I grew up with large dogs (Irish setters & an old english sheepdog). I loved big dogs (and still do, they're my favourite), but as with most of us.. loved all sorts of different breeds and after I had moved out of home I felt I wanted a small companion this time 'round. It was, amongst other things, easier for me to deal with as far as travel and housing was concerned. So I started looking, at first I wanted a miniture poodle or min. poodle mix. But when I went back to my home town to visit a few months later, I went to the shelter I use to volunteer at and was pointed in the direction of a long haired Chihuahua that had been there for a short while. He was so skinny (he'd been dumped and left to starve) and look so sad, I felt bad for him. However, the reason I took him home is because he trusted me. He walked over to me, even though he didn't know me, as I was sitting on the floor and sat in my lap. And licked my hand. He seemed relieved and I couldn't not take him home.
To this day (9yrs later) I'm so glad I did.
I can't imagine life without him. He's shattered my idea of what a chihuahua is. He's not yappy, he's sweet and friendly to all (except small children which he just avoids). Although he prefers men, he's still sweet and loving to me. I adore him.
Cass.