The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog and its history is shrouded in mystery. Some believe that it originated in Asia, others that it came from Europe. But no matter where the breed got its start, it really is a dog of Mexico. Figurines found in Chi-Chen-Itza, Colima, and other ruined cities of the South American continent are very much like the present day Chihuahua. This coupled with the fact that in several Mayan dialects "chi" means dog, would seem to place the ancestors of the Chihuahua in the Mayan period.

There are two types of Chihuahua:
The Smooth Coat – featuring a soft, glossy coat that is placed well over the body with a ruff on neck.
The Long Coat – featuring a flat or sometimes slightly curly coat and a long, full tail.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

This small and feisty little dog will often live up to 12 years of age, but Chihuahuas can live up to 15 years of age if cared for with the correct nutrition.

AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT

15cm - 20cm
2kg - 3kg

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Chihuahua is a great little companion dog that is just as content to exercise itself in the back yard as it is to take a long, spritely walk. Despite their size, these happy dogs are ‘blessed’ with a surprisingly loud bark and thrive on human company.

[ Long Haired Puppy ]

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Chihuahua is truly a companion animal and therefore thrives on the company of other animals. It will stand up for itself, but if you do have big dogs in the home it is best to keep an eye on this little dog while it is playing with them just to make sure all is well.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Minimal care requirements exist with this breed, but it is an active little dog and should be fed and cared for accordingly. It requires an amount of regular exercise or will tend to gain weight. The Long Coat needs a good brushing once or twice a week to keep it healthy and free of any debris it may pick up. The Smooth Coat, depending on how often it is taken outside, will only need minimal attention to its coat.

[ Smooth Haired Puppy ]

IDEAL OWNERS

Being such a small dog, it is well suited to almost all types of living environments. They are especially ideal for heavily populated cities and can be happily housed in a small flat, but some outdoor exercise is still a must.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Chihuahua is the dog for you and you are prepared to enforce its diet so that it does not become obese, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
E Webster	Allsan	QLD	Contact
Jennifer Watt	Wachowa	QLD	Contact
Karen Schonrock	Decerto	WA	Contact
Lyn McArthur	Tonantzin/Kiseki	SA	Contact
Terri Gumpert	Royaltychi	WA	Contact
Vanessa Legovic	Wowchi	NSW	Contact
Natalie Prosser	Natalie Prosser	NSW	Contact
Vicki Leonard	Kaliente	SA	Contact
Jo Teakel	Jayjess	SA	Contact
Elizabeth Pennesi	Ziliam	NSW	Contact
Colin and Judy Curtis	Allamanda	NSW	Contact
Betty Stepkovitch	Stepkova	NSW	Contact
Melissa and Shane Watt	Meljane	QLD	Contact
Jennine Burt	Nanochi	SA	Contact
Robert James	EEVYON	QLD	Contact
Ivy Crockford	Norpeti	WA	Contact
Julie Allan	Diamonchi	NSW	Contact
Dianne and Kylie Sunman	Voncronan	SA	Contact
Beth Crabb	Tonichi	VIC	Contact
Liz Chandler	Pelischa	WA	Contact
Pam Brennan	Espero	NSW	Contact
Narelle Rigney	nevachi	NSW	Contact
Maria Colosi	Picolopaws	NSW	Contact
Shirley Horn	Sebdah	WA	Contact
Jacqui Edwards	Vonraven	WA	Contact
Sheree Richards	Sherabill	QLD	Contact
Dianne and Kylie Sunman	Voncronan	SA	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)