Monday, April 30, 2007

The History of the Teacup Chihuahua by Kari Eriksson

Photo courtesy of: http://www.badgercrest.com

Before the world even knew of the expression teacup chihuahua,regular chihuahuas have had quite a history of their own. Theywere first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904after being discovered in the Chihuahua state, a mexicanregion, bordering Texas and New Mexico. This also gave rise tothe name of the breed.


As many times happens with history, there are slightlydifferent versions as to the origin of what became the teacupchihuahua. If we comine known facts they are said to come fromthe ancient Techichi dogs of the Toltec Civilisation nearMexico City. The Azteks conqured the Toltecs and turned thesedogs in to sacred icons of the upper class, giving themreligious meaning. Todays chihuahuas are smaller in size thanwere the Techichis, which was also mute.


This dog is then believed to have been crossed with an orientaldog, a hairless breed that gave modern teacup chihuahuas more ofthe look they have today, smaller and smooth-coated with vocalresources that surpass their size. Where the stories differ ispartly as to how this hairless breed came to that part of theworld. Some say these early chihuahua ancestors immigratedacross the Bering Strait land bridge.


Others claim they were brought by Spanish settlers who hadestablished trade routes with China. In support for this theoryis stated that China has well documented practices ofcultivating both animals and plants to be smaller in size. In ahistoric letter found to be written by the famous ChristopherColumbus is said that he found a small dog on the island ofCuba that was mute. This adds to the speculation of the orginsof the chihuahua.


There are different forms of support for the above theories,ranging from DNA to painted ancient artwork, though the theteacup chihuahua history might remain somewhat of a mystery,especially as to how they ended up where they were firstdiscovered as a breed in 1884 and adopted into the AKC twentyyears later. In England the breed was not registred untilanother twenty years later.


Even though its past in some parts still remain a mysterynobody can deny that this small dog with the big temper remainsa favorite with many. The small chihuauas nicknamed teacupchihuahuas have made history in the past and continue to do sotoday on movie screen, TV, commercials and in homes worldwide.


About the Author: Kari Eriksson is an infopreneur and a doglover since many years. Lately Teacup Chihuahuas have become aspecial interest and he operates The Teacup ChihuahuasDirectory at http://www.teacupchihuahuasdirectory.com/ where you

can find articles, links and useful resources.

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