Chihuahua

The Chihuahua takes its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Most folk pronounce the name, "Chee wa wa." It is an ancient breed. Images of dogs that look like Chihuahuas have been found carved on stone in the Huejotzingo Monastery between Mexico City and Pueblo. It's possible that the monks kept dogs to keep rats away.



It is thought that the breed occurred naturally and was not the result of man deliberately trying to reduce the size of the dogs by selective breeding.



These pocket-sized dogs make great pets for small houses & small gardens. They can live in a flat and use a cat litter tray. They prefer to be indoors in cold weather. They can be carried around, but that is not good for a dog! Some children are too rough to play with such a tiny dog.



Small dogs can yap a lot, so it's important to let the dog get used to strangers and strange noises while young. It's sometimes the smallest dogs that kick up the most noise if an intruder comes!



Chihuahuas can have short, smooth coats, or long coats. They can be any colour, or mixed colours. The long-haired Chihuahua has a wavy coat with a mane around the neck. The hair on the tail is long and the tail is held high, curling proudly over his back. The short-haired Chihuahua is short-haired all over, and needs no grooming.



Weight: 2 to 6 pounds (2.7 kg or less.)



Height: 5 inches



Class: Toy