Chihuahuas of a Different Breed

As a social worker it was important to understand the clients that you were working with such as low-income Mexican-American single mothers or individuals diagnosed with autism in terms of both the "group" that they belonged to and the individual differences within the group. The same can be said for best understanding many non-human species. Take for example dogs and in particular, chihuahuas. Once you are introduced, as you will be shortly, to Patricio the by his demeanor the self-annointed "rey del barrio"/ king of the neighborhood, you will have a better idea of what I mean.

"Discovered" in 1850 near Casas Grandes in the state of Chihuahua, the chihuahua once known as the "Chihuahua Dog" is the national dog of Mexico and is the oldest breed of dog in North America. Although there are many different theories regarding its origin, it is most commonly believed that they evolved from the somewhat larger and mute, now extinct Techichi which is said to have evolved from the Fennec fox. Presently, there are two varieties, the short-haired (aks short-coated) and the long haired (aka long-coated); other than for their coats, they are, based on genetics, anatomically the same.

Chihuahuas are classified as toy dogs, the only toys that occur naturally without having been purposefully bred to be in that class of canines, and are the smallest recognized canine breed in the world. Although some may weigh as much as 10 pounds, the "typical" chihuahua stands 6-10 inches tall and weighs between 3-6 pounds. Their coats can be either solid, marked, or splashed and their colors may be white, fawn, cream, tan, brown, orange, red, blue, or black. Physically, they are characterized by large protruding eyes, short stout muzzles, apple-shaped heads, large flaring erect ears, and long sickle-shaped tails.

In Mexico, most of the chihuahuas seem to be purchased as "status dogs." These are normally indoor dogs and are often times seen, while wearing crocheted sweaters, being carried by their owners. Many because they are pampered, spoiled, babied, and not properly socialized at an early age with humans and other dogs/animals tend to have suspicious, shrill, temperamental, neurotic, and high strung personalities. In reality, as they are as highly variable in their behaviors as they are in some of their physical attributes like height, length, and weight, the personality of each chihuahua-be it lively or calm, brash or timid, aggressive or easy going, stubbornly resistant or eagerly compliant- is dependent upon both nature and nurture; it is due both to the genetic disposition passed on by its parents and the extent to which that it had been socialized.

The "status type" of chihuahua described above tends to be fiercely loyal to and fearlessly protective of their primary care giver and in some cases, the entire family. Extremely alert and observant, wary of strangers, they are tenaciuos "barkers" that make excellent watch dogs. However, due to their personalities, they normally do not interact well with active and loud children. While they recognize and prefer their own breed they have little tolerance for or interest in other breeds.

Now, let's meet Patricio. He is a short-haired black and white male chuhuahua who weighs no more than three pounds that proudly, independently, and confidently struts to the beat of his own tiny paws. In the small town of Churintzio, Michoacan where both Patricio and I reside, for the last few years I have had the pleasure of, on his own turf in a many block radius, observing and interacting with this intelligent, unaffectedly comical, eccentric, self-sufficient, and charming dog.

Patricio, is decidely not an indoor chihuahua. For a good part of the day this tiny dog can be seen (but not heard as I have never heard him bark or even growl) with an obvious sense of purpose actively and quickly walking up and down "his area/domain." Quite often he cavorts with other breeds of dogs, all of which are decidely larger than he is; his favorites appear to be a couple of miniature poodles that live a few hundred yards from his house and if they are not outside, he will scratch at their door until that are allowed to come out and play with him. It is obvious that he is no follower; emphatically, he is the indisputable, "leader of the pack" who is either unaware of or indifferent to the fact that he is so diminutive. Even when I pass by his house with my 70 pound hyperactive dog on a leash, Patricio remains undaunted and unfazed and certainly makes it known as to who is the boss of "his territory."

Often he is seen outside on the streets playing with young children, either family members or neighbors. In a town where most dogs are either "roof dogs" for security purposes or pampered indoor dogs that are rarely if ever seen outside of their own homes, Patricio is a well-known member of the community. So much so, that even if he is doing his own independent thing several blocks from where he lives, I have heard people call out "ahi viene Patricio"/here comes Patricio. Extremely socialized (and loved by his extended "family"), virtually every weekend Patricio is taken by one of the relatives of his owner to stay with their family in a nearby city.

My interactions with him bespeak of his personality. When he sees or hears me, glad to see me but in no apparent hurry, he will silently approach me while wagging his tail. Always done as close to his level as possible, I will sit down on the sidewalk, remembering to place my binoculars and camera that are dangling from my neck which weigh more than he does into my jacket and zippering it up so as not to clobber him with them, and give him a much anticipated (by me if not him) scratching. Never will he lick me or jump up on me but rather will reservedly yet appreciatively acknowledge my presence and attention. Then he will go back to whatever activity that he had been engaged in or will attend to what ever next catches his attention. When he has had his fill of outdoor activity, he will return to his house, often jumping through a less than four inch opening in the closed gate.

Undoubtedly, Patricio is a chihuahua although, due to his personality, he can be considered to be a "chihuahua of a different breed." For sure, he has certain traits and charactersitics that can be described as being stereotypically chihuahua-like. However, although part of a distinctly labeled and classified group with its own established "standards," he has his own individualistic personna. Although I have never experienced them, I am sure that there are other chihuahuas somewhat but not exactly like him. You see, there is only one Patricio the chihuahua!