Size: Chihuahas are tiny dogs and are described by weight rather than size with 1.8 – 2.7kg being usual.

Colours: Any colour or mixture of colours except merle.

Description: The hotter the climate, the smaller the breeds that call such places home, and so the Chihuahua is perfectly suited for the hot, humid climate of Mexico where the temperature in the summer regularly hits a sweltering mid 30s, and on occasions the low 40s. This is a dainty, compact dog who, at his best, is a fun, intelligent companion. He is less delicate than his size suggests and is surprisingly trainable (Heelwork to Music legends Mary Ray and Richard Curtis have competed the breed in freestyle competitions at Crufts ,where they have won many fans who have previously underestimated the breed). 

Sadly, irresponsible breeders — along with owners who seem to think the breed doesn’t have working legs and needs to be carried around in a handbag — have produced some Chis who are fearful and occasionally snappy. 

There is a long-haired version of the Chihuahua as well as a short-coated one. 

Good housemate or nightmare lodger: A well-bred, well-socialised Chihuahua is a joy to own and to live with. They are fun, portable, and very trainable — and cheap to feed — although it goes without saying that you always have to be aware that they are tiny dogs and so care needs to be taken with any kind of rough play (whether with humans or other dogs).

Interesting facts 
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, and has a few unusual features. One is a soft spot on the top of their skulls called a molera, another is their flattened furry tail, and the other is their talon-like feet with curved nails. Some histories of the breed say they are a dwarf form of an ancient American Indian breed and that during the Aztec period they were cremated with their deceased owners so they could guide them into the afterlife. Or they may have descended from the comforter breeds of the Middle Ages and were brought to the Americas by the wives of high-ranking Spanish settlers.