When Xavier Cugat, the rumba king, appeared with his Chihuahuas in movies and on television in the late 1930s and 1940s the Chihuahua breed received great exposure and became quite popular.

Because of the Chihuahua's exposure in movies and television, the Chihuahua began one of the most meteoric rises in numbers of any breed in American Kennel Club history. The Chihuahua reached its peak in 1964 and became the third most popular breed in the United States. About a century after its discovery, the Chihuahua became one of the most recognizable breeds. The AKC now registered an average of 40,000 Chihuahuas each year. Both long and short haired Chihuahuas are popular as lap dogs around the world.

For many people Chihuahua is the only dog for them. However, Chihuahuas are not for everyone. Chihuahuas can be quite challenging.

Size of the Chihuahua

For many people the size of a dog is most important. The Chihuahua's small size makes it convenient for matters such as space, food bills, grooming and exercise. However, small dogs don't make effective protection dogs, they run underfoot and people can easily trip over them. They can be easily injured by falling objects, larger dogs, and wild children. They are more susceptible to cold weather, missed meals and certain health problems. They are, however, extra cute dressed in t-shirts, coats, dresses, shirts and just about any kind of clothing on the dog market today.

Chihuahuas are not a good choice for homes filled with children or heavy-footed adults. Chihuahuas cannot live outdoors. They cannot withstand cold weather and need a lot of companionship with humans. Even long coated Chihuahuas cannot cope with cold weather.

Temperament of the Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are intelligent, willing to please and make trustworthy companions. They are one-family or one-person dogs. They can become devoted to the point of becoming "clingy." They are definitely lap dogs. The Chihuahua can be bold and quick witted. Watch out for intruder's ankles who trespass with the Chihuahua's approval. Expose your Chihuahua to visitors at an early age so they will learn to accept them graciously. Chihuahuas are usually "barkers." They usually bond well with other Chihuahua housemates. They are among the most devoted of all dogs. They bond deeply with their family forming a lifelong commitment to their people. It can be particularly devastating to a Chihuahua to be uprooted from loved ones. Do not get a Chihuahua unless you plan on keeping him for a lifetime.