About The Chihuahua Breed 

If you are looking for a spunky companion that is extroverted yet content to lie quietly in your lap or by your side while you watch a late-night movie, then a Chihuahua just might be who you are looking for!  This small companion has a small appetite, requires little space and doesn't need to be taken out every day for exercise.  It is the smallest recognized breed of dog in the world.  Not just small, but all natural!  The Chihuahua is the only "natural" toy breed which means it is the only small dog not bred down from larger versions of the same breed.

Despite being called a 'toy' dog, the Chihuahua is hardier than you might think.  In fact, it is the longest-lived breed!   Chihuahuas are known to live a high quality of life well into their teens.  Most live to 16 years of age and some pass 20.  The Chihuahua is loyal, eager to please and highly trainable.  It tends to have fewer health issues then any other toy breeds. Chihuahuas are indoor dogs, ideal for apartment living and for the elderly or physically challenged.  These dogs are energetic and playful, yet they can easily get all the exercise they need each day from just playing with some toys or roaming the house.  They thrive on copious amounts of attention and  human contact.  Nevertheless, since they are so small, precautions must be taken.  They can be seriously injured or killed by being stepped on, sat on or squeezed too hard and do best in households with children over 10 years of age.

When it comes to Chihuahuas, you can expect a whole lotta shakin' goin' on!  Shivering is a normal characteristic of this breed.  Chihuahuas shiver when they are excited, apprehensive, discontent or frightened-not just when they are cold.   One way to combat this is to build a strong level of trust.  Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog that tends to prefer the company of humans to that of other dogs.  If you spend time with your Chi, take care of it and properly house your dog, it will tend to shake less.

There is no such thing as a "Tea Cup" Chihuahua.  Breeders may want to call their "special" little dogs "tea cups" which will grow to be 3 pounds or under fully grown.  This is not healthy. These dogs will not form appropriately and will most likely have a myriad of problems.  Chihuahuas should optimally be 4-6 pounds when fully grown.

Overall, this is a hardy, extroverted, long-lived companion who will make a fantastic family member!

The Adoption Counselors of Ay Chihuahua Rescue encourage you to consider this life-long commitment carefully before entering into the adoption process.  We are here to help you make informed decisions and welcome your questions!

VIDEO
To learn more about this breed you might enjoy this link provided by Discovery.com

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dogs-101-chihuahua.html

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