| The smallest breed of dog is the Chihuahua. It is | | | | size, Chihuahuas are sensitive to the cold, which is |
| named after a region in Mexico with the same name. | | | | why some owners dress them in dog sweaters on |
| Chihuahuas were believed to be descendants of | | | | cold days. |
| Techichi, a slightly larger breed that was associated | | | | Chihuahuas need special attention in dental care and |
| with Aztec royalty. However, most people now think | | | | birthing. They are also prone to genetic anomalies |
| that Spanish merchants brought Chihuahuas to Spain | | | | such as seizure disorders and epilepsy. Another |
| through trading with China and then eventually | | | | condition to watch out for is patella luxation, as well |
| brought them to Mexico. Chihuahuas were then | | | | as hydrocephalus, which is when there is water on |
| brought to the United States by those who visited | | | | the brain. Sadly, some puppies have this condition and |
| Mexico. | | | | die within six months of age. |
| Known for their large erect ears and small size, | | | | They are the only breed of dog that is born with an |
| Chihuahuas come in two varieties: smooth-coat and | | | | incomplete skull. Their moleras, a soft area on their |
| long-coat. Chihuahuas have a wide range of heights, | | | | skulls, needs to be taken great care of as the skull |
| but are generally 6 to 10 inches tall. Chihuahuas' | | | | fully forms in the first six months. Unfortunately, due |
| weights vary as well, as some weigh only 5 pounds | | | | to their large, protruding eyes and their closeness to |
| when others can weigh more than 10. Chihuahuas | | | | the ground, Chihuahuas are also prone to eye |
| also come in many colors, from black to white to | | | | infections. |
| spotted to gray to tricolored. | | | | Chihuahuas can be picky eaters, so owners must be |
| Chihuahuas are liked for their unique personality and | | | | sure to give them proper nutrition. Also, overweight |
| their devotion to their owners. They are an intelligent, | | | | Chihuahuas can suffer from joint injuries and a |
| alert breed who can adapt well to different places | | | | shortened life span. |
| because of their small stature. Chihuahuas' average | | | | There are also a number of famous Chihuahuas such |
| life span is about 15 years. Because of their fragility | | | | as Tinkerbell, Paris Hilton's pet, Gidget, the Taco Bell |
| and size, it is not recommended that Chihuahuas be | | | | mascot and Ren Hoek of the animated series called |
| pets for families with small children. Chihuahuas are | | | | Ren and Stimpy. |
| also known to focus on one person in a family and | | | | Some buyers wish to have very small dogs, but this |
| are not fond of human relationships that that person | | | | is often unhealthy for Chihuahuas. They can suffer |
| may have. However, this can be fixed by socializing | | | | shorter life spans and many problems can come out |
| the dog. Chihuahuas are also known to prefer being | | | | of dwarfing. They need special care and should not |
| friends with other Chihuahuas rather than other dog | | | | be treated as toys. |
| breeds. Still, most Chihuahuas tend to not understand | | | | Chihuahuas make great pets as long as they have a |
| their small size and may confront larger animals, which | | | | strong companion and are well taken care of. |
| could lead to them getting hurt. Due to their small | | | | |