The Chihuahua is among one of the most misunderstood types of dog in existence. Tiny in stature, and gigantic in personality, they are complicated little creatures. The Chihuahua's history is puzzling Folklore and archeologic facts show that the breed originated in Mexico, most likely from the Techichi, a companion dog loved by the Toltecs. There are not many written or pictorial records from before the 9th century of the Tochichi, but dog pots from Colima, Mexico, buried in tombs dating back to around 300 BC are thought to depict the Chihuahua relative. It is most likely that earlier ancestors similar to the Chihuahua lived among the Mayans as dogs looking like the Chihuahua are found in materials located in the Cholula Pyramid and the Chichen Itza ruins.
As a matter of fact, wooden toys representing both the "deer head" and "apple head" varieties of Chihuahua have been found across Mesoamerica from Mexico to El Salvador, the earliest of which dates back to 100 AD. In 1850, a pot featuring the "deer head" variety of Chihuahua was unearthed in old ruins in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, dating from between 1100–1300 AD showing the long history of the breed at this site. The famous explorer Hernando Cortes documented in a letter dating from 1520 that the Aztecs were raising and trading tiny dogs as grocery items. Records also refer to small, practically hairless dogs at the beginning of the 19th century, one of which claims that 16th-century Conquistadores found them everywhere in the region later known as Chihuahua.
Modern day Chihuahuas are handsome and some are not as pleasing to the eye, but either way, the Chihuahua temperament can bring plenty of laughs. A pure bred Chihuahua can almost fit in your pocket, they are much more totable, economical, and somewhat more convenient than other breeds in that a bag of an all-natural food such as Viand Dog Small Bite will last a while. Your Chihuahua will love you, and love your friends who are deserving. If caught off guard when saying hello, she will stick her tongue up your nose and into your brain. She will use the fullest extent of her tongue and make your nose burn. Her paws will be firmly planted on your face and neck so you cannot get away, and that tail will be wagging as she does it. Chihuahuas also love a good den and will often burrow into and under pillows, clothes hampers, and blankets. They are often found under the covers or at the bottom of the bed, deep in the dark and safety of what they perceive as their den.
The Chihuahua's temperament makes them excellent watch dogs, too. They have an uncanny ability to hear strangers and other dogs long before they are even in your vicinity. This may have something to do with their ears - they seem to take up at least 20% of their bodies and a Chihuahuas hearing is more than 10 times more sensitive than that of a human.
The flip side to the Chihuahua's small stature is its fragility. They are easily overlooked, so if you are not extra vigilant, they are easily stepped on. While she may sit and wait patiently for food to fall in the kitchen, and is unusually quick to retrieve the morsel, she will not be fast enough to dodge shuffling feet. You must make the extra effort to be mindful of the Chihuahua's presence. Their bone structure is very delicate.
The Chihuahua also has a very sensitive digestive system. It does not take much for your tiny friend to get sick if not fed a healthy all-natural diet. Unlike many other breeds, Chihuahuas just can't eat everything leftover from your table. Oily, spicy, and fatty foods should be kept to a minimum if not avoided. Viand Small Bite, contains healthy ingredients such as lamb meal, chicken meal, ground whole oats, kelp, and the vitamin supplements d3, e, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, riboflavin, menadione dimethyl-pyrimidinol bisulfite (source of vitamin k), biotin, and niacin.
Unfortunately, some Chihuahuas may not be fond of your friends and family. They will tolerate new faces, but they are "one person" dogs and will be a little leery of anyone else but you. This is one aspect of the Chihuahua temperament that will frustrate many people. If you are a homebody, your Chihuahua will absolutely love it! Even if you put the time in to socialize them from birth, they still grow up to be dependent upon only you. Your Chihuahua is far more comfortable with being alone with their owner. A simple warm lap will make them very happy.