Chihuahuas, Tinest Pet

Country of Origin: The Chihuahua (affectionately called 'Chi') may descend either from tiny, hairless Chinese dogs or the South American 'Techichi', a favored pet which was buried with the deceased in the hope they would lead the way to the afterlife. Modern Chihuahuas hail from Chihuahua, Mexico. They are the smallest dog breed and the oldest North American breed. They rocketed to popularity in the U.S when famous Latin musician Xavier Cugat made a Chihuahua his constant public companion, and remain extremely popular to this day. Famous Chihuahuas include the Taco Bell Chihuahua, Ren from 'Ren and Stimpy', and Ducky, the 2007 ‘Guinness Book of World Records’ winner for ‘World's Smallest Living Dog’.
Size: The Chihuahua has a shoulder height of 15-23 cm (6-9 in) and weighs 1-3 kg (2-5.5 lbs). Chihuahuas have an apple shaped head with a short, pointy muzzle, large erect ears, and tiny feet. The tail may curve over the back or side.
Coat: The Chihuahua can have a long or short coat. A variety of colors are acceptable, including sand, chocolate, silver, chestnut, and blue. A variety of patterns including sable and masks are also possible. The variety of possibilities makes classification difficult.
Character: Chihuahuas are intelligent, graceful, and sometimes too brave for their own good. They usually bond with only one person and become highly devoted, frequently kissing the owner's face (with or without approval). The Chihuahua is reserved around strangers, and may attempt to defend their owner, usually with little effect. Chihuahuas are tenacious, proud, and very energetic.
Temperament: Chihuahuas can usually live with other dogs and cats without problem. They get along particularly well with other Chihuahuas. It is important to socialize the Chihuahua as a puppy to prevent overt aggressiveness. Small children may regard the Chihuahua as a toy, and their teasing can cause it to snap or bite. It is preferable not to leave the Chihuahua with children under the age of 12, unless they are well taught or supervised.
Care: Chihuahuas require regular grooming with a brush and comb for their long coat. The Chihuahua’s claws must be kept trimmed, and its teeth must be checked frequently for tartar buildup. Chihuahuas get cold easily and should be kept in a warm environment. The small nose may cause wheezing or snoring. The Chihuahua should not be overfed. There is typically a soft spot on the top of the skull; this is normal and is usually closed by adulthood. The Chihuahua has a long life span at 14-18 years.
Training: Although they are usually not trained because of their small size, Chihuahuas are eager to learn. The Chihuahua may require patience and effort to housebreak; for this reason they are sometimes only paper trained.
Activity: Chihuahuas can usually get all the exercise they need by running around indoors. If the dog becomes overweight it should be allowed to walk rather than carried from room to room. Chihuahuas may be taken for short walks but are not safe outdoors, unless on leash with the owner, although they love it.
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A Chihuahua, Therapy Dog for Empty Nest Syndrome

A Chihuahua:  Meet Poochie!

My Chihuahua, Poochie, is not just a pet but a little angel with a heart and soul deeper and more loyal than most people I know. Her devotion to me is exceptional.
When my kids were teenagers she would not allow them to sneak up on me from the back when I was on the computer. She always had a barking fit or should I say alarm to warn me. I always thought it rather funny, her protection of me from the teenagers, but sometimes I appreciated the warning.
When our teens started leaving home, and sometimes rudely, Poochie was there to help a grieving Mom through her empty nest syndrome.

My husband and I had always been very close to  our kids, and tried hard to be close to our teens. (If you have teens, you know it is not always easy.) As they swiftly left home, and we have five, we grieved each one. We wouldn't have felt so sad, if we knew, slowing, some would return.
But during that time period when I was feeling so sad and lost. Poochie was always right there giving me all the love she could muster. Anytime, I felt down, she was there. She knew my feelings, and ups and downs, almost before I did, and she was there. She was always cuddling up to me, looking at me with her huge brown eyes, as if to say, "I will never leave you! I will always be here for you! I am devotedly yours!"
About Me. The MOM, Mom of Many

I am the adopted Mom of four kids and the extra Mom of my husbands cousin's daughter. So for a little while, we had the delight of having five teenagers or close, running around in our house. Most are off to other adventures now. So when Poochie was feeling protective of me, we had a house full. For a 2 and 1/2 lb. dog, that was a lot of courage, to keep up with them.

Where we got our little 2 1/2 lb. Chihuahua!

We owned Poochie's mother, so I was the first person in her life as I was the one that helped with the birth. With dogs it is called "whelping" when the pups are born. So Poochie was mine from the very beginning of her life. She loves my husband and the kids but she always makes it plain that I am hers.
How we came up with her name?
  My husband started calling this little puppy, Chihuahua, "Poochie" as I was debating other names like "Fawna", etc. The name just stuck.
He tried to reverse it to Chipoo, but now that is a new designer breed. not a Chihuahua. So Poochie was best.