In recent years, there’s been a new trend in the kinds of dogs that people want to own. These days, people want a pup that’s small, easy to maintain and care for; fiercely loyal and yet amazingly loving. No wonder that Chihuahuas seem to fit the bill so well.

At this moment, in fact, the Chihuahua lies smack in the middle of the “most wanted” list for registered dogs across the United States. And it is any wonder? The new-found popularity of Chihuahuas means that for the first time in over twenty years, a toy breed like the Chihuahua has achieved a status on most popular lists equal to breeds such as Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Cocker Spaniels and even Poodles.

Weighing between 2 and 12 pounds, the modern-day Chihuahua is a far cry from its much larger ancestors of just a hundred years ago. Indeed, Chihuahuas in general used to tip the scales at around 35 pounds. These larger Chihuahuas were once highly desirable pets for people in continental Europe, but not so popular in America — unlike the current-day Chihuahuas, which are all the rage across the United States, and indeed the entire world.

Chihuahuas are very loyal dogs, and make good companions for adults and retirees. They tend to be fairly pricey, but because of their wonderful good looks and amusing way of taking themselves so seriously, many people consider this a modest investment.

A well-bred Chihuahua has widely-spaced eyes that are bright and full, an apple-shaped head, an attractively pointed nose, and a small ruff that hints at his toughness. The Chihuahua is known for his alertness (sometimes to the point of annoyance) and can be hard headed, and sometimes difficult to housetrain. A Chihuahua won’t hesitate to take on a much larger dog that can kill him with one shake, and they can be severely injured or even killed by curling up under a blanket or pillow that someone accidentally sits on. Because toy dogs in general are so fragile, they aren’t a good choice for families with young children.

Other than this, you’ll want to ensure that your Chihuahua maintains his good health by scheduling regular health and dental checks and making sure he gets the right nutrition, fresh air and exercise. Chihuahuas in particular enjoy being outside with you, and will love going for afternoon or evening walks when they can explore the neighborhood by your side. Keep them on a leash, however, so you can protect them from themselves at all times.