They might be America’s smallest breed of dog, but they sure are lightning-quick. Chihuahuas of all sizes competed for the coveted title of America’s Fastest Chihuahua on Saturday, June 3rd 2006, in the second annual PETCO Unleashed regional qualifying races. Sam, a 2-year-old, 6-pound short hair owned and trained by 10-year-old Jessica Seagroves of Dallas, held off several late challengers to pull away down the stretch to claim victory. By winning the regional race Sam is qualified to compete in a National Race in San Diego! The Race will be during a San Diego Padres baseball game, in front of 64,000 audiences. With the bidding price of $1250, the auction winner will win the right to place their choice of Names/Logos on Jessica’s (Sam’s owner) shirt during the National Races. Besides earning the bragging rights of being “America’s Fastest Chihuahua,” the national winner will receive a trophy, $300 PETCO gift card and more than 12 times the average Chihuahua’s weight in Royal Canin Chihuahua food.
PETCO is sponsoring the race to celebrate America’s fastest-growing small breed of dog and to encourage customers to consider adoption as a first option. The Chihuahua is the 11th most popular purebred dog breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. Measuring 6 to 8 inches at the withers and weighing in at 2-1/2 to 4-1/2 pounds, the dogs are considered the smallest and lightest dogs in the world. The Chihuahua has become a popular pet among celebrities. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Hilary Duff and Jennifer Lopez are just a few of the stars who own a pampered Chihuahua. The Chihuahua breed is alert, intelligent, playful, affectionate and loyal, and makes an excellent companion for elderly or disabled people or families with well-behaved, older children.
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