Chihuahuas are extremely popular dogs, and everyone is probably pretty familiar with what they look like.  After all, we’ve all seen celebrities photographed while out and about with their adorable little Chihuahuas.  But other than what they look like, you probably don’t know much about Chihuahuas unless you’ve either owned one or know someone who has.

The breed’s history is a bit mysterious because there are a number of different theories about the origins of these tiny little dogs.  They’re probably named after a province in Mexico called Chihuahua, the same place where these dogs were first seen.  Long ago they were thought to be holy and were popular pets among the wealthy.  But other people believe Chihuahuas originated on Malta, possibly because famous paintings in the Sistine Chapel show small dogs that appear to resemble them.

However, there is archaeological support for the breed originating in Mexico, and folklore supports the same conclusion.  The most broadly-held theory of the Chihuahua’s origins includes the view that they originated in Mexico and are the descendants of the Techichi, a dog kept by Mexico’s Toltec people.

More than dogs of many other breeds, a Chihuahua’s temperament seems to depend heavily on the temperaments of its parents and grandparents.  Although the way a puppy is raised will obviously influence its personality, it’s common for an entire family line of Chihuahuas to be either friendly or antisocial.

It’s important for anyone considering getting a Chihuahua to understand the basic character traits of the breed and how these little dogs relate to people and other animals.  For one thing, they are usually not good with children unless they have been around children since they were puppies.  They are usually very loyal to a single, particular person and can be very protective about that person.  They also do not usually get along well with other dogs, although this is another character trait that will depend on how they are raised and if they were properly trained and socialized while young.

Chihuahuas are popular because they’re so devoted and intelligent.  They’re little spitfires, but there’s just something about them that’s incredibly appealing to many people.  Maybe it’s because they fit so much personality into such a tiny package!

Unfortunately, the rising popularity of Chihuahuas is causing many people to buy one before doing any research or finding out if they’re actually prepared to deal with the big Chihuahua personality and other characteristics.  Don’t give in and buy one simply on impulse – instead, do some research and learn whether Chihuahuas are the right breed of dog for you.

Naturally, the small size of the Chihuahua permits these dogs to live comfortably in homes of any size, including smaller apartments in the city.  City-dwellers love their Chihuahuas because they enable them to enjoy canine devotion and companionship while still living their lives.