Foster Home Update:

Happy has been a sweet and snuggly companion since he arrived home with us. He was excited to jump right in the car and alternate between intently watching where we were going out of the window and sleeping on the floor at my children's feet.  He is content to follow us around and lie near us. 

He isn't an extremely playful dog (he mostly watches the balls and toys fly right by him) but he is an extremely loving and cheerful dog.  We didn't hear him bark once until the 3rd day or so when someone knocked on the door.  That has been the only time he barks.  He is crate trained and seems to be housebroken.  (Only one accident our first week!). He does not enjoy being in our grassy backyard to go potty but does enjoy talking walks in the neighborhood.  He is super sneezy when outside.  He isn't mischievous or overly nosy in the house although he is getting more interested in our Guinea pig cage high atop the desk.  He met my in-law's dog on Halloween and was excited to sniff and play, but the other elderly dog didn't like sharing his space, so we separated them.  We will try again, though!  He is wonderful with our 8 and 10 year old kids, too.  We think Happy will be a wonderful, calm companion for a family or a snuggly single.

Like all little dogs Happy would make a great lap dog.  He loves to play and is a cuddler.  He is ready for his forever family.  

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 dainty creatures about, they will keep fitter if taken for walks. A body harness is safer than a collar. Don't think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space. Chihuahuas have a life expectancy of 15 or more years.