Chihuahua

As the sacred dogs of the Aztecs, my ancient ancestors were sometimes sacrificed to their Aztec gods -- or consumed ceremonially. What an honor! Luckily, in subsequent centuries, a pet Chihuahua was thought to bring good fortune to a home and we've been there ever since. We were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903, and come in two fur lengths: Smooth Coat (practically naked) and Long Coat (long and wavy). Neither of us tolerates cold temperatures (it was so nice back in Chihuahua, Mexico) so a Size XXX-small coat might help on those frigid winter walks.

• Adaptable to apartment life -- with ample exercise
• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Always alert
• Confident and self-assured
• Courageous canine
• Energizer doggie

• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Owner/family-oriented
• Perfect protector
• Playful pal
• Socialization and training must start early
• Spirited
• Training must be firm, patient, consistent
• Wary of strangers
• Willing watchdog

Please start my obedience training early (little dogs mature faster than those big sized pups) and be sure to socialize me to the variety of people and animals in my exciting adventure of a life. And if those people include the children type, please socialize and sensitize them to me, as well. Chihuahuas are not cartoon action figures or battery-operated toys. We're genuine dogs with feelings. And teeth.

Watch for possible hydrocephalus (water on the brain), pulmonary stenosis, dislocated shoulders and kneecaps, hypoglycemia, eye disorders, and tracheal collapse (use harness, not collars, when walking this breed).