This alert little dog is a Priory Tea card issued in 1957.
The title of this series of 24 cards is 'I Spy'.
The object of the card, which were enclosed singly in
packages of Priory Tea, was to play the game of 'I
Spy' by completing the form on the back of the card
with the location of the dog and the date on which you saw
a dog of the breed shown on the front of the card.
A number of points were assigned to the card. When
you had accumulated a certain number of points
you could check in the News Chronicle or the Daily
Dispatch and receive the reward. (I have not found
what the rewards were.)
Chihuahua Card 1(Priory Tea, 1957)... $5.95 each
This lovely twosome is a card from a set of 48
that was issued in 1961 by Hornimans Tea. They were
enclosed singly is all 1/4-lb packets of the tea.
The title of the series is simply "Dogs" and were
photographed by C. M. Cooke and edited by Stanley
Dangerfield. The card is #42 and is not identified.
The following is printed on the back of the card:
"CHIHUAHUA"
"Has the distinction of being the smallest breed in the world,
some weighing as little as 1 lb., although from
2 to 4 lbs. is the ideal. Have existed in Mexico
since the 9th century but only reached Great Britain
recently since when they have become remarkably popular.
Very alert, swift-moving dogs with saucy expressions.
Ideal head resembles a tennis ball with moderately
short nose protruding. Any color or mixture
of colors."
Chihuahua Card 2(Horniman Tea, 1961)... $5.95 each
Players issued this series of 25 cards titled
"Top Dogs-Grandee" in 1979. The 25 paintings for this series
were specially executed by Angela Mulliner and
form a unique collection. The back of the card
description follows: "The Chihuahua has the distinction
of being the smallest breed of dog in the world.
The standard is the same for both varieties
excepting coat--the Smooth is close and glossy,
the Long, soft, flat or slightly wavy. Any color
is permissible. Possibly descendants of small
hunting dogs from Central America. They take their
name from the State of Chihuahua in Mexico.
Average weight about 4 lbs. but many weigh far less,
often as little as 2 lbs. Although so small
they are hardy, swift moving little dogs. The
head should have a well rounded "apple domed"
skull, full round eyes and a brisk expression.
The tail should be carried over the back. Almost
small enough to fit into a pocket, they make
excellent dogs for the flat dweller and can get
sufficient exercise in park or garden. Active
and alert they make effective burglar alarms.
Weight up to 6 lbs. between 2 and 4 lbs. preferred.
Chihuahua Card 3(Players Top Dogs Grandee, 1979)... $9.95 each
"LONG-COATED CHIHUAHUA" and "SMOOTH CHIHUAHUA"
Epol, Animal Feed Co. of South Africa issued
these "Dog Pictures" in 1974. There are 30 cards
in the set. The Longhaired Chihuahua is number 30;
The Smooth is number 7.
The following is printed on the back of the card number 30::
"Originated in Mexico, alert, hardly little dog
with large upstanding ears. A seprate variety
to the smooth-coated Chihuahua. Weight 2,7 kg.
This is what is printed on the back of the Smooth
Chihuahua card: Originated in Mexico and is
believed to have been sacred to the Aztec people.
Alert, hardy little dog with large upstanding
ears. Provided it is typical in shape, the
smaller it is the better. Maximum weight 2.7 kg.
Chihuahua Card 4(EPOL, Animal Feed Co, So. Africa, 1974)left... $12.95 each
Chihuahua Card 5(EPOL, Animal Feed Co, So. Africa, 1974)right... SOLD OUT
This colorful card was made in Italy by Service
Line of Modena, Italy in 1993. There is nothing printed
on the back except the name of the company and
the title of the series "DOGS & CATS.
The dog is not identified.
Chihuahua Card 6(Service Line Modena, Italy, 1993)... $4.95 each
"Challenge of the Yukon"
DOG CARDS
These cards were issued by Quaker Oats in 1938.
The following is printed on the back of the
card along with a stamped signature of
Sergeant Preston: "CHIHUAHUA is a tiny little
fellow, the smallest in all dogdom. He weighs
from 1 to 6 pounds, and is a true Mexican dog.
Though tiny, makes an able watchdog by using shrill
bark. Has large, erect ears and a nice
disposition. After becoming acquainted, he is
friendly and ready for all sorts of mischief.
Chihuahua pictured here is Champion Gold Blackacre Ida's
Blanqua."
Chihuahua Card 7(Quaker Oats, 1938)... $14.95 each
Another two for one. The card came from a set of
Golden Fleece Australia "swap cards". The title of the set
is "Pedigree Dogs" and was issued in 1972. The following is printed on the back of the card: "The Chihuahua
is the world's smallest breed of dog. Some
fully grown dogs have weighed only one pound but
the average weight two to four pounds. It was
once thought that the Chihuahua came from
Mexico but recent findings suggest that they really
came from the Orient.
Chihuahuas come in two varieties, smooth and long coated.
They are alert, playful, swift-moving little
dogs. They love attention and because of their
size make good pets for flat dwellers. Illust: Aust. Ch. "Chicdale Little Veva" Illust: Aust. Ch. "Chicdale DE Valerosa" Owner:Mrs. E. M. MacMahon, Vic.
Chihuahua Card 8(Golden Fleece Australia, 1972)... $7.95 each
Chihuahua Playing Cards
Sorry, we don't have any complete sets of playing cards. These were
from collections of antique cards and there is no way of knowing how
old they are or where one might find more of them. They are certainly
a part of Chihuahua history.
This playing card was issued in 1996 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. It was printed
in Belgium and the lovely illustrations were done by Tomas Markevicius as part
of the "Dogs of the World" Card Collection.
To the right is a copy of the back of the
cards from this set.
Chihuahua Playing Card 1... $4.95 each
Chihuahua Playing Card 2... SOLD OUT
Printed on the back of the card: Character: "The Chihuahua is keenly intelligent,
fiercely protective and cheap to keep. Also,
the world's tiniest dog, It is the least likely to
fall foul of the landlord. The adult Chihuahua usually
takes a few weeks to reveal its true personality, keeping
its new owner under careful surveillance, perhaps,
giving the impression that it is shy. Actually, it is
weighing up which of them is to be master in the home! Coat: Short, soft, and straight, flat or
with only a slight wave. Hair more abundant
in places, forming a ruff, plumed tail, and
feathering. Size: 1.5 kg. Country Origin: Mexico"
Chihuahua Playing Card 3... $9.95 each
Chihuahua Post Cards
This post card was originally sent in the 1950's. It has damage to the
top right corner as you can see. However a wonderul addition to the
Chihuahua collector.
Chihuahua Post Card 1... $2.95 each
Chihuahua Post Card 2... SOLD OUT
Chihuahua Phone Cards
No minutes on this phone card but it is neat that the Chihuahua was
chosen as a repesentative on this collectible.
Chihuahua Phone Card... $5.95 each
Chihuahua Envelope
Altho the Shar Pei is shown on the front of this Bulgarian envelope
please NOTE that the cancellation stamp is the wonderful Chihuahua.
The Bulgars, A Central Asian Turkic Tribe, merged with the local slavic
inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state.
In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire
to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century
the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Bulgaria regained its
independence in 1878, but having fought on the losing side in both
World Wars, it fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became
a Peoples Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990. The
country is slightly larger than Tennessee. The capital is Sofia.
Chihuahua Envelope from Bulgaria... $9.95 each
