The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has seen dog ownership reach record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Chihuahua– they are one of the UK’s most popular small dogs and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. A worrying first mention
One of the first written mentions of the Chihuahua was in a 1520 letter from Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortés who said that the Aztecs raised and sold the little dogs as food. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. A coat of many colours
Chihuahuas don't have any one particularly common colour or pattern of coat - in fact they can occur in virtually any color combination, from solid to mottled or splashed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. One dog, two breeds
The UK Kennel Club recognised two distinct breeds of Chihuahua - the smooth coat and the long coat - while the American Kennel Club classifies them as varieties of the same breed. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Dental as anything
Chihuahuas have a lot of teeth crowded into a very small mouth, meaning they are particularly prone to dental problems. Owners should make sure their dog doesn't eat anything sweet and brush their teeth regularly. Photo: Canva/Getty Images