| The smallest dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua | | | | Comparatively, the Short-haired Chihuahua as its |
| was discovered in Mexico in 1850, and subsequently | | | | name suggests has a shorter coat of hair as |
| introduced to America. The popularization of the | | | | compared to its Long-haired cousin. However, it |
| Chihuahua as a pet was a result of media coverage | | | | tends to shed more hair as compared to the |
| given to celebrities who adopt Chihuahuas as pets | | | | Long-haired Chihuahua. Texture of the overcoat of |
| such as Marilyn Monroe and Paris Hilton. There are | | | | this breed of Chihuahua is also different as compared |
| two official Chihuahua breeds recognized by the | | | | to the Long-haired Chihuahua. Given its shorter coat |
| American Kennel Club today. These are the | | | | of hair, the Short-haired Chihuahua is popular amongst |
| Long-haired Chihuahua and the Short-haired Chihuahua. | | | | people living in relatively warm countries. |
| Unofficially, other different breeds of Chihuahuas | | | | Unofficial breeds of Chihuahuas such as the Teacup |
| exist. These include the Teacup Chihuahua, Mini | | | | Chihuahua, Mini Chihuahua and Toy Chihuahua. These |
| Chihuahua and Toy Chihuahua amongst others. The | | | | breeds of Chihuahuas are comparatively smaller as |
| origins of these unofficial names were a result of | | | | compared to regular Chihuahuas. Amongst these |
| Chihuahua breeders who dub their dogs accordingly | | | | unofficial breeds, the Teacup Chihuahua is the most |
| based on their full grown size. | | | | popular as a result of extensive media coverage of |
| The Long-haired Chihuahua is characterized by their | | | | Paris Hilton's Teacup Chihuahua, Tinkerbell Hilton. |
| smooth undercoat and long overcoat. The texture of | | | | Spotted everywhere with Paris Hilton, Tinkerbell's |
| its coat is long, thin and smooth to touch. The | | | | small size allows it to fit snugly into the socialite's |
| Long-haired Chihuahua has large eyes and erect ears, | | | | handbag. The small sized of these dogs make them |
| similar to that of a Pomeranian. In fact, it is not | | | | popular with apartment dwellers as they do not |
| difficult for most people to mistaken a Long-haired | | | | require big open spaces as compared to other dogs. |
| Chihuahua for a Pomeranian given such similar | | | | They are also relatively easy to train, sparing the |
| characteristics. Surprisingly, this Chihuahua breed | | | | owner the need to send them to dog schools for |
| sheds little hair as compared to its Short-haired | | | | training. However, their small size results in greater |
| cousin. As a result, it is relatively popular with people | | | | fragility. These adorable dogs are extremely prone to |
| who suffer from allergies. However, its long overcoat | | | | health problems such as dehydration and respiratory |
| of hair can take a relatively long time to reach its full | | | | problems. Their small size also means that they are |
| grown length, in most cases as long as a few years. | | | | unable to provide sufficient warmth for themselves, |
| It is important for owners of this breed of Chihuahua | | | | especially in colder countries. |
| to frequently brush the hair of their Long-haired | | | | In any case, Chihuahuas are relatively fragile pets and |
| Chihuahua to prevent tangles that may occur to the | | | | special attention must be accorded to taking care of |
| hair of the Long-haired Chihuahua. It is also important | | | | them. Chihuahua adoption is also a long-term |
| for owners of the Long-haired Chihuahua to bath | | | | commitment as the average lifespan of these dogs is |
| their pets on a regular monthly basis to prevent fleas | | | | between 11 - 18 years. Given such, its is important |
| and to maintain hygiene standards of their | | | | for potential owners to consider carefully their ability |
| Long-haired Chihuahua. | | | | to commit to their pets before adopting one. |