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A black and tan Chihuahua puppy sleeps curled on a red and navy plaid blanket in a messy kitchen after a meal. 15 / 21

The Feast Was Over, and the Smallest Guest Was Out Cold

AI imagechihuahua puppyplaid blanketafter dinner

After the feast, the quietest guest is fast asleep. A black and tan Chihuahua puppy lies curled on a red and navy plaid blanket, his fur glossy, his small ears relaxed and his paws crossed in front of him. Behind him a table is covered in plates and bowls waiting to be cleared, and the kitchen window glows with the low light of an autumn afternoon.

Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed and tend to be lively, loyal and strongly attached to their favorite person. Their small bodies lose heat quickly, so a warm blanket or a soft bed in a draft-free corner is a good idea in cooler months, and many owners like a snug sweater for outdoor walks. Puppies, particularly tiny ones, sleep a great deal and can also be sensitive to low blood sugar if they do not eat regularly, so talk to your vet about feeding schedules. After a holiday meal, store leftovers where a small, sneaky nose cannot reach them, because rich foods like turkey skin and gravy can upset a small dog's stomach.

The dishes can wait and the conversation is quiet. A sleepy puppy on a warm blanket is one of the best parts of any holiday, a gentle, snoring reminder to slow down and enjoy the afternoon while the rest of the house hums along quietly.

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