Chihuahua

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Mexico.

MOST SUITED AS - Family pet.

SIZE
The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog, weighing between 500 - 2,500g (1 - 5 1/21b).

COAT
There are long-coat and short-coat Chihuahu¬as. Their colours include black, white, blue, red, or wheaten, with or without dark or white markings.

CARE REQUIRED
The long-haired type should be groomed normally with brush and comb while the short haired ones should be groomed occasionally with a rubber brush. Administer eye-drops regularly to prevent "tear" stains, and check the teeth frequently for tartar, and to ensure with young dogs that new teeth are forming properly. Keep the claws trimmed.

CHARACTER
They are intelligent, brave little dogs but sometimes they are too brave for their own good. They can be stubborn, and can also be sensitive, and playful. Chihuahuas usually bond with one person.

TRAINING
Because these little dogs can do little damage, they are usually not trained. This is a shame because the Chihuahua is an eager pupil. They are a true dog, regardless they are smaller than the average cat.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Chihuahuas are sociable animals so that living together with dogs and cats does not usually cause any difficulty. Do not forget that they are so small that they can easily be trampled underfoot by larger dogs. They are not suitable for small children who will tend to regard the dog as a toy.

EXERCISE
Because these dogs are so small, they usually get sufficient exercise indoors. If taught to do so, they can use a cat litter tray for their toilet. They feel the cold, damp and draughts, and a small coat is not an unnecessary luxury for them in wet weather.

GENERAL
The Chihuahua is a perfect choice for people who do not have much space in their home. You can easily take them with you everywhere and the cost of feeding will not break the budget. Their poops, are small, if shoveling poop is not your thing, then you have found your dog. It is a shame that this animated little creature is regarded as a toy as they are in every way, real dogs.