Chihuahua

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN: 12-14 years

AVERAGE SIZE OF ADULT: Very Small

SOCIABILITY: High

GROOMING NEEDS: Medium

EXERCISE NEEDS: Low

The Chihuahua is a member of the toy group of dog breeds. He is the smallest dog breed and takes his name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. A Chihuahua called Milly who lives in Puerto Rico is believed to be the world’s smallest dog at just 3.8 inches high.

As a breed the Chihuahua’s popularity has grown in recent years as he has become the unfortunate focus of the ‘handbag dog’ trend. Popular with young girls looking to their dog as a fashion accessory, Chihuahuas are often the pet of choice as they are small enough to take anywhere.

They come in a variety of colours from cream to black and tan or brown. There are two varieties, the smooth coat and the long coat. Chihuahuas are quite bold characters and will bark at strangers approaching.

They are not suitable for young children as they can become snappy and aggressive, being quite sensitive soles. Chihuahuas may be small but what they lack in size they make up for in personality. They are particularly suited to being owned by elderly people as they enjoy sitting on their owner’s lap all day and need very little exercise.

Chihuahuas can even be trained to use a litter tray like a cat but this should not mean they are not exercised outside as, like all dogs, they still need a certain amount of time to run around outdoors and to play, in order to remain happy and content. They can be picky eaters and have a life span of up to 12 years.