Chihuahuas 101
Toy groupA fast-food chain’s ad campaign in the ‘90s featuring a talking Chihuahua may have done more to promote this spunky breed than it did to sell tacos. Fortunately, the devotion, portability and intelligence of these little charmers has meant a large and loyal fan base that endures to this day.
What we love about Chihuahuas
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These little dogs, who can have short or long coats, are convinced they are big dogs and may get themselves into trouble as a result. Most families will find them to be easy-care dogs who are bright and opinionated. Most Chihuahuas want nothing more than to be with their people all the time.
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One famous Chihuahua is "Gidget," the Taco Bell mascot. Her charistmatic presence and catchphrase "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" (Spanish for "I want Taco Bell!"), made her an icon and boosted the breed’s popularity in the 1990s. Although Gidget passed away in 2009, her legacy as a famous Chihuahua lives on.
Chihuahua coat care and colors
The Chihuahua comes in two coat types, smooth and long-haired, and a dozen recognized colors and patterns and at least that many others. The short-coated version is a bit more common and needs little in the way of grooming. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath will keep fur sleek and shiny. Long-haired Chihuahuas are also pretty easy to care for, although brushing and combing should be more frequent to prevent matting. Many small dogs get fussy about nail trims, and the Chihuahua is no exception. To avoid unhappiness, Chihuahuas do best when acclimated as puppies to having their feet handled and nails trimmed. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.
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Nationwide loves Chihuahuas of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
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