Before you decide of taking this toy breed home, you should know first its characteristics and other facts about Chihuahuas.

• Chihuahua was discovered in 1850 at Chihuahua, Mexico, thus named Chihuahua after its place of origin.

• They are the smallest breed of dog in the world and classified as toy breed.

• There are two types of hair in Chihuahuas, long-haired and short-haired or smooth coat. Though called smooth coat, short hair is not as smooth as long hair. In fact, long-haired Chihuahuas are smoother compared to short-haired Chihuahuas. Long-haired Chihuahuas shed less and need less grooming and trimming.

• These small creatures compensate their size with devotion, ferocity and personality. Their size makes them ideal for apartments. But even if they are considered toy breed, they are not well-suited to small children because of their size and tendency to bite when frightened.

• They prefer the companionship of other Chihuahuas than other breeds.

• Chihuahuas are prone to jawbone disorders, eye problems, heart disease and tooth and gum complaints. They are also susceptible to epilepsy seizures, hydrocephalus, patellar luxation, hemophilia and cystinuria.

• Chihuahuas can live up to 16 years depending on its health condition and care of its owner.

• They are born with incomplete skull; this soft spot is called moleras. This soft spot fill in with age and needs great care to prevent injuries and damage. However, it should not be mistaken with hydrocephalus.

• They should be bathed even at least once a month to prevent unpleasant odor from developing. Make sure that the water will not get into their ears to prevent infection. Place cotton balls into your dog's ear to make sure the water will not get into its ear. Just don't push it too far to avoid pain and irritation. Trimming of nails is recommended also at least once a month.

• Give several small meals instead of one big meal a day. Avoid giving canned foods because Chihuahuas find this type of food hard to digest and may cause diarrhea. Dry food or a mixture of dry and canned will do. Moreover, dry food is good for your dog's dental care. And don't forget the foods nutritional value.

• They don't need much exercise but they will surely enjoy taking walks with you. Toys should also be provided to make their minds busy.