If you love Chihuahuas, of course you'll want to know more about them. These fascinating animals originated in Chihuahua, Mexico and were objects of worship to the ancient Aztecs. The word "chihuahua" means an arid, sandy place and there are actually several types of Chihuahua dogs.

The smallest of dog breeds, there are far more Chihuahua types than people realize. Their popularity has really grown in recent years with all the publicity of celebrities and their pet Chi's. Although these dogs are small in stature small, they have quite a big personality!

Chihuahuas come in all sorts of colors, including chocolate, cream, silver, blue, black and fawn. Their heads can be shaped like deer or they can have apple heads. Applehead Chihuahuas have a very round head, a small snout, and close-set eyes. The ones with deer heads have an elongated nose similar to Doberman Pinschers.

The American Kennel Club recognizes both longhaired and shorthaired types of Chihuahua dogs. Shorthaired Chihuahuas can be identified by a smooth coat and generally experience limited shedding or malting. They also are likely to have a slight bend or curvature in the tail. Longhaired Chihuahuas have ears that are fringed with fur, a long fluffy tail and have a soft coat that can have either flat or curly hair.

he terms 'teacup' or 'mini' are used by many breeders for their Chihuahua types. These Chihuahua types are only tricks of the trade. Genetically all Chihuahuas are of the toy breed. The practice of breeding to get the smallest sized Chihuahua possible has developed, due to the desirability of tiny dogs. People are misled to believe 'pocket size' Chihuahuas rare and will pay premium prices but the truth is that the smaller dogs might come with bigger health problems.

The 10th most popular breed in the US, the Chihuahua is quite intelligent. Standing 6-9 inches tall they weigh up to six pounds. Although short in stature they are very protective of their owners and territorial. The Taco Bell commercials has made the tan shorthaired Chihuahua, most popular Chihuahua type.

Chihuahuas are perfect for people who don't have large yards or much room for large dogs. Chihuahua are long lived, some living for 16 years or more. Shorthaired Chihuahuas adore burrowing under the covers with you to keep toasty. I have a friend whose Chihuahua who seems to think she's a pitbull when anyone pulls the covers off of her. She growls her little head off.

Chihuahuas are thought to be the oldest breed on dog in the Americas. They are believed to have been developed by breeding small Chinese dogs the Spanish brought to the continent. The original ancestor dates back to the 2nd century B.C. and was somewhat bigger--researchers believe the upper classes at the time adopted these as their symbols.

Whatever type of Chihuahua you locate through your search, be careful not to pass up this faithful and fun-loving breed. Chihuahuas are dedicated pets and cherished companions. With a Chihuahua by your side, you will be loved and entertained for many years. Let me warn you, however - it's hard not to want more than one!