440 CHIHUAHUA 
to notice a singular breed of diminutive dogs which 
are found only here, and are eagerly sought for by 
strangers who visit the place. How these little creatures 
originated I was not able to learn, although I made 
“many inquiries. These dogs have not the shape of 
common lap-dogs, or of the stunted, dwarfish curs, 
with large bodies and short legs, which are of com- 
mon occurrence ; but they possess the elegant form of 
a full-grown mastiff, with small heads, and slender 
and delicate limbs and bodies. The hair is short and: 
fine on their backs, while on the lower part of their 
bodies it is little more than down. The forehead is 
remarkably prominent, and the eyes large and full. 
They are also noted for their sagacity. These dogs are 
highly prized throughout Mexico, and readily com- 
mand fifty dollars at the capital. In Chihuahua they 
bring from five dollars to a doubloon (sixteen dollars) 
each, according to the purity of the breed. Several 
were brought home by the gentlemen of the Commis- 
sion. I have two, which weigh respectively three 
pounds six ounces and four pounds.* 
Many persons mistake these Chihuahua dogs for 
the misnamed prairie-dog, a little animal of the mar- 
mot species, about which so much has been said by all 
who traverse the prairies. Even intelligent travellers 
who have not seen both have fallen into this error.t 
* The bitch has given birth to young twice since they have been 
in the United States, which attained a size and weight about four 
times that of the mother. The form was the same. This result has 
been noticed by others, who have attempted to introduce the breed into 
this country. 
+ Lieut. Hardy says, “ The surrounding country is filled with rat- 
