Chizer Information & Dog Breed Facts

Chizer Origins

The Chizer is a hybrid result of the breeding of two purebred canine breeds, the Chihuahua and the Miniature Schnauzer. The Chizer originated most likely in the United States sometime prior to 2009, when it was officially recognized by the Designer Canine Registry. However, as it is a fairly new breed, to be able to understand the breed’s origins and history we have to look at the parent breeds.

Chihuahua’s origins as a parent breed

First of all, there is a lively debate surrounding the Chihuahua’s official origins, but most historians agree that the famed city of Chihuahua played a key part in the discovery, popularity, and accessibility of one of the world’s tiniest and most cherished dogs. However, the details aren’t quite so clear. The Chihuahua was first discovered in the mid-19th century and is thought to be a direct descendent of the Techichi, a small desert dog that dates back to Mayan times. The ancient Toltecs civilization is thought to have tamed these pre-Columbian canines which were similar in size and shape to Chihuahuas. Despite the fact that the Techichi breed is no longer existing, images of this dog in old relics and effigies imply that they had physical attributes similar to modern Chihuahuas. One of the striking similarities is their unique “apple head” and “dear head” skull shapes. According to research conducted by the Stockholm Institute of Technology, around 70% of present Chihuahua DNA comes from the ancient South American Techichi. For decades, the remaining 30% has been a source of contention. The evidence suggests that the unknown DNA most likely came from a dog breed outside of Mexico. However, the specific breed is yet unknown.

On the other hand, many people believe that the Chihuahuas may have originated in China from the Chinese Crested breed. The Chinese Crested’s linage can be traced to port cities all over the world thanks to sailors who brought these small pups with them on trade travels. It is thought that these trading operations are the reasons why the Chinese Crested ended up in Central and South America, where the breed was then introduced to the Aztecs. According to experts, Chinese Crested and Techichi may have crossed at this point, creating a new breed. Others suggest that the 30% of the Chihuahua’s DNA that has yet to be determined does not belong to the Chinese Crested at all. Instead, scientists believe that the unidentified DNA belongs to the Mexican Xoloitzcuintli or the European Maltese pocket dog. Although the Chihuahua’s actual lineage is disputed, the date of its official discovery is not. This breed began to appear all across Central and South America in the late 1800s, with Chihuahua, Mexico serving as the major site of origin. The small dog was subsequently bred and marketed by Mexican merchants to visitors, many of whom brought them back to the United States to keep as pets. At this point in time, the popular dog breed still didn’t have an official name. Locals and tourists alike began referring to the little pups simply by the region in which they were most widely found, Chihuahua. The name stuck by the late 19th century, and the American Kennel Club registered the Chihuahua as an official breed in 1904.

The Miniature Schnauzer’s origins as a parent breed

The tiniest and most popular Schnauzer is the Miniature Schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer was bred in Germany in the 1800s as a ratting and small farm dog but has since grown in popularity as a companion dog. The breed is thought to have been created by crossing smaller Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers and Poodles to create a smaller Schnauzer. Moreover, the Miniature Schnauzer’s popularity skyrocketed, and at one point, the breed was the third most popular in the United States. The breed arrived in the U.S. in 1924 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club two years later in 1926. Despite being closely related to the Standard Schnauzer of the utility group, the Miniature breed was originally known as the Wirehaired Pinscher in America and is still classified as a tiny Terrier today. However, unlike the Terrier, the Miniature Schnauzer did not develop on the British Isles in ancient times, thus its temperament is completely different from that of the Terrier, who is known to ‘go to ground’ with passions and courageous commitment. The Schnauzer, on the other hand, is a cheerful and jolly breed. Schnauzer is a German word that means “little bread” and it is particularly fitting for this serious-looking breed that often reminds people of a little old man. However, the temperament of this breed is far from a cranky old guy. Over the course of two centuries of breeding, the breed’s coat color has altered. The Miniature Schnauzer, once known for its bright colors, is now available in black, black, and silver, and salt and pepper.

Chizer Recognition

Besides being recognized by the Designer Canine Registry, the Chizer is also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Dog Registry of America, and the Designer Breed Registry. It is recognized by the names of Chizer and Schnauzi in these registries.