Chihuahua

A great heart in a small body

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world and bears the name of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the breed was discovered in the nineteenth century. It is believed to descend from the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by the Toltecs and later the Aztecs, holding a special place in their culture. Thus the Chihuahua links modern living-room life to a history reaching back centuries into ancient Mesoamerica.

Its temperament bears no relation to its slight size. The Chihuahua is alert, bold and markedly devoted to its owner, to whom it often attaches itself strongly. It is lively, watchful and never hesitates to make itself heard — a guard dog in pocket format.

In appearance it stands out for its fine build, its large round eyes and its characteristic upright ears. The coat occurs both short and long, in almost every conceivable colour. Elena Vittori enlarges the little dog into a dignified portrait and places the emphasis on its intense gaze. The fresco treatment gives the delicate coat an old, weathered surface — as though this small creature were stepping from an ancient wall painting.