Page 284 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | COMPANION DOGS

Chihuahua

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Any color
6–9in 5–7lb Over 12 years
(15–23cm) (2–3kg) Always a single color—never dappled or merle.

This companionable, intelligent, tiny dog with a large-dog GIDGET—THE TACO BELL DOG
personality makes a devoted pet
In 1997 a Chihuahua named Gidget was chosen
The smallest dog breed in the world, the The Chihuahua typically has an “apple as the mascot for the “Taco Bell” Tex-Mex food
chain. Gidget was a female, although the
Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state head” (short nose and rounded skull).
“character” she played in advertisements had
where it was discovered in the 1850s. It is There are two main varieties: short-haired
a male human voice with a “Mexican” accent. She
most probably descended from the Techichi, and long-haired. Both coats need only became a superstar and made the brand hugely
a small, mute dog kept by the indigenous minimal grooming. popular. Once the advertising campaign ended
Toltec people (c.800–1000CE) and sometimes The breed makes a lovable companion in 2000, Gidget appeared in further commercials
as well as a movie (Legally Blonde 2: Red, White,
eaten or sacrificed in religious rituals. dog and often becomes very attached
& Blonde). She died in 2009 at age 15.
Little dogs were known to explorer to its owner. It benefits from short walks
Christopher Columbus and to the Spanish and games every day. It is not usually
conquistadors by the 15th–16th century. recommended for children; adult owners
Chihuahuas were first imported to the US should take care to treat it as a dog rather
in the 1890s, and the AKC recognized the than a toy or fashion accessory.
breed in 1904. In the 1930s and 40s stars
such as actress Lupe Velez and bandleader
Large, triangular,
Xavier Cugat made the Chihuahua batlike ears
fashionable as a lap dog, and it is now
one of the most popular breeds in the US.

Distinctive
apple-shaped head
Medium-length tail Smooth,
carried high over back glossy topcoat

Large, round eyes

Fawn

Red

Coat has
lighter
underparts

Small,
dainty feet

LONG-HAIRED

SHORT-HAIRED

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