Another atom of dog-flesh now and again seen at our shows is the Chihuahua. Those specimens that we have seen appeared to differ considerably as to type. According to a correspondent who wrote about these dogs in the Field a few years ago, the true Chihuahua "is very small, has smooth hair of different colours except black (which is not recognised), a fine nose, large, prominent eyes, slender feet, a small depression on the skull, and large, erect ears." There are also long-coated specimens.

Fig. 131. - Chihuahua Dog.

At the Kennel Club Show of 1898 one of these scarce (so far as this country is concerned) little animals was exhibited by Mrs. F. H. Adams, Arun Bank, Rudgwick, Sussex. Fig. 131 illustrates this mite. Her owner characterised her as a very lively little pet. Although weighing but 41b. 20z., she was very plucky, and had the temerity to tackle a cat. Chihuahua dogs generally have the reputation of being delicate; but there was nothing delicate about Mrs. Adams's bitch at the time she was exhibited. When she first came into her owner's hands, she was very timid; but she soon outgrew this, and would romp about with a handsome Retriever that was exceedingly kind to his small friend.