Chihuahuas are tiny friends with huge hearts and delightful, often feisty personalities. They are quick on their feet and alert, their large ears eyes ready to focus on whatever intrigues them. Their coats can be long or short and a wide variety of colors. Their history is mysterious but some of the earliest specimens were found in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which their name is taken, and over the years they have been used in religious ceremonies and kept as pets by the upper class. They make good family pets and are good with gentle children who have been taught to use proper manners around pets. Because of their size, they do have extensive exercise needs and do well as city pets. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Those with long hair do fine with occasional brushing and minimal grooming.
AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
