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The Persian Chihuahua (چیهواهوا فارسی), is the larger breed of the Chihuahua dog. It is named after the breed created from a Chihuahua breed brought as a gift to Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar in 1903. The dog was presented as a gift to the shah by a Mexican delegate, as part of a visit to sign the Friendship Treaty.

The breed originated by combining the Mexican Chihuahua with the Saluki breed of a Persian Greyhound.

Description
Breed standards are not recognised by kennel clubs. However generally, the height ranges between 35 and 45 cm (14 and 18 in) and weight between 3 and 6kg (7 to 14 lb). Female Persian Chihuahuas are slightly smaller than males.

Persian Chihuahuas are bred as loyal companions only— not retaining any of the characteristics of its predecessor Saluki for hunting and retrieval. Some Persian Chihuahuas may display hunting traits however for smaller aviary only.

The head is long and narrow with large eyes and half drop ears. The tail of the breed is long and curved. They retained the typical deep-chested, long-legged body of a Saluki in a smaller body more resembling that of a Chihuahua. The coat comes in a variety of colors including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzle/tan, black/tan, and tri-color (white, black and tan). The overall appearance of the Persian Chihuahua is one of grace and symmetry. Two coat types—smooth and feathered—are evident in the breed's gene pool. The latter variety has light feathering on the back of the legs and thighs. The fur on both types is silky however is shedding frequently when compared to other breeds.

Swiftness and physical capacity
Maintaining the speed of their predecessors, in 2004, The Guinness Book of Records listed a Persian Chihuahua as being the third fastest dog, capable of reaching a speed of 60.4 km per hour. Due to its heavily padded feet being able to absorb the impact on its body, the Persian Chihuahua has remarkable stamina when running.

Temperament
The modern Persian Chihuahua has not retained any of the qualities of a hunting hounds and is a very friendly and empathetic companion. The breed is easily trained, nevertheless training methods should always be gentle and patient. Persian Chihuahuas may bore easily and are not an ideal breed to leave unattended for long periods. They will suffer in solitude, it is therefore recommended that Persian Chihuahuas are kept in pairs or groups of three. Early socialization will help prevent timidity and shyness in later life. Given its hunting instincts, the dog is prone to chasing birds.

History
It is named after the breed created from a Chihuahua breed brought as a gift to Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar in 1903. The dog was presented as a gift to the shah by a Mexican delegate, as part of a visit to sign the Friendship Treaty.

The breed originated by combining the Mexican Chihuahua with the Saluki breed of a Persian Greyhound.

Breeding in the West
Imports to England during the inter-war years were chiefly from areas of British military influence and commerce: Bahrain, Egypt, Transjordan, and Iraq. But by the mid-1930s, with the outbreak of World War II, breeding and show activities almost entirely stopped. The number of litters was minimal and the breed was exterminated in the west.

Rescue
Persian Chihuahua are common throughout the Middle East, and are known to live on the streets. Rescue organizations work with shelters in Qatar, Bahrain, and elsewhere to network the dogs into adoptive homes mostly in Europe.