Payne - The Chihuahua

EDITORIAL

Andrew DePrisco Editor-in-Chief

Amy Deputato Senior Editor

Jamie Quirk Editor

ART

Sherise Buhagiar Senior Graphic Artist

Bill Jonas Book Design

Joanne Muzyka Digital Imaging

An Imprint of I-5 Press
A Division of I-5 Publishing
3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Payne, Susan, 1955

The chihuahua / by Susan Payne.

p. cm. (Kennel Club classic series)

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-59378-681-6

eISBN 978-1-62187-033-3

1. Chihuahua (Dog breed) I. Title.

SF429.C45P39 2008

636.76dc22

2008026592

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Kennel Club Books, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

Printed and bound in Singapore

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography

Susan Acousra

Alverson Photo

American Kennel Club

Museum of the Dog

Christopher Appoldt

Ashbey Photography

Barlow Hartman

Ray Bernstein/Northern Sports Photography

Mary Bloom

Booth Photography

Fritz Clark/The Standard Image

Tara Darling

Dennis Photography

Tom DiGiacomo

Downey Dog Show Photography

Ernst Photography

Fox and Cook

Isabelle Franais

Bill Francis

Rita Geiger

Carol Ann Johnson

Missy Kehler/The Working K9

Rachael Kehler/Skeeter Dog

Equipment

Klein Photography

Kohler Photography

Carl Lindemaier

Lladr

Jay Strongwater, Inc.

Joan Ludwig

Joan Marcus

Ruthann McCaulley

Melia Photography

Walt Norris Show Photography

Garrett ODell

Gail Painter

Susan F. Payne

Don Petrulis

Perry Phillips Photography

Photo by Phoebe

Poochsmoochphotography.com

Rangeaire Vision, Australia

Barbara Reiner

Bonita G. Rodgers

Ross Photography

Lisa Smulick

Sosa Photography

Susan and Lennah

Chuck and Sandy Tatham

Homer Tepe

Tien Tran Photography

Terry L. Troha

Vicky Photography

Missy Yuhl

P. Witter

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to my family, who has put up with my obsession withmy addiction tothis little dog we call the Chihuahua.

First, to my mother, Lucille Fischer. Mom, if you had not said no to that horse I wanted so dearly and yes to a dog, who knows where I would be today. I might be richer in dollarswe all know that dog breeding is not a money-making propositionbut the friends I have made and the people I have met have enriched my life so much more. It was the right decision.

Next, to my daughter, Lauren. At times we have not seen eye to eye on the dogs, and at times we have both been difficult to live with and to travel with. But I did so enjoy sharing the shows, the dogs, and the litters with you. You exhibited such fine sportsmanship in many difficult situations. You made me proud then and continue to do so now.

Finally, to my husband, Jim. Hardly last in line, though at times you might feel that way. A marriage is the ultimate partnership. Though the dogs have technically been mine, you have always pitched in. Being away most weekends at shows, being up for days with difficult litters, is a strain on both of us. I can always count on you.

I love you all. Without your love and support, none of this would have been possible.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

I grew up in the same little bedroom community/farming town in Connecticut where I reside now, with a Boxer and assorted cats. It seemed as if almost all of my friends had horses. I received horseback riding lessons for many years, but an adamant no every time I asked for my own horse. Finally I was allowed to have my own dog, and so began my addiction to the Chihuahua. (Thank you, Aunt Nancy, for my first Chi!) There are many breeds that I like, many breeds that I have trained in the years during which I worked as a trainer, but none has touched my heart as the little Chihuahua has.

The Chihuahua is the best. All dog in an easy-to-handle package. He is social, clean, devoted, and intelligentso in tune to his people and ready to charm almost everyone he meets. This little dog can use his nose to find drugs as well as the roast in your oven. He can run the seesaw, tunnels, and jumps in agility; be your ears if your hearing is impaired; or just curl up in your lap and love you unconditionally.

Many of you may have misconceptions about the Chihuahua. Unfortunately, there have been many poorly bred ones throughout the years. As you read these pages, I hope you get a feel for what a wonderful little dog this is when bred and brought up right. One of the things that I love so much about this breed is its clannish nature. Hopefully you will not be limited to having just one, as watching them interact with each other will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. Chihuahuas can be such little clowns.

The early history of this breed is a bit of a mystery, but Ive shared what is known as well as some of the ideas that have been put forth. Perhaps you will draw your own conclusions. In addition, theres much more to be learned about this wonderful breed from the pages of this book. You will learn how to identify the reputable breeder, who will be your support for the years you have with your Chihuahua. You will learn how to increase your odds of having this dog at your side for as long as possible, as it enjoys a lifespan that is longer than that of most breeds. You will enjoy reading about dressing your Chi up and you will learn that you can take him out, too. Youll meet some of the people and dogs in our breed who have made an impact on the dog-show world, and youll also become acquainted with some other very special Chis.

Peruse these pages and fall in love with this little dog.

Ch. Toltec As Bad As My Dad SC, Babs, won the Variety at the Heart of New England Chihuahua Club specialty from the Veterans Class at almost eight years of age. The specialty was held with an all-breed show, and Babs went on to win Group Two under judge Polly Smith.

Ch. Toltec Holy Cow S, the authors latest champion as of the printing of this book, finished with four majors and then went on to train in agility. Pictured with judge Sandra Lex.