The Little Poet Held His Book Close and Gazed Over the Hills
Big dark eyes and enormous soft ears make this chocolate Chihuahua look like a very sensitive poet. A small cream-colored ruff frames his neck, and he wears a green velvet coat and a patterned teal cloak that wraps around his shoulders. One small paw holds an old brown book, open in the middle as though he is keeping his place. Behind him, a Renaissance landscape shows rolling hills, a river, a hilltop village, and tall, narrow cypress trees under a pale blue sky.
The tiny dog fills the painting with a surprising sense of weight. The painter used deep, warm browns and greens, and the careful folds in the cloak make him seem much bigger than he is. It is a gentle joke that Renaissance portraits love to make.
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, yet they are known for big personalities and fierce loyalty. They can be sensitive to the cold, so a sweater or warm bed is a good idea in winter. Because they are tiny, they can be hurt by rough handling or falls from furniture, so gentle care is important. Dental care matters a great deal for small dogs, so ask your vet about brushing and checkups. Early socialization helps them feel confident around new people.
The poem he is reading is surely about warm laps, soft blankets, and the very best crumbs.
