Chihuahua 
The
Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and was named after the
state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Chihuahuas are graceful, alert, swift-moving
little dogs with saucy expressions.
There are two distinct breed types -- one with a long coat of soft texture, the
other with a short coat. Identical
otherwise, both can be whelped in the same litter. Adored for their small size, the Chihuahua is a bright-eyed,
dainty dog who is perfect for apartment living. Most breeders recommend adopting a Chihuahua puppy between the
ages of 4 - 12 months as they will be more mature and agile and not so apt for
injury.
Height: 6 - 9 inches
Weight: 2 - 6 lbs.
Colors: Any color or mixture.
Coat: Long: Long, soft to touch, slight waviness is permissible. Short: Short, dense, soft to
touch.
Temperament: Chihuahuas are bold, playful
With Children: Yes, If children are gentle.
With Pets: Yes, lives happily with others.
Special Skills: Family pet.
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Very Low
Care and Training: Short haired Chihuahua should
be brushed gently or wiped with a damp cloth. The long haired Chihuahua should
be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush. Bathe only when necessary. Check
ears regularly and keep nails trimmed. Should be socialized early. Minimal
exercise is required for both variety of Chihuahuas.
Learning Rate: High
Activity: Moderate
Living Environment: Must live indoors, but enjoys
outdoor activity
Health Issues: Eye problems, collapsing
trachea and dislocating kneecaps.
Life Span: Well into teen years
Litter Size: 1 - 4
Country of Origin: Mexico
History: Discovered in Mexico about 100
years ago. The true origins of their ancestors is still a mystery. It is said
they were bred from the small dogs know among the Toltecs of Mexico in the
ninth century. Others believed the Chihuahua was the sacred dog of the
Aztecs and thirdly there is a possibility they may have existed in Egypt some
3,000 years ago.
First Registered by the AKC: 1904
AKC Group: Toy
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC
(GB)
Information
taken from http://www.puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/chihuahu.htm