In
Gypsy's latest persona she gives a nod to her Mexican
Heritage. With her Mexican sombrero and colorful poncho, she is the
epitome of a true Mexican Chihuahua! Our thanks to Ray and
Kathy Beheler of Roanoke, Virginia for the miniature sombrero
brought back from their recent vacation to Cancun, Mexico!
Origins of The
Chihuahua
The Smooth Coat Chihuahua is of Mexican origin, although there
are theories it originated in Europe. These are based on the
erroneous
assumption that there were no dogs in Mexico at the
time of the Spanish Conquest. There were, in fact, many dogs
there at that time. Archeological expeditions have uncovered
many artifacts displaying examples of dogs existing in Mexico
and Central America prior to the Spanish Conquest. Both
ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures displayed statues and
carvings which show dogs very similar in body type and size to
the Chihuahua breed of today.
The Smooth Coat Chihuahua has been developed to its present
standard by American breeders during this century. In the
early days the smooth coat was exceedingly rare. Often they
were not physically sound. Consequently, American breeders had
to incorporate other breeds in order to produce stronger and
sounder stock.
Up
until 1935, there was a strong Terrier influence in the breed.
This can still be seen occasionally in the Chihuahua with
typical Terrier markings and movement. Chihuahuas gradually
became sounder and truer to type, and there has been no need
for many years to incorporate other breeds.
The Long Coat Chihuahua is entirely an American-made breed.
Since there were only smooth-coated Chihuahuas in Mexico, it
was obvious that, in order to produce a long-coated Chihuahua,
crosses with long-coated breeds were necessary. In the early
days of the twentieth century the main breeds used for this evolution
were the Papillon and the Pomeranian.
Mexicans are firm in their belief that the Chihuahua is truly
a breed of their country and has lived there for many
centuries. For more information about the origins of the
Smooth Coat Chihuahua and the Long Coat Chihuahua visit your
local library or bookstore and read about this fascinating
breed which has survived for so many centuries to become one
of the most beloved breeds in the world today!
A very special thanks to Ray and Kathy Beheler of Roanoke,
Virginia for the miniature Mexican Sombrero which they brought
back for Gypsy from a recent vacation in Cancun, Mexico.
Email Ray & Kathy
A very special
thanks to Sharon Bint, Professor of Spanish II at The
University of West Florida for her expert translation of our
page from English to Spanish. Thanks Sharon for being our
friend and all your help!
Gypsy's poncho designed and
created by the webmaster.
Graphics by
Woolie Webs
Built By
Woolie Webs
___________________________________________
All costumes and clothing ensembles worn by Gypsy were
created by the webmaster unless stated otherwise.
All Chihuahua dogs pictures as well as
other Chihuahuas and pets featured on this site were taken and edited
by the owner of this website unless stated otherwise and are
copyrighted and protected as such under international copyright laws.
This site does not sell Chihuahua dogs, puppies or any
other breeds of dogs, puppies or companion pets. We encourage and
promote neutering and spaying of Chihuahua dogs and all companion pets
through our educational editorials and links to spay/neuter programs
and sites throughout the United states, Great Britain and the World.
We only approve of breeders and kennels which breed and promote the
health and well-being of Chihuahua dogs and other registered breeds in
a humane, ethical and loving manner.
This page was published on
September 17,2003
