Chihuahuas

Overview

The Chihuahua is believed to be the smallest of all breeds of dog, with the some specimens so small as to be able to stand on all fours in the palm of your hand!
Chihuahuas can be ideal companions for the home, particularly for those who do not seek a sporting dog. Chihuahuas are very intelligent and affectionate by nature. They fit well in housing of any size and are quite obedient and easily trained regarding the rules of the house.
The Chihuahua is known as an exceedingly intelligent dog that is affectionate, possessive, that makes a good miniature watchdog. Chihuahuas are also possessed of a great confidence. When confronted with another dog, they seem to imagine themselves as enormous and will show no fear to larger breeds!

Appearance

Chihuahuas may have two different distinct hair coats characterized as either "short or long" hair.
The Chihuahua's coat may be smooth with soft, close-lying hair or long and soft with fringe on the ears and feathering on the tail.
Chihuahuas may come in a wide variety of colors, with the most common being red, fawn, and black and tan.
The unique apple shape of this breed's head and his ears are the features that endear him to Chihuahua fans around the world.

Grooming and Exercise

Chihuahuas require virtually very little to no grooming because of thier coats
they carry and require very little exercise time. Ten minutes a day outdoors is plenty.

Origin

A Chihuahua is thought by some to have been the sacred dog of the Aztecs and is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua. A Chihuahua has been known on the isle of Malta (home of the Maltese breed) since at least 600 B.C., when it arrived there from North Africa. There is a fresco in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, created in 1482, that clearly shows a Chihuahua.