Chihuahua

Fact: The Chihuahua is the smallest and longest lived breed of dog, and is named for the Chihuahua region in Mexico.

Country of origin: Spain/China

Temperament

Chihuahuas are valued for their devotion and great personality. Their alertness, intelligence and size makes them easily adaptable to different environments, including cities ,apartments and they often live for fifteen years or more. They are not suitable as small children's pets because of their size and physical fragility. Chihuahuas seem to have no concept of their own size, and may fearlessly confront larger animals, which can sometimes result in injuries.

 

Appearance

Chihuahuas are best known for their small size and large ears.Breed standards for this dog do not specify a height, only a weight and a description of their overall proportions. As a result, height varies more than within many other breeds. Chihuahuas come in many colors, from solid blacks to solid whites, spotted, or a variety of other colors like fawn (tan), chocolate, blue (gray), silver, tricolored (chocolate, blue, or black with tan and white markings.

Health

This breed requires expert veterinary attention throughout its live, in areas such as birthing and dental care. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones such as epilepsy and seizure disorders. Chihuahuas are also prone to eye infections due to their large, round, protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance. They are also known for their moleras,which is a soft spot in their skulls. Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull.