| The world's smallest breed of dog is the | | | | blue, silver and chocolate. A Chihuahua can |
| Chihuahua. It is a mystery of how this little | | | | also be tricolored with three or more |
| but forceful breed of dog originated. Many | | | | markings present in their coat. The Chihuahua |
| experts have suggested that the Chihuahua | | | | has a long and soft coat that has a slight |
| came to America with the Spanish armies of | | | | curl to the ends. The American Kennel Club |
| Hernando Corte around the year 1519. Other | | | | recognizes two different varieties of |
| experts believe that the Chihuahua has been | | | | Chihuahuas. These two varieties are the |
| around since the ninth century. These experts | | | | long-coat and the smooth-coat Chihuahua. Many |
| believe that the Chihuahua was bred by the | | | | smooth-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair. |
| Toltecs of Mexico. This type of dog received | | | | |
| its name from the state of Chihuahua in | | | | A Chihuahua requires very little grooming. |
| Mexico. | | | | One important thing to know before purchasing |
| | | | a Chihuahua is that this type of dog is not |
| The Chihuahua only reaches a height of six | | | | good around children or with other pets. This |
| inches and weighs a maximum of two to six | | | | type of dog makes a great companion to an |
| pounds. The most valued Chihuahuas weigh just | | | | adult and is best kept indoors. The Chihuahua |
| a little over two pounds. A Chihuahua has | | | | is considered to be a toy breed. The life |
| many different colors in their coats. These | | | | expectancy of the Chihuahua is around |
| colors include: black, white, tan, spotted, | | | | fourteen years. |