Chihuahuas are the smallest registered breed of dog, they originate from Mexico and were of great importance to many of the Indians but particularly to the Aztecs. Many carvings, engravings and statues are to be found all over Mexico as well as skeletons of the dogs in tombs.http://www.chihuahuasforsale.com.au/history.html

In the late 1800's many chihuahuas were bought by American tourists from the Indians and taken home.They soon became popular in the United States. Mr James Watson, a well-known American judge and author of The Dog Book mentions them as early as in 1888. He describes them as small, smooth -coated terriers with a molera and a flat tail. A molera is a small gap in the skull which does not grow together completely. The chihuahua is the only breed that has this idiosyncrasy. Chihuahuas, Hilary Harmer, Foyles Handbookshttp://www.chihuahuasforsale.com.au/chihuahua-caring.html

There have been many famous people who owned chihuahuas, including the Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Paris Hilton.http://www.who2.com/haileselassie.html www.kwintessential.co.uk/.../Paris-Hilton-Chihuahua/2528

In contrast to their size, typically weighing around 2.5 to 3 kilos, chihuahuas have a huge personality! They are most affectionate, alert and highly intelligent. Baring accident and ill health they can live to be 15 years of age, although it is possible for them to live even longer.

Because of their size,they are NOT the best pet to have in a household where there are small children, whilst being very good natured little creatures, they are simply not robust enough to tolerate being pulled around. Additionally, care must be taken that they do not jump down from a high surface, in case they injure their legs or joints. Chihuahuas are notorious climbers, brave and fearless, sometimes to the point of being foolhardy! This also can be a problem with other dogs, so care should be taken when out on the lead if they meet larger breeds, so if in doubt,pick him up! Chihuahuas are happiest associating with their own kind, they can play and socialise to their hearts content usually without incident!

It is best to use a harness for a chihuahua, their windpipes are very small and if they pull hard on a collar it can have disastrous results. This is not intended to put anyone off having one or more as a pet, it is really just down to common sense and realizing that this breed is not in the same category as for instance, a Labrador. That said, it can be a great advantage having such a small dog as a pet, it is possible to take a chihuahua places where it would be impossible to take a larger dog, they arouse comment and will make friends for their owner.

As with any other breed it is a good idea to socialize them from an early age and don't be tempted to spoil them to much although they can never be given too much love. If in doubt the local veterinary surgeon will be able to advise on the best diet for the pet and a few treats will do no harm, but as with other breeds of dog,do not give him chocolate for humans,onion, grapes or dried fruit. All of these are poisonous to dogs and never, ever, give a chihuahua chicken bones.

As a guide, two meals a day are sufficient for an adult dog and 3 to 4 for puppies. This can be all dry food or one meal of meat, tinned or fresh cooked and the other dry food. Chihuahuas don't have the best teeth in the dog world so feeding them a good quality dry food can be very helpful to keep them clean.

Some puppies and dogs can become very naughty over their meals if they are allowed to, they like nothing better than to be made a fuss of.Their owner says: 'Little Chico will eat nothing but steak and that only if fed by hand'. Put a stop to this nonsense immediately. Feeding a dog by hand is completely unnecessary and as regards feeding him steak, remember that half the world is starving.

As with other small breeds, chihuahuas can be prone to heart problems, when buying one, deal with a reputable breeder and ask about her dogs health history. As mentioned before this breed does not have the best teeth in the dog world, give them special chews to clean their teeth and if you can, clean their teeth with a baby toothbrush.

They can sometimes suffer from dry skin resulting in a poor lack-lustre coat. A couple of small drops of cod-liver oil given on their food will usually cure this, it's also very good for their bones and joints. Because chihuahuas are a naturally small breed, not bred down in size from any other, they tend to be quite sound healthy dogs.

Smoothcoats do tend to feel the cold so a cosy bed is very important, he will share his owners bed if he gets his way and it's not a bad idea if he's the only one. They also love to burrow in a soft blanket. It's a good idea to buy a winter coat for him, there is a wide range to choose from these days, but as long as it's warm it doesn't matter what style it is.http://lowongankerjabaru.net/search/chihuahualovers

Because of their size and wonderful loving personality, chihuahuas make ideal visiting pets for the elderly living in retirement homes.They have the ability to brighten the day for almost anyone!