Chihuahua
A small Mexican with a warm heart, the Chihuahua is among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the world and is arguably one of the most popular in our community. You'll find it to be the perfect friend, companion, and even protector.
The Chihuahua is a toy dog breed and truly does resemble a small stuffed toy. Its size is astonishing: it stands no more than 23 cm tall and weighs 3 kg. You could literally put it in your pocket (and it wouldn't mind!). However, in all other respects, the breed's appearance can vary significantly.
Smooth-haired and long-haired Chihuahuas exist, although the latter were not included in the FCI (International Cynological Federation) standard for quite some time. The color can be absolutely anything, except perhaps merle. The same applies to the tail shape, which can be set high and crescent-shaped, or curled, although the latter is considered a fault and will disqualify your pet from shows.
According to a recently confirmed theory, Chihuahuas descend from the now-extinct Techichi dog breed, which lived in what is now Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica.
It was only in the 19th century that the familiar decorative dogs appeared on the scene, offered as souvenirs by Mexican traders to tourists from the United States. At that time, they were called by the place of purchase, for example, "Arizona dog," but later the name Chihuahua (in Russian, Chihuahua) stuck, after one of the Mexican states.
An interesting story connects this breed with the USSR. The first two dogs were donated by N.S. Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro himself presented Khrushchev with a gift as a sign of friendship between the two nations. Later, the Khrushchev family gave Mishter and Mushinka to the renowned breeder Evgenia Zharova, the creator of the Russian Toy Terrier, whose efforts led to the emergence of this breed's own pedigrees in our country.
Despite their modest size, the Chihuahua possesses a true lion within. Apparently remembering the Techichi's heritage, representatives of this breed are ready to rush to defend their territory even against opponents many times their size. This is no exaggeration: when threatened, the Chihuahua completely loses its instinct for self-preservation. While this courageous pet is unlikely to cause serious harm to an adversary, its loud bark is quite capable of frightening a few burglars. But when there is no threat nearby, the Chihuahua regains its inner calm and becomes very quiet and docile, only occasionally expressing discontent or jealousy.
Chihuahuas love to create their own hideouts out of T-shirts, blankets, scarves—basically, anything that accidentally falls on the floor. They enjoy the silence in their fortress, but as soon as they crave attention, they'll immediately make themselves known and will follow their owner around, watching them just as humans watch animals.
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