CHIHUAHUA

As its name indicates, this breed is native to Chihuahua, the largest state in the Mexican Republic. It seems that its origin was a savage dog that was domesticated during the Tolteca Empire, as decorative figurines found in temples in the Tula area show. During the late XIX century, American breeders were interested in hunting and began massive breeding that spread to almost every country in the world.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the CHIHUAHUA
Naturally its main trait is its size, it is considered the smallest dog in the world, which is easily understood if we mention its height, from 16 to 20 cm and its weight, which with 1.5 kg is considered ideal. There are two varieties, which are only told apart by the fur’s length. The short hair is dense and much attached to the body; the long hair has a silky and fine texture, which can be slightly wavy or completely straight. In both cases, every color is admitted, although the most common is tawny. The Chihuahua has a pointy muzzle, large and erect ears, shaped in an inverted V and large, slightly bulgy eyes, with an expressive gaze.

They are extremely affectionate to the owners, but they don’t like to be approached and much less touched: strangers can be bitten every now and then.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the CHIHUAHUA
It is brave to the point of boldness, playful, quite noisy and always attentive to any suspicious noise. It doesn’t get along with other animals nor is it patient with children, especially if they are mischievous, but it loves its master and devotes deep loyalty. Although it can be well educated, the largest difficulty is teaching it to not be gruff when something bothers it.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a CHIHUAHUA
The short hair variety doesn’t require hygiene care, unlike the long haired, which needs two or three brushings per week. It is quite fussy about food, for which it should be provided with a balanced diet and not yield to its whims. We should be very careful of not stepping on this animal. Due to its minuscule size, it has often suffered serious domestic accidents, even death, at the expense of someone’s neglect or an unfortunate stomp.