Chihuahuas are one of the longest living dog breeds. They are the smallest toy breed, weighing 6 pounds or less. Chihuahuas are extremely loyal and loving and will become very attached to one or two of their human family members, as they prefer the company of humans to that of other dogs. Being the smallest dogs in the world, they seem to be completely unaware of their tiny stature. Named after the state of Chihuahua, located in northern Mexico, American travelers to Mexico started bringing them back to the United States.

Chihuahuas have two coat varieties: long and fluffy or short and smooth.

Short haired chihuahuas require the least amount of grooming. Really, all they need is a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a weekly brushing. Short haired chihuahuas are the most common out of the two breed types. They love to snuggle under a blanket, during the coldest months, and require a sweater or warm jacket, when out and about.

As with any other long haired dog, grooming is very important to keep your long haired chihuahua happy and healthy. To keep them free of tangles and mats, a daily brushing is recommended.

Being one of America's few native dog breeds, they are the smallest dogs, and well-known for their gracefulness, agility and alertness. Chihuahuas are always ecstatic to greet their owners, with plenty of kisses and lots of tail wagging, when you get home. If you want to give your chihuahua a companion, they prefer the company of other chihuahuas.

Chihuahuas are not the best breed for small children. They tend to bite when frightened or teased and their temperament is not the greatest. As they are tiny in structure, their bones can break very easily. Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog to be born with an incomplete skull, therefore, making them very fragile to the touch.

Julie loves pets, in general, especially dogs. She realizes that chihuahuas need special care in the winter months, to keep warm. Check out her website for chihuahua sweaters and other small dog clothes that are available online.

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	Chihuahuas (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) List Price: $11.95 Sale Price: $4.08 Used From: $0.58
Learn more about the specific needs of Chihuahuas, including the best diet options and maintenance routine for this compact-sized breed.

	Pet Parade Dog Repeller and Training Aid List Price: $24.98 Sale Price: $10.30 Used From: $10.99
Eliminates barking and annoying behavior by emitting a piercing ultrasonic tone that pets hate, but humans can barely hear. Stop dogs from jumping, barking and biting.

Written by Julie R. Decker using tags: animals, chihuahua, chihuahuas, Dogs, Home, Pets