Molera Statement
Historically, the Chihuahua developed in Mexico
and the United States has displayed a "soft spot" on the top of the head.
In the Chihuahua this spot, or fontanel, is known as a MOLERA; and is the
same as that found in human babies. In the past, this molera was accepted
as a mark of purity in the breed, and it is still mentioned in most Chihuahua
breed standards the world over.
It is important to note that while many Chihuahua puppies are born without
the molera, there are probably just as many born with one and its presence
is nothing to become alarmed over.
As shown in the illustration below, the molera in a Chihuahua will occur
on the top of the head and may vary in shape and size when present.
Unfortunately, many lay people and some veterinarians not familiar with the
Chihuahua have tried to link the mere presence of a molera with the condition
known as hydrocephalus. This has caused many new-comers to the breed serious
concern and undue worry. The truth is that a domed head with a molera present
does not predispose the Chihuahua to this condition. Along with the observations
of devoted breeders over the years, there is adequate medical evidence to
support this statement.
In "Diseases of the Brain" 1989, Green & Braund stated that many clinically
normal toy breeds may have open fontanels without associated hydrocephalus.
Drs. Walker and Rivers, Veterinarians at the University of Minnesota concluded
that there did not appear to be any relationship between the presence or
size of a fontanel and the condition of hydrocephalus.
Dr. Alexander de Lahunta of Cornell University in New York, one of the top
neurologists in this country, stated that it would be wrong to conclude that
any opening is abnormal.
While it would be impossible to list all the medical documentation here on
this page, these few included here are perfectly clear; the presence of a
molera does not mean the Chihuahua has a medical problem.
The Chihuahua is a little dog! They belong in the house, at their owner's
side, receiving all the love they deserve to receive. With or without a molera,
the healthy Chihuahua that is loved and given proper veterinary care will
live well into its teens as an irresistible member of the family.
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