| If you love Chihuahuas, of course you'll want to | | | | more for a Chihuahua merely because of its |
| know more about them. These fascinating animals | | | | description. |
| originated in Chihuahua, Mexico and were objects of | | | | It's easy to understand why Chihuahuas are the 10th |
| worship to the ancient Aztecs. The word "chihuahua" | | | | most popular dog in the United States, since they're |
| means an arid, sandy place and there are actually | | | | such an intelligent dog, and fiercely protective of their |
| several types of Chihuahua dogs. | | | | owners. Standard Chihuahuas today weight six |
| The Chihuahua in part due to their portable size have | | | | pounds or less, and are six to nine inches tall. The |
| become quite popular lately and their popularity | | | | darling tan dog that starred in the Taco Bell |
| continues to grow. Although the Chihuahua is known | | | | commercial is representative of the most popular |
| as the smallest of the dog breeds, but what many | | | | type of Chihuahua. |
| people don't realize is there are different Chihuahua | | | | If you live in an apartment, you couldn't do better |
| types. This little powerhouse has a huge heart so | | | | than to get one of these tiny dogs. They are |
| don't be fooled by its tiny size! | | | | wonderful companions and live a long life, in many |
| Chihuahuas come in all sorts of colors, including | | | | cases getting to be 16 years or older. Shorthaired |
| chocolate, cream, silver, blue, black and fawn. Their | | | | companions may need a little extra warmth, |
| heads can be shaped like deer or they can have | | | | sometimes burrowing under covers to maintain their |
| apple heads. Applehead Chihuahuas have a very | | | | body heat while asleep. My friend has a Chihuahua |
| round head, a small snout, and close-set eyes. The | | | | that will growl whenever anyone has the audacity to |
| ones with deer heads have an elongated nose similar | | | | uncover her. |
| to Doberman Pinschers. | | | | It is believed that Chihuahuas may be the oldest |
| The American Kennel Club recognizes long-haired and | | | | breed of dog to exist in the American continents. A |
| short-haired types of Chihuahuas. The smooth coat | | | | slighter larger breed of Chihuahua existed in the 2nd |
| of the short-haired type sheds very little. Their tail is | | | | century BC, and was known as a symbol of the |
| sometimes curved. Long-haired Chihuahuas can have | | | | upper class. It was probably bred with miniature |
| flat or curly hair, and it is quite soft, with extra fluff | | | | Chinese dogs which the Spanish introduced to the |
| around the tail and ears. | | | | New World. |
| The terms "teacup" and "mini" when applied to | | | | Whichever type of Chihuahua dog you find, you owe |
| Chihuahuas are merely commercial designations used | | | | it to yourself to think about taking one of these small |
| to try to elicit high prices from the buyer. All | | | | devoted dogs home with you; you will find them to |
| Chihuahuas are genetically a toy breed, and breeding | | | | be entertaining and companionable pets for many |
| to produce the tiniest dog possible is a | | | | years to come. In addition, once you buy one |
| long-established custom. Don't be fooled into paying | | | | Chihuahua, you will want to get another! |