in recent memory being the Taco Bell commercials. Known as the world's smallest breed, they are lively and often bolder than their size would seem to permit. Size is attitude, and attitude is everything!

Chihuahua Breed Standard - as stated by the British Kennel Club

General Appearance
Small, dainty, compact.

Characteristics
Alert little dog; swift-moving with brisk, forceful action and saucy expression.

Temperament
Gay, spirited and intelligent, neither snappy nor withdrawn.

Head and Skull
Well rounded ‘apple dome’ skull, cheeks and jaws lean, muzzle moderately short, slightly pointed. Definite stop.

Eyes
Large, round, but not protruding; set well apart; centre of eye is on a plane with lowest point of ear and base of stop; dark or ruby. Light eyes in light colours permissible.

Ears
Large, flaring, set on at an angle of approximately 45 degrees; giving breadth between ears. Tipped or broken down highly undesirable.

Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Slightly arched, medium length.

Forequarters
Shoulders well laid; lean, sloping into slightly broadening support above straight forelegs, set well under chest giving freedom of movement without looseness.

Body
Level back. Body, from point of shoulder to rear point of croup, slightly longer than height at withers. Well sprung ribs, deep brisket.

Hindquarters
Muscular; hocks well let down, with good turn of stifle, well apart, turning neither in nor out.

Feet
Small and dainty, turning neither in nor out; toes well divided but not spread, pads cushioned, fine, strong, flexible pasterns. Neither hare- nor cat-like, nails moderately short.

Tail
Medium length, set high, carried up and over back (sickle tail). When moving never tucked under or curled below the topline. Furry, flattish in appearance, broadening slightly in centre and tapering to point.

Gait/Movement
Brisk, forceful action, neither high-stepping nor hackney; good reach without slackness in forequarters, good drive in hindquarters. Viewed from front and behind legs should move neither too close nor too wide, with no turning in or out of feet or pasterns. Topline should remain firm and level when moving.

Coat
Long Coat: soft texture (never coarse or harsh to touch) either flat or slightly wavy. Never tight and curly. Feathering on ears, feet and legs, pants on hindquarters, large ruff on neck desirable. Tail long and full as a plume.
Smooth Coat: smooth, of soft texture, close and glossy, with undercoat and ruff permissible.

Colour
Any colour or mixture of colours - but never merle (dapple).

Size
Weight: up to 4 kgs with 2-3 kgs preferred. If two dogs are equally good in type the more diminutive preferred.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Breed Standard last updated - December 2007