Description: RJ is a little Chihuahua mix, maybe Basenji. He's a funny little fellow ~ we have found him to be very sweet but his owner said that he was timid and fearful but aggressive to people in front of the house. I don't know what to say ~ that hasn't been our experience. I think it is safe to say that RJ should be in an adult home that doesn't get a lot of traffic. If that sounds like yours, perhaps RJ is the dog for you! 05/03 Update from adoption event: " a note on RJ. Um...there was no "nipping" with him. At all. He didn't even try. He was nervous, yes, but I held him a little and took him for a walk and he calmed down. He interacted great with Spottie and several dogs that came by to visit and was just fine. He also walks really well on a leash (no pulling, stops when you stop), so someone took some time with him at some point. He's not a huge fan of the crate (he'd rather be near you or exploring), but he did go in. Whatever "problems" the previous owners had with him must have been environmental or stress related. Though the fact that he was willing to trust four complete strangers enough not to growl or snap at them sort of says a lot. " 05/12 Foster Update: "RJ is doing awesome, he came home and settled in very quickly. He is very much a people dog. He is content to sit next to me, and stays by my side. He does great at night, he sleeps on the bed the whole night. He has been doing great with our cat so far, keeps his distance and heeds his warnings. RJ is also great at playing fetch! He is so much fun to have around, and so much fun to watch play. We were some what surprised with how excited he got when we brought the leash out, he definitely loves his walks. RJ is so much fun, and is such a sweet dog! " 5/16 Update: "I wanted to let you know as far as his "viciousness." I have no idea what his last family meant. We have not seen anything vicious about RJ. He went out and played with our neighbors dog in front of the house, and did such an awesome job. He has never barked in the house, but has been barking some when he is out in the yard. He is just such a sweet dog. He is doing so well with our cat, doesn't even pay attention to him. RJ is a perfect little dog. I'm attaching the video of him playing fetch, and some pictures of him."
According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Chihuahua is the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. Native to Mexico, nonetheless it seems to have been introduced by the Chinese. It was only brought to Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where he was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian nations. The Chihuahua is a popular, economical companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, it gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, it moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua's are strong-willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy. They like to lick their owner's faces. It is undeniably suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, it follows its owner's every move, keeping as close as possible. This breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away. The Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self defense. It is not recommended for children. He can be noisy and may require patience to housebreak. Many owners simply paper train this breed. The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver, although this may be due to high metabolism as much as temperature or anxiety. It will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are good little dogs for apartment life. Although it is tempting to carry these
Other Pictures of RJ the Chihuahua (click to see larger version):