Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Legend abounds with fabulous stories regarding the history of the Chihuahua. Exotic tales include those of single families keeping upwards of a thousand dogs (each with his own slave!), cremating them with their masters as a guarantee of eternal life, offering Chihuahuas as sacrificial food to the Aztec gods etc.

What is known is that the breed was named after Chihuahua, the Mexican state where it was discovered in the late nineteenth century The world's smallest dog, the Chihuahua is also one of the most popular. Is it any wonder when you consider that he is so portable, cheap to feed, easy to groom, requires such a small amount of room, as well as needing so little exercise! Add to that the fact that he is very clean in his habits and has no doggie odour, plus being fiercely protective and ultra alert means you have a built-in family watchdog.

He is very devoted to his owner but is intimidated by young children or rough games. Taken all round, the "Chi" is a graceful, alert, swift moving little dog with a saucy expression. The Smooth Coat Chihuahua, as his name suggests, possesses a smooth close, glossy soft textured coat which can be of any colour t may be nervous with strangers, and is good with older children provided they do no use any rough-house tactics.

Ideal Size: Less than 2.7 kg.