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Published on December 15, 2007

People brought their doggies along to enjoy a get-together with other doggies.

My poodle pup Wan-Wan was in her element. Whether the dog was a golden retriever or a dachshund, she immediately wanted to make friends.

I couldn't help noticing the large number of chihuahuas around. Here I had been thinking that golden retrievers and labradors were the most popular breeds in Bangkok, but perhaps because chihuahuas are so portable, it was much easier for their owners to bring them to Ozono.

People used to large dogs may not realise how charming chihuahuas are, or perhaps they've met unsocialised individuals who have turned into barky, uncontrollable nuisances.

I remember dropping by someone's house once. He had six little ankle-biters. They, of course, had formed a pack. Since chihuahuas can be territorial, visiting this man's house was uncomfortable, not because the dogs ever bit me - they never did - but because the maid would bang a huge stick on the ground to catch the dogs' attention and send them into the house. I suppose these chihuahuas were completely uncontrollable otherwise.

You can't assume that since chihuahuas are small (some don't weigh much more than a kilo), children are safe around them. Chihuahuas have quick responses and a tendency to bite.

Before you leave your chihuahua alone with a child, you need to socialise the tiny creature, especially since he doesn't know he's tiny. Here's one courageous, loyal and intelligent dog, but you must use gentleness. Speak harshly to your dog, and he won't respond to your commands. You'll also end up with a yappy ankle-biter that will give the breed a bad name.

In addition, you should also read as much as you can about the chihuahua. The smallest breed in the world and the oldest breed in the Americas, the chihuahua (named for a state in Mexico) has his own set of health issues. Believe it or not, he does need exercise - not as much as, say, a great Dane, but he does require the opportunity for a run every day. He is also full of curiosity about his surroundings. Do give him activities to keep his active mind occupied.

Other issues: chihuahuas may face problems with teeth as well as with giving birth. Those huge, attractive eyes, so lovingly bred into the chihuahua, rest in shallow eye sockets that, in some animals, cannot hold the eyeball properly. One slight trauma to the skull, and an eye might pop out.

You may not realise it but the chihuahua is one of the few breeds in which the bones of the skull do not fuse together. On your chihuahua's head is a soft spot, very delicate, where the bones don't meet. Especially in the first six months, you must take special care with your puppy.

Give your chihuahua the best care you can, and you'll be able to enjoy his company for 15 or even 18 years.

By Laurie rosenthal  

The Nation