Blast from the past

This page is an endeavor to honor the history of our beloved Chihuahua’s breed standard, and to hopefully make it more readily available reading for all Chihuahua enthusiasts. Additionally, we offer these official standards in an attempt to educate the misguided, and ill-advised, who persist in blathering malicious misinformation concerning the bob-tail Chihuahua. The standards are listed chronologically from the earlier on, to present day. Through each revision, the Chihuahua Breed Standard has made some notable changes, to include making the bob-tails a disqualification for the show ring. However, the earlier standards clearly state — the “born” bob-tail was common, and not disqualifying…. Quoting renowned Chihuahua breeder and Judge Ida H. Garrett, from breeder, exhibitor Russell E. Kauffman’s book “The Chihuahua” copyright 1952 ~ “Ida Garret declared that the peculiarity of this breed is in the tail, not in the molaro as many believe. She says “The tail is considered peculiar when one often finds a meaty or fat spot or lump usually mid way in the tail. Below this spot is a break, often bearing a resemblance to having been caught in a door. Also the tail frequently breaks off entirely at this point, leaving a bob tail.” This seems almost incredible, yet we see numerous bob tails, which are not disqualified if so born.” Quoting from breeder, author “Tressa Thurmer’s” book “Pet Chihuahua” copyright 1962 ~ “Tail – moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back, with tip just touching the back. (Never tucked under.) Hair on tail in harmony with the coat of the body, preferred furry in smooth coats. In long coats full and long as in a plume. A natural bob, or tailless is permissible if so born.” Chihuahuas born with bob, or kinked tails are not novel, nor rare, nor freaks of nature. These tails are the result of “a complex combination” of recessive gene types. Their Chihuahua ancestors have been passing them down for at least 80 years, and most probably longer. Therefore, even the most responsible breeders, who exercise meticulously selective breeding programs are not immune to the possibility of having a bob-tail puppy.