The true origin of the Chihuahua is shrouded in mystery although it is widely accepted that they were the temple dogs of the Aztecs, who lived in what we now know as Mexico. It takes its name from a small state in Mexico, which is Chihuahua. Certainly, Mexico is proud to claim it as their breed and for years, it was known commonly as the Mexican Chihuahua worldwide.

Legend has it that the Chihuahua dog was revered for its ability to guard against ailments of the chest and throat. It was believed to be able to lead its dead master safely through the nine lands of the underworld and to guide the master's soul to heaven.

A blue Chihuahua was the most highly prized and is still very valued today. Perhaps because blue is the colour of the sky. The breed first arrived in Australia in 1954 but few were bred. They were first shown in Australia in 1956 in Victoria.

Chihuahuas are small compact little dogs weighing as little as one pound as much as six pounds. They are the smallest breed of dog in the world. They have an apple-domed skull large round eyes and large flaring ears. The Chihuahua has a flat furry tail and come in both smooth coat and long coat varieties. The muzzle is moderately short and the body slightly longer than the height at the shoulder. The tail is carried up and over the back. Both the smooth coat and long coat may have undercoat.

Either variety can be efficiently groomed in 10 minutes each day. Over bathing can cause skin irritations. Their nails do require cutting fairly often as they grow long and curved and if not tended to will twist the toes and eventually grow into the skin.

The Chihuahua comes in any colour or combination of colours and may be solid or splashed.

Chihuahuas are easy to care for in small homes or apartments but must have good fences around their yard.

This is a very intelligent breed, which thrives on company either yours or another Chihuahuas. They can be possessive and need to be treated gently but firmly. They are clean dogs and are easily trained provided you are consistent and allow them free access to the yard. They love sunshine and play and are a very high-energy dog. They have a cheeky personality, are not nervous or snappy if bred properly, raised, and trained carefully with love. They are excellent watchdogs and will bark if there is something to bark at. Incessant barking for no reason is a sign of boredom, as is destructiveness. The well-known Chihuahua "Shiver" is an idiosyncrasy of the breed and does not necessarily mean that they are cold or nervous as most people assume. The equally well-known Chihuahua cough or choking sound is another breed idiosyncrasy and is generally nothing to worry about.

Raising a Chihuahua

Your Chihuahua is just like a new baby in your home. You need to form a routine in the same way as you would with a new human baby.... regular mealtime, sleeping times, toilet times and playtime or cuddle times. Children are usually attracted to Chihuahuas because of their tiny size and pretty faces but children can be careless when playing with or around a Chihuahua and can accidentally injure their tiny bones and ligaments. Chihuahuas should never be teased, roughly handled or smacked, if they need to be reprimanded a harsh voice is all that is needed.

A Chihuahua should not be left outside at night so make sure that the whole family are prepared and happy to have a dog in the house most of the time. They are a very loyal little dog and are very protective of their "people" often not wanting to share you or your home even with your visitors. In fact they will try hard to protect you and yours, from all, despite their tiny size.

Given the right care and attention your Chihuahua could live well in excess of ten years, consider this if you are elderly, and make provisions for the little companion's future.

The Household Pet Chihuahua

Your home will need to be safe for your Chihuahua in the same way as for infants. Watch for power leads, poisons, open doors, gates, high verandahs, steps, low fences, damaged fences, traffic, poisonous plants, and household or workshop chemicals.

Because of it's tiny size it cannot be too strongly stressed that your pet Chihuahua be desexed as soon as practicable. You must realise that the average dog in the street will easily kill your Chihuahua wandering about outside, whether it is a little bitch in season or a little dog following a bitch in season.

The Chihuahua will tend to lose some coat throughout the whole year but daily brushing will prevent this problem on the furniture. They are clean in their toilet habits and prefer to toilet as far away from the house as they can, so make sure they have yard access or are put out at regular times and just before going to bed at night.

Chihuahuas are real dogs and will maintain better health if fed on commercial dog food. They are only fussy eaters if they are allowed to be.

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