General

CHIHUAHUA

Country of origin: Mexico

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world. He decended from the period 400 - 500 BC which is confirmed by archaeological discoveries. During the thirteenth till the sixteenth century he was seen a lot at the toltecs and was a templedog with royal status with the Aztecs. At the end of the nineteenth century the first Chihuahuas were imported into te United States and the United Kingdom. In the thirties the longhaired variation of the breed was developed.
The Chihuahua is despite his size a "big" dog, who has a lot of confidence en is very courageous. It is a very good watchdog. The Chihuahua can be found in most parts of the world en is  a very appreciated companion and showdog. 

The Chihuahua has to be a healthy and well build dog despite his size.

Head: comparatively big, the skull appleshaped and wide, broader between the eares than between the temples. Pronounced stop, well curved forehead. Short and straight snout, slowly turning into a pointed nose, the rhinarium preferably black, but other colours are permitted, dry lips.

Eyes: big, round, far apart, full of expression, preferably dark, but every colour is permitted. Rubyred eyes form a peculiarity in this breed. 

Ears: big, standing, stick out, starting rather low, broad at the base and with a somewhat rounded tip. 

Teeth: carnassial or pincerteeth

Body: compact and slightly right-angled, straight and flat. Long and deep chest, moderate lifted stomachline, broad and flat pelvis.

Limbs: well angulated forequarter Frontlegs straight with moderate strong bones, resilient middlefeet. Well angulated hindquarters, well muscled, low hocks, Fore and hindlegs are parallel.

Feet: graceful, toes well placed apart, oval shaped, strong nails and soles.

Tail: average length, high placed, flat shaped (characteristic for the breed), wider in the middle than at the beginning, carrieing it high and cheerful.

Gait: free, fluid and with sturdy steps.

Coat: there are two coat varieties: 1. shorthaired and 2. longhaired.
The shorthaired Chihuahua should have a smooth, soft, shining coat close lying to the skin with some undercoat. The longhaired Chihuahua should have a long, fine and smooth coat. On the head and frontlegs the coat is short.

Coloour: all colours and colourcombinations are permitted.

Weight: between 0,5 and 2,5 kilos. The ideal weight is 1,0 - 2,0 kilos.