Description: Scarlet is one of a gang of five Chihuahuas that Judy rescued from the animal shelter. Her owner had brought this gang with him when he robbed a post office - well, he left them in the car so I think that makes them accessories to a crime. So if Scarlet looks familiar, it may be because you've seen her wanted poster! Any way, aside from the minor moral slip into robbery, this owner obviously loved his dogs. They are extremely well-behaved, not yippie, and some of them seem to know tricks like rolling over numerous times. Scarlet is the smallest of the gang and has a white star on her forehead. Cody and Kaleb are recovering from parvo, the rest - Kelly, Scarlet and Rhett - have a slight case of kennel cough. They have lived together their whole lives so it is our hope that they will be adopted in sets. They are scheduled to be spayed/neutered later on this week and will be available to go to their forever homes afterwards.
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.
Other Pictures of Scarlet (click to see larger version):