The Chihuahua, also known as the New Yorker in Mexico, is a member of the toy dog breed group. They feature a short or long coat that comes in several colors. The breed is believed to have first appeared during the 9th century and companionship is the purpose they were first used for. They're still highly popular as companion dogs for small households or apartments nowadays. Characteristics like their tiny size and high sense of self importance are things they are recognized by. The breed is thought to have come from South America and their earlier ancestors are the native Techichi and several introduced breeds.

They're classed as a tiny sized breed. The standard male and female measurements are 6-9 inches high with a weight of under 6 pounds. They are famous for their lively, self-confident and devoted personality. The breed is typically suspicious towards people they haven't met before, but their tiny size makes them unsuitable as a protection dog. They rank 67th in comparison to every other dog when being trained to comprehend new instructions, and are not known to be very smart.

They are not highly suitable for a family pet, seeing as they are not the best with kids. They also don't combine well with animals like other dogs. Looking after their coat is a simple task. They require proper grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, and occasional brushing through their coat every two or three days. They like having a small yard that gives them room to run around, but can be suited to life in an apartment.

Like a good number of tiny sized dogs, they are predominantly long-lived with an expected life of 16-18 years. They can be vulnerable to low blood sugar, eye infections or dental issues, but their most worrying health risk is injury due to their size. Hobbies such as play sessions or running around a dog park will keep them entertained. They require short walks every day to prevent destructive behavior as a result of their medium to high amount of energy.

If you bring home the Chihuahua you should be ready to give them a lot of companionship and attention. They're an excellent option for a gentle owner that will give them plenty of companionship, but not the best option for families with young children. Perhaps the main reason dog lovers find this dog particularly appealing is that it can be one of the greatest companion dogs due to the fact it is among the longest living and most devoted breeds.