Chihuahua Dogs in the 1950s

While the history of the Chihuahua is unknown, the dog is generally believed to have originated in Mexico around the 9th century. The first Chihuahua was exhibited by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1890 and registered in 1903; the breed standard was only established 20 years later. In 1952 the breed was split into the long-coated and smooth-coated varieties, and the modern breed standard came into being.

  1. The Deer Type

    • Chihuahuas were very popular during the 1950s, and the build that was favored during this period was what is known as the "deer" type. This type features a fawn-colored coat, longer legs and muzzles, larger ears and widely set eyes, giving the dog a look of a tiny deer. These attributes are no longer prized, and the deer type does not conform to the current breed standard. Nevertheless, some breeders still receive requests for this type of dog.

    The Apple Head

    • The round-domed head of the Chihuahua is thought to be descended from a dog that originated on the island of Malta that had a soft spot in the top of the skull where the bones did not meet. Called a molera, this spot is found in the apple head Chihuahuas. The bones usually fuse together by the age of 3 years, although some moleras remain. The apple head, with its shorter legs and snout, became the basis for the modern breed standard, replacing the longer deer head shape.

    Tea Cup Chihuahuas

    • In the 1950s period of the Chihuahua's popularity, the tiniest dogs were fashionable and efforts were made to breed for small size. Although the breed is not categorized by its size, and the breed standard specifies that the ideal weight is between 4 and 6 lb., tiny dogs resulted from breedings between the smallest parent specimens that could be found. These dogs often had extensive health problems, and the Chihuahua club has publicly denounced the size-related terms used to describe the dogs.

    Temperament

    • Chihuahua breeders have made great strides over the past 50 years in improving the type and the temperament of the breed. The 1950s dogs were well known for their feisty dispositions. Today's dogs are excellent watch dogs, ready to defend themselves or their owners at any given time. They are also more elegant, with a rounded head, smaller ears and large eyes set well forward in the dog's face. The legs are shorter in proportion to the body, giving the dog a balanced, symmetrical look.

    Breeding for Better Health

    • Since the 1950s, quality breeders have worked hard to improve the quality of health and to eliminate some of the conditions that have traditionally plagued these tiny dogs. These include luxating patellae, or knee caps that shift out of position, eye infections due to the large, protruding eyes, seizure disorders, and hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. They are also prone to heart and respiratory conditions, but by following the breed standard and ensuring that dogs with genetic conditions are not bred, the overall appearance and quality of the breed has been improved.