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"Ten foot tall and bullet proof" could well be the mantra of the Chihuahua. In reality this diminutive breed weighs less than four pounds and barely stands knee high to a toddler, even on tippy toes. However, what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in personality, determination and courage. The smallest dog in the world, the Chihuahua comes in a variety of coat colours and a choice of short or long-haired. With their compact body, well rounded head, big bright eyes, large erect ears and gaily held tail they cut a dainty canine figure in a low maitenance package.

There is some speculation over the breeds early beginnings. Some specialists of the breed believe the Chihuahua had European origins, originally coming from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean to be precise. In fact, certain frescoes by the artist Botticelli show dogs which look a little like a Chihuahua. It is possible these dogs accompanied the Spanish on their voyages to South America, becoming established in the places they conquered. This hypothesis, although interesting, has not convinced many people.

The more likely theory claims the Chihuahua is a Mexican breed and heir to a past rich in drama. It's said the breed is a descendant of the Techi-chi, a dog bred by the Toltecs. This took place in the 10th century, in an area of South America which would later become Mexico.The Toltecs, ancestors of the Aztecs, held their dogs in high esteem, even deifying them and burying effigies of them with their dead.

Later the Aztecs bred the Xoloitz-cuintli, the hairless dog from Mexico responsible for accompanying the deceased to their final resting place. Like the Xolo, the distantly related Chihuahua was said to possess magical powers. Both breeds took an active part in Aztec sacred rituals. Unfortunately for the dogs, they were often sacrificed to the gods of the time.

If this theory is to be believed, the Chihuahua would have witnessed the arrival of the Conquistadors along with the ensuing violent battles. The breed would have all but disappeared at it not been for their minute stature. Capable of hiding between two stones, in a crack that could scarcely be seen, this brave wee dog knew how to avoid attack from the Spanish.

In 1850 archaeologists opened an Aztec tomb in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. To their surprise, the stone dogs charged with watching over the dead, bore a resemblance to the tiny dogs sold to American tourists by the Mexican peasants. Consequently a historic connection

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