Chihuahua

Breed Type: Toy

Weight: 6 lbs

Height: 6 to 9 inches

Coat type: Have both short haired and long haired coat.

Color: Available in all colors.

The smallest breed of dog in the world, Chihuahua is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. The canine loves company and is happy being the center of a discussion. The dog is intelligent and responsive and can be trained a number of tricks. Chihuahuas are long lived and often live for 16 years. The breed has also become a part of a popular crossbreed in the United States in the form of Chihuachshund i.e. pairing of a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. Another unusual crossbreed is called the Chihueagle, a pairing of the Chihuahua and the Beagle. In the following lines, we have provided the history, appearance and personality of Chihuahua.

History
According to folklore and archeological records, Chihuahua seems to have originated from Mexico. The breed descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favoured by the Toltecs. Named after the Mexican State that borders Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, Chihuahua was found in 1850 in old ruins near Casas Grandes. These were thought to be the ruins of the palace built by Emperor Montezuma I.

The initial Chihuahua was longhaired and mute and was considered sacred by the wealthy and clergy class. The modern breed of Chihuahua was developed by breeding it with miniaturized Chinese dogs. The tiny modern day Chihuahua has gone through many changes and become very popular since their discovery. Though the smooth coated variety is most recognized, the long-coat variety is increasing both in terms of number and popularity.

Appearance
Chihuahua has distinctive features, which makes it stand out even in the crowd of canines. The trademark feature is its triangular shaped ear that stands out erect. Chihuahua has an apple-shaped head with round, large, very dark eyes and a short muzzle. A tiny dog, it usually has a cobby (stout) body that is more in terms of length than height. Its tail is sickle-shaped curled over the back or to the side. During the first few years, the puppies have a soft spot or 'molera' on the top of the skull. However, with time and age, the canine gets into a robust built with a level back and legs that fall straight and square. The coat has either short hairs or long ones and is available in variety of colors including fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, black & tan and bi-color.

Personality
This tiny cute dog breed is just adorable. Most loved by the kids, Chihuahua makes a great companion dog. Intelligent and oblivious to their size and capability, they are sometimes too brave. They can live well with other dogs and cats and serve as toys for smaller children. Generally speaking, they form close bonds with one person only. Chihuahua becomes intensely loyal and extremely attached to its owners. The canines should be well trained right from a tender age else they might get to dominant later. These dogs are eager to learn but usually people don't train them, as they are very small in size. While some may prove to be slightly difficult to train, the others are intelligent, learn quickly and respond well to proper, positive reinforcement training.