Chihuahua
Country: Mexique Life expectancy: 12 -- 15 years old Height: 15 cm females / 20 cm males Weight: 1.8 kg females / 2.7 kg males
History, origin & features
The Chihuahua is an extremely popular dog breed. The world's smallest dog originates from Mexico's largest province, from which it takes its name.
It is thought to have been domesticated during the Toltec civilization, and numerous representations of dogs bearing a striking resemblance to the Chihuahua have been unearthed by archaeological digs in Central America. The Chihuahua is first and foremost a companion dog. It is renowned for its strong character, lively, alert, very energetic and active. These little dogs are also bold and reckless, and fear no bigger than they are.
They present no difficulty in training, and will be just as happy in an apartment as in a house, as long as they are taken out every day and looked after. It retains all the characteristics of a domestic dog, and will need as much attention as any other dog (exercise, running, playing, etc.). Chihuahuas are compact, with large, erect ears and a medium-length tail that is carried high and curved. The coat can be short (lying close to the body) or long (fine and silky, slightly wavy). All shades and colors of coat are available.
Its head is apple-shaped, with erect ears, a fairly short muzzle and a well-defined stop.