| The smallest dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua, | | | | intelligent, energetic, and loving companions, but they |
| captured our attention and hearts in the recent south | | | | can be a bit stubborn and loud at times.Because of its |
| of the border fast-food commercials. As you can | | | | small size, Chihuahuas do very well in smaller homes |
| imagine, these adorable commercials led to and | | | | such as apartments. They have a tendency to be |
| increase in puppy sales and an overall increase in | | | | sensitive to cold so most owners paper train this |
| popularity of the Chihuahua breed.Not only is the | | | | breed to protect it from extreme temperatures and |
| Chihuahua the smallest breed known to man, it is also | | | | weather conditions. That does not mean that |
| the oldest breed of the American continent. This tiny | | | | Chihuahuas do not enjoy the outdoors. They love |
| breed, probably originated in China, but was later | | | | exercise, but might appreciate a sweater on cool |
| brought to Mexican state of Chihuahua for which it | | | | days.The Chihuahua can be one of the simplest |
| was named. It was from this state that most of the | | | | breeds to care for and groom. All it takes is an |
| world learned about and obtained the Chihuahua breed. | | | | occasional brushing, maybe a damp cloth here and |
| Today, the Chihuahua is as popular as ever, and it is | | | | there, and you're done. You should only bathe these |
| still a favorite companion among dog lovers.The | | | | dogs once a month.Chihuahuas are susceptible to |
| Chihuahua's most identifiable features include its small | | | | several health problems including colds, stress, corneal |
| size (the most prized dogs weigh around 2 lbs) and | | | | dryness, secondary glaucoma and gum problems. The |
| large, pointed ears. The Chihuahua's head is apple | | | | Chihuahua's delicate bones also make it susceptible to |
| shaped, larger than its body, and frames huge, dark | | | | bone fractures and other accidents. Some Chihuahuas |
| eyes. While most Chihuahuas are of the short haired | | | | are born with an unclosed section of skull much like |
| variety, there is also a long-haired Chihuahua which | | | | that of a human newborn. Sometimes these "soft |
| possesses the same characteristics as its short-haired | | | | spots" can remain open throughout the dog's life |
| counterpart, except for the hair. The Chihuahua comes | | | | making them vulnerable to head injury.Do not let the |
| in many colors including sand, fawn, silver, chestnut, | | | | Chihuahua's small size fool you. This breed is very |
| steel blue and black and tan.Chihuahuas are extremely | | | | hardy, robust and energetic and makes an ideal, loving |
| bright and lively. While Chihuahuas are very loving and | | | | companion. The ease and economical care of the |
| affectionate toward their owner, they tend to be a little | | | | Chihuahua also makes it a great choice. Perhaps these |
| jealous of other people and can also be aggressive | | | | are the reasons, and not the cute commercials, that |
| toward other dogs. Proper socialization can minimize | | | | makes the Chihuahua such a popular breed. |
| these personality traits. Overall, Chihuahuas are very | | | | |