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Dogs |
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Top 10 Most Popular breeds: |
(*As registered at the Kennel Club 2003)
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Chihuahua |   | | Category:
Origin:
Other Names: | Toy
Mexico
| | Ownership
Considerations
Size:
lifespan:
Living Area:
Exercise:
Grooming: |
Small
14-18 years
Any
Low
Medium |
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The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog and is named for the Chihuahua region in Mexico.
Despite appearances, these dogs are swift-moving and are not intimidated by larger dogs. There outgoing, spirited and intelligent personality makes them wonderful houseold companions. They are neither snappy or withdrawn and make good watchdogs.
Prized for their personality and loyalty, they are thought to be descendants of an ancient, similar, but slightly larger breed associated with royalty in Aztec civilizations known as the Techichi. They are the oldest canine breed in North America.
Because of their size, common high- strung temperament and physical fragility, they are not well- suited as children's pets and require expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. They are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as seizure disorders and patella luxation. They are also known for their moleras. However, their loyalty, alertness, intelligence and size makes them easily adaptable to a variety of environments including the city and small apartments and make for usually long lifetimes of 15 years or more of loving companionship.
The Chihuahua comes in a 'smooth coat' (shown above) and 'long coat' both of which are recognised by the UK Kennel Club. They are recognised as two separate breeds, although interestingly they can both exist in same litter. The long coat variety is believed to have evolved in the USA by crossing the smooth coat with other toy breeds. The Long Coated Chihuahua requires frequent grooming.
Courtesy of: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ | |
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