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Chimation |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Mexico <> Croatia -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Chimatian |
A brief presentation of the Chimation |
The Chimation is a hybrid of two companion dogs: the Dalmatian and the Chihuahua. Despite the popularity of the two parent breeds, the Chimation is a rare hybrid, and little documentation exists on the mix. Understanding the character traits inherent in this hybrid requires owners to examine the parent breeds. The Chihuahua is small and bred as a companion, while the Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog originally bred as a versatile working and hunting dog, but mainly today as a companion. The resulting Chimation is a medium-sized, high-energy companion dog. The Chihuahua and Dalmatian are wary of strangers and may have a low tolerance for small children, but will always be affectionate with its family. |
History of the Chimation |
The Chimation is a specific cross between the Dalmatian and the Chihuahua. The mix is a dog of modern design conceived as a companion dog and does not have a long, well-known history. As such, owners need to look at the history of the breed's parents to understand the history of this hybrid. |
A little of the Chihuahua |
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Two main theories abound as to the history of the living Chihuahua. Said to have come from China to Mexico aboard trading ships, or to have descended from the Techichi dog of South or Central America, this little dog was treated like a king because it was thought to have healing powers of a magical nature. Placed on the pillows of those who were ill, it was also cremated and buried with its owners when they died. The Aztecs, who involved the Chihuahua in their medical and spiritual rituals, depicted these events on ancient works. This breed was added to the list of the American Kennel Club in 1904. | ||
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Standard of the Chihuahua | ||
A little of the Dalmatian |
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The origins of the Dalmatian are unknown, and the dog may have traveled with nomadic bands of Roma, also known as gypsies. However, the Dalmatian takes its name from the province of Dalmatia on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in modern-day Croatia. The Dalmatian is a versatile breed capable of hunting all medium-sized game, guarding and protecting and framing. The breed's high endurance has made it a perfect dog for training, and the Dalmatian has run alongside and in front of horse-drawn carriages to clear a path and protect the trainer from highwaymen. The Dalmatian's training abilities were developed in the United States when the breed became known as a barracks dog that ran alongside horses, protected equipment on the scene and rescued victims. Today, the Chimation is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dog Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America and the International Designer Canine Registry. True to both parents, this mix is designed for companionship and perfectly suited to life in small spaces. | ||
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Standard of the Dalmatian |
Appearance of the Chimation |
The Chimation is a medium-sized dog weighing between 9 and 18 kilos and generally measuring 30.5 centimeters in height, but can be taller. The Chimation's head is round or apple-shaped like the Chihuahua's, and the ears generally fall downward. This alert hybrid has dark brown or black eyes. The Chimation resembles a slightly larger Chihuahua but has Dalmatian markings. The coat is generally smooth, soft and comes in classic white with black patches, but large patches can also be present. Hair may be slightly longer if the Chihuahua parent is long-haired. Other coat colors include cream with dark brown spots. |
Temperament of the Chimation |
The Chimation is very affectionate with its family thanks to both parent breeds, but both parent breeds are wary of strangers. While this mix is well suited to older children who have respect for dogs, the Chimation is not well suited to small children who might tease and chase it. Early socialization with children will help reduce the likelihood of snapping and growling in this hybrid. Depending on which parent breed the Chimation most closely resembles, this will determine how well your dog gets along with other dogs and cats. The Chihuahua is not well adapted to other animals, but can be socialized and learn to live in harmony. The Dalmatian gets on well with all animals and makes an excellent companion for other dogs and cats if socialized at an early age. The Chimation is a high-energy dog and requires plenty of playtime to meet its energy needs. |
Needs and activities of the Chimation |
The Chimation is a mix of two medium-to-high-energy breeds that require high-intensity daily exercise. Both parent breeds are high energy, but the Dalmatian parent also has excellent stamina and was born to run. The Chimation will also have high energy and running needs, or this mix could develop destructive behaviors. The Chimation, if properly exercised, can live in small spaces, but a home with a large yard is ideal. Both parent breeds prefer a warm climate, and the Chihuahua is not known to tolerate colder climates. Your Chimation will probably prefer warm weather. |
Maintenance of the Chimation |
The Chimation is a hybrid of two parents with different levels of shedding. Despite the short coat of Dalmatians, this breed is a heavy excreter, while the Chihuahua is a low excreter. You can expect this hybrid to shed moderately. Weekly brushing with a rubber glove or natural short-tooth brush will help keep the Chimation's coat clean and healthy-looking. The ease of maintenance of the short coat also means that this hybrid doesn't require frequent bathing. Bathing your dog removes the natural oils from his body and can lead to dry skin and dermatitis. The Chihuahua parent is prone to dental problems, so pay attention to your Chimation's dental health and clean its teeth at least three times a week to avoid disease. |