Official Chihuahua Definition

The official AKC standard for the breed describes the Chihuahua as ?A
graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression,
compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.? However,
some Chihuahuas carry ?saucy? and ?terrier-like? to extremes and are
grumpy, haughty, or downright nasty when provoked ? and provocation
may come easy.

The tendency to be temperamental, a reputation for being suspicious
of everyone but his owner, and a clannish dislike of any breed but
his own makes the Chihuahua an unsuitable pet for households with
small or boisterous children. On the other hand, he may be perfect
for an elderly couple or individual, a pet owner who loves to pamper,
those who live in apartments, and those on limited incomes.

Unfortunately, the Chihuahua?s innate curiosity, intelligence, and
loyalty to and affection for his owner often get lost in the oft-
repeated description of the more prominent features of his
temperament, but in the right circumstances, he is a wonderful
companion.