Some big dog lovers are surprised, after they adopt a long haired Chihuahua, how much more attentive such a small dog can be. This is something learned from experience, not just by seeing films and pics of celebrities getting digitally framed with their favorite Chihuahuas. Because this breed requires much attention, and because celebrities lead busy lives, it’s highly likely most of them don’t even take care of their own pets, short or long hair Chihuahuas.

If you want more insight into the nature of this pet and how better to take care of it, your best bet, other than you vet, are the pet owners themselves. Here’s a short guide about Chihuahuas, so you’d know what you’re in for when you adopt one, or three.

It’s not surprising the Chihuahua has been dubbed the bonsai dog, owing to its small size. They can be as vigilant as a meerkat eyeing a cobra, at least when it comes to strangers and other pets, and as demanding as a brat prince or princess. And that’s probably an understatement.

The Chihuahua breed originated from Mexico, or at least that’s how most documents take the matter to be. It’s the smallest dog in the world, on record. Look up a list of the cutest small dogs on the planet and you’ll definitely find the Chihuahua on that list. Standing on all fours, they range from six to nine inches in height.

Both the short and long haired Chihuahua have been names by some as purse dogs, or even toy dogs, and handbag dogs, and rich people’s accessory dogs owing to their easily storable size. Although there are families with kids that have this breed. As you may have heard, not many families with kids have Chihuahuas because of this breed’s jealous streak.

Chihuahuas cannot be treated by little kids as though they were stuffed toys; medium and large sized dogs can survive rowdy play, but this breed leans on the fragile side. If you accidentally kick a Chihuahua in the eyes, it could go blind; if it accidentally gets jammed by a door, or fall from a height normal dogs will shrug off, a Chihuahua could suffer fractures.

Some pet owners get Chihuahuas for the companionship and loyalty they provide, and not for their potential to be show dogs – although some very loyal show dogs do win prizes now and again.

Pets cost a lot, and this small dog is no exception – please be sure you can adequately support this breed. They need to eat only good food, and be trained to potty regularly (because they tend to do so frequently), and be taught to avoid barking endlessly at other pets, kids, and strangers (a bark collar for small dogs can take care of this).  

Although there’s currently no consensus on the exact origin of the Chihuahua, much less its sub type, the long haired Chihuahua; but there’s agreement among small dog owners that this breed is one of the most adorable. Chihuahuas, including long hair Chihuahua, tend to be popular among those who live alone, or only have a few people living with them, and who pursue relatively quiet lives. But if you’re used to calm pets that don’t go out of their way to get your attention, then you might want to reconsider getting a Chihuahua.