Talk:Chihuahua (dog)

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Just a question: is there really any actual need to point out that "deer-head" means nothing? It means something, because many people prefer that kind of skull-shape. It may not be a breed, but it is something that there is a definite preference in either direction for the trait. It sounds a little elitist to say that it "means nothing."

Contents

[edit] Origin

According to http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chihuahua.htm Chihuahuas are believed to have come from China to Mexico. From there they went to Europe. The wiki article claims they came from Spain to Mexico. Discus? --- 71.71.73.98 00:38, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] celebs who own dogs

Is it really necessary to list which celebs own a particular breed? It doesn't add value to the article. Plus if every current and former celeb is added, the list would rapidly become the largest section of the article. --75.24.94.239 15:59, 20 August 2006 (UTC)

I really don't think so - I really think that these belong on the celeb's page - not on the dog page. I have removed them. Trysha (talk) 21:45, 20 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "Chicken of the Aztecs"

Is it true chihuahuas were bred for eating? I suppose they would be fairly easy to raise for the purpose. Citizen Premier 05:50, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Ive heard this too, can someone shead some light on this?Patcat88 20:56, 20 February 2006 (UTC)
I've never heard that before. I'll look into it. Kitty the Random 06:59, 26 February 2006 (UTC)
I heard that they were bred to be babied and cared for, not eaten. I think that the notion of chihuahua eating is totally false.
No, i've read that as well. I'll find the source and list it. 66.184.151.157 17:07, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Needs size data

The article needs size data (length, etc) on this adorable breed. Dionyseus 07:39, 10 March 2006 (UTC)


Chihuahuas are rarely spoken of in length/height terms. They're almost 100% talked about in relation to their weight. Breed standard is 2-6 lbs with 2-5lbs being preferable.

[edit] Fennec foxes

The idea that Chihuahuas were descended from fennec foxes flies in the face of all genetic evidence. (I swear I did not mean all that alliteration in that last sentence.) Foxes are a completely different genus as well as species from dogs; in comparison, horses and donkeys are much more closely related, and offspring of the two are sterile mules. Lions and tigers can be crossed and sometimes the offspring are fertile, but they are much more closely related, being two closely related species of the same genus. Saying that Chihuahuas may be descended from foxes is one of those completely unscientific stories that casts aspersions on the validity of Wikipedia as a research tool. Sorry for sounding so nasty in that last sentence; whomever wrote the entry about fennec foxes, I apologize, but it touched a nerve.

I agree and I've removed that section. By the way don't forget to always sign your posts in discussion pages by putting four tildes. Dionyseus 01:40, 10 June 2006 (UTC)

Oh, well, sure, I should do that, but....--Raulpascal 17:19, 21 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Infobox photo?

The photo in the infobox doesn't seem like a great choice to me. I'd use a photo of the dog standing, like these ones. I'd replace it myself, but I can't decide which image to use. Pharaoh Hound 13:16, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

I don't think either of these is a particularly good photo, but the one on the left is slightly better. What is really needed is a good, clean, closeup profile shot of a standing Chihuahua. Exploding Boy 15:50, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

I see what you mean about the photo quality. I'd love to take a new one myself, but I don't know anyone who owns any Chihuahuas, so I can't take the photo. Pharaoh Hound 21:35, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

I own a chihuahua who was in a show before I got him. I own a copy of his ribbon photo, I should scan it and submit it for this page. It would be a really good specimen. 24.89.255.51 Ok, I've scanned the picture and now how do I put it in the article?


[edit] Proposed move

Chihuahua (dog) to Chihuahua. By far, the most common usage of the word in English. Helicoptor 15:51, 24 June 2006 (UTC)

Add *Support or *Oppose followed by an optional one sentence explanation and sign your vote with ~~~~

There's already an article at Chihuahua. It's about the Mexican state. Exploding Boy 16:26, 24 June 2006 (UTC)

  • Oppose - it's not like the dog's notability outstrips that of the state by a huge margin. Mexican states are pretty notable things, and I feel comfortable with that being the primary topic. I could see an argument for putting a disambiguation page at Chihuahua, but not this article. — sjorford++ 18:17, 24 June 2006 (UTC)
    • There's already a Chihuahua (disambiguation) page as well. I'm removing this move request. Anyone who types in "Chihuahua" and ends up at the article on the state will be directed to the disambiguation page and wind up here. Exploding Boy 18:28, 24 June 2006 (UTC)

I agree that the dog is the most common use for english speakers, but I still like the disambig page. It is nice to go to a page and see wow I didn't know there where other uses like that. Jon513 19:30, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] removed line

I have removed the line

Ernesto "Moto" Picasso, often seen around town chihuahua of famous NYC socialite Jennifer Bernstein and well known set designer Tom Lenz

from famous chihuahuas. The line was added by 160.79.91.4 (talk · contribs · logs · block user · block log) who has not been 100% on accuaracy of information. Jon513 19:25, 1 August 2006 (UTC)


[edit] teacup section

I don't like how we talk about the teacup chihuahuas. I feel as if there is too much opinion. Although I agree, I wouldnt consider it wikipedia quality. What do we think? User:tingalex 21:33, 24 November, 2006 (UTC)

Iarnuocon 16:07, 27 December 2006 (UTC) The section on 'teacup' and 'deer-faced' chihuahuas is exceptionally misleading. Neither term is officially recognized by any major kennel club, is not mentioned in the AKC standard, and the 'teacup' appelation is specifically condemned by the Chihuahua Club of America. There is no subdivision of the breed into standard and 'teacup' sizes or 'apple-head' and 'deer-head' head-types.

Additionally, the claim that 'teacup' sized chihuahuas are the result of many generations of selective breeding is also misleading. With the exception of irreputable backyard breeders whose main consideration is monetary, no clubs seeking to improve the chihuahua try to breed for excessively small size. In fact, such breeding works against the health of the breed, as smaller bitches are often incapable of breeding successfully or carrying more than one puppy to term, and stand a much higher chance of dying during labor. Smaller specimens of chihuahua often have health problems absent in larger and heartier specimens. 'Teacup' sized chihuahuas often have trouble with the alignment of their bite, luxating patellas, and fragility of their bones. Heartier specimens of chihuahua are able to physically handle most activities they may engage in, whereas the 'teacup' chihuahua is likely to break a leg jumping from the sofa to the floor. Misleading potential buyers by stating that excessively small chihuahuas are "just as healthy" as larger chihuahuas does a disservice to the breed, and calls into question the truthfulness of this entry.

Furthermore, this statement: "Breeders who have invested large amounts of money into larger-sized chihuahua breeding stock are quick to mark teacup breeders as irreputable, simply because they know the smaller chihuahuas are higher in demand and cut into the profitability of breeding larger chihuahuas. Similarly, these breeders misunderstand the concept of selective breeding for size and assume that teacup breeders are merely reproducing runts (which genetically would not even produce small dogs unless the parents were small to begin with)." is simply incorrect. The primary reason breeders refer to teacup breeders as irreputable is because teacup breeders are not out to improve the chihuahua stock, but rather mislead potential buyers as to health concerns and the care that has to be taken of these tiny, fragile dogs in order to cater to the whims of a poorly educated public. Any reputable breeder understands the concept of selective breeding for size: Chihuahua size is the result of the mixture of six alleles for size, and tiny pups can be the offspring of normal-sized adults, just as a normal-sized pup may be the offspring of two tiny pups-- what's important is a thorough understanding of the hereditary lines that are joined in a breeding, and having an idea of what is likely to improve the breed stock and result in an excellent specimen. The quoted statement simply projects the greed and lack of understanding of teacup breeders onto the efforts of reputable breeders in an attempt to justify the production of generally poor specimens of chihuahua.

What I've taken away from this section of the wikipedia article is that the author seeks to justify his or her own poorly thought out breeding program, and seriously misunderstands the purpose of breeding chihuahuas, the underlying genetics that affect specimen size, and the likely health outcomes for specimens at the smallest extreme of the size range for this breed of dog.

I'd like to see this section rewritten with a more balanced view, and an eye toward informing the public about the very real concerns associated with the breeding and purchasing of 'teacup' sized and 'deer-head' chihuahuas. Iarnuocon 16:07, 27 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] 'Chewy pep'

This article was created '00:50, 17 December 2006': Chewy pep. It is likely to be deleted quickly as the content is only "A slang expression for a Chihuahua-breed dog; originating in Quebec, Canada. In Quebec, a Chihuahua-breed dog is sometimes referred to as a "Chewy Pep"." If this statement is accurate, the article can be converted to a redirect pointing here; it will not survive as an article as it is a slang-dictionary entry (dicdef). Regards --User:Ceyockey (talk to me) 05:15, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Merle 01-11-07

The information about merle in Chihuahuas is incorrect. They are the result of cross breeding and the Chihuahua Club Of America is in the process of revising the standard to exclude the merle pattern and to Disqualify it from the show ring. The health information is also incorrect about merle and this link explains the risks associated with this pattern. http://www.genmarkag.com/home_companion.php I was on the merle Committee for the Chihuahua Club of America and I am also the representative of the CCA membership that has signed and petitioned the club to have the standard revised. Please remove this information as it only encourages the cross breeding of Chihuahuas. Thank you

Gloria Lambert —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 4.89.130.38 (talk) 02:20, 13 January 2007 (UTC).

If Merle information is incorrect why does the AKC include Merle as a color on the registration for Chihuahua? Maybe the CCA should learn to accept chihuahuas of every size and color. I have seen the Merle gene color in other breeds as well, as long as the breeder does not breed merle to merle as in any breed of dog the dogs should be accepted.

[edit] Too many photos

This page seems to have far more photos than most on wikipedia. Would it make sense to trim down the number of photos here? The purpose of a wikipedia article is not to provide a gallery of images featuring the article's subject in a variety of poses. Jaredlenowguy 00:07, 15 January 2007 (UTC)

I agree - I reorganized and tried to preen the page from superfluous photos. It's just an attempt to spur comments and ideas. I thought it looked too much like a "Dog Fancy" web page of Chihuahuas, high on "cute photos" and low on "added value". Again, open to ideas, revisions and suggestions. --DavidShankBone 03:21, 16 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Vicious/Stupid characterization

In a few places, people have referred to the appearance and/or temperament of the Chihuahua as "vicious" and "stupid". I do not feel it is appropriate to characterize any domestic dog breed as "vicious" or "stupid" because (1) "vicious" has a legal connotation that the animal is unsafe to own and/or should be destroyed for the safety of society, (2) both are a value judgement best suited for a specific specimen's personality (which can vary greatly depending on its socialization and training). I have removed the "stupid" comment, and believe a more accurate temperament description would be the change I made (with regard to Chis and children) to "tendency to bite when frightened" rather than simply "vicious".

Does anyone disagree? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Abinkleysf (talk • contribs) 03:00, 2 February 2007 (UTC).

[edit] Famous Chihuahua section

Is this section for Chihuahuas who have achieved some sort of notoriety? Some of the celebrities listed don't have famous Chihuahuas, the only thing notable is that these Chihuahuas are owned by celebrities. In other words, Taquito is a notable Chihuahua in his own right, but "Dino Dobie, Black and Brown chihuahua companion of child actress Hailey Anne Nelson" is apparently on the list because of who owns him. I don't feel strongly one way or the other, although we should rename the section if we plan to include dogs notable simply because of who owns them. Tinkerbell, Paris Hilton's dog, is obviously notable in her own right. --DavidShankBone 23:09, 24 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] I am Scared to death!

I need suggestions, I just bought a chiuahua puppy from a pet store, she is very very very very small and I am terrified that she may have that disease (hydrcosis??? I think thats what it is called) She acts playful, and I love her with all of my heart, I would rather me have the sickness than my princess mia. Please if anyone can help me call me at 302 644 1677. I could really use some help.

71.242.37.36 01:05, 26 March 2007 (UTC)Summer71.242.37.36 01:05, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

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